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Show Nigerians the alleged coup plotters – Mahdi Shehu tells Tinubu govt

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Prominent public commentator and activist, Mahdi Shehu, has called on the Nigerian government and military authorities to come clean on the alleged coup plot.

In a post on X on Monday night, Shehu expressed concern over what he described as a coup shrouded in darkness.

He questioned why the names and details of those allegedly involved have not been made public.

“It has been three weeks since whispers from the vineyard started about an alleged coup,” he wrote.

“What was first explained away as a routine issue around failures in promotion exercises has now grown beyond mere speculation.”

According to him, within the past two weeks, the whispers graduated to low and medium tones about military officers being arrested across the country for insubordination and indiscipline.

“But within the last week, all cowardly excuses have given way to a fact that there was indeed a plan to overthrow the government.”

Shehu criticized the silence of the authorities, noting that in other parts of the world, the standard practice after a failed coup attempt is for those involved to be paraded publicly.

“World over, the culture of failed coups is for the coup plotters to be paraded in public, handcuffed, legs chained, with their ranks, state of origin, and other details made known to the public.

“Subsequently a military tribunal is set up to try them and pass a judgement which is subject to appeal,” he said.

He argued that Nigerians deserve transparency on the matter, stressing that such secrecy could create unnecessary tension and suspicion.

“Nothing is known about those involved. Nobody knows if they have access to legal representation or to their family members,” he lamented.

Shehu further warned that continued silence from the authorities could worsen the situation and fuel speculation.

“Continuing this hide and seek will only make matters worse, create doubt, confusion, and even a leeway to call it a phantom coup,” he said.

The activist insisted that it is the right of citizens to be informed about developments that threaten the country’s democratic stability.

“Nigerians are entitled to know the identity of those ‘enemies of democracy’,” Shehu added

He concluded by urging the government to end what he described as play in darkness, beneath-the-earth power games, and treachery.

So far, the military has denied reports of any coup attempt, maintaining that ongoing arrests are related to internal disciplinary measures.

Also, according to a statement signed on Saturday, by Tukur Gusau, director of Defence Information, the DHQ said the decision to cancel the October 1 parade had nothing to do with any alleged coup attempt but was taken to allow President Tinubu attend a strategic bilateral meeting outside the country.

The DHQ added that the move also enabled members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) to sustain momentum in ongoing military operations against terrorism, insurgency, and banditry.

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Boris Johnson Says He Feels “Perfectly Safe” in Nigeria, Praises Imo State’s Progress

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Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has expressed confidence in Nigeria’s security, saying he feels perfectly safe during his visit to the country. His remarks come amid ongoing reports of insecurity in various parts of Nigeria, making his statement a notable endorsement of the nation’s stability in certain regions.

Johnson made the declaration on Thursday, December 4, 2025, while addressing participants at the Imo State Economic Summit 2025 in Owerri, the state capital. He acknowledged having read travel advisories and news reports highlighting security concerns prior to his trip but said his experience has been reassuring.

He said he feels perfectly safe in the country and emphasized that the summit environment and local hospitality contributed to his sense of security. He also asked the audience if they felt safe, receiving an enthusiastic affirmation.

During his visit, Johnson commended Governor Hope Uzodimma and the Imo State Government for their development initiatives, particularly efforts to provide 24-hour electricity. He highlighted the potential of Nigeria as a hub for innovation and economic growth, noting the opportunities presented by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.

While his statements have been welcomed by some as a boost to international confidence in Nigeria, analysts caution that the former prime minister’s experience reflects only a controlled and secure environment within Imo State. Several parts of the country continue to face challenges, including banditry, communal conflicts, and kidnappings.

Nonetheless, Johnson’s visit and remarks are significant, sending a positive message to investors and global observers about Nigeria’s potential for stability and progress. They also underscore the contrast between localized experiences of safety and broader security challenges across the country.

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Dangote to Uzodimma: Just show me where to invest

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Dangote

By Emmanuel Iheaka, OWERRI

The President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote has assured Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State that his group will be one of the biggest investors in the state.

Dangote gave the assurance at the opening session of the Imo Economic Summit 2025 in Owerri on Thursday.

The renowned Africa’s industrialist urged Uzodimma to indicate his preferred area of investment and forget the rest.

Dangote described the Imo governor as a personal friend of decades and commended him for providing enabling environment for investment.

“We will be one of your biggest investors in Imo. So, please tell me the area to invest and we will invest”, Dangote declared.

He called on entrepreneurs to always invest at home, adding that foreigners cannot drive the economy of any nation more than the nationals.

“What attracts foreign investors is a domestic investor. Africa has about 30 percent of the world’s minerals. We are blessed,” he submitted.

Dangote reiterated that his refinery was set to launch 1.4 million barrels per day capacity, the highest for any single refinery in the world.

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Judge rejects Nnamdi Kanu’s brother court appearance

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Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday declined to accept Prince Emmanuel Kanu’s appearance on behalf of his brother, Nnamdi Kanu, ruling that he is not a legal practitioner.

Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who was recently convicted and handed a life sentence, had filed a new motion asking to be transferred to Sokoto prison.

The application was brought before the court by Emmanuel Kanu.

He informed the court that since it was impossible for Nnamdi Kanu to appear personally to move the motion, the judge should go ahead and hear the matter in his absence.

Kanu argued that it would serve the interest of justice for him to be moved to a correctional facility closer to Abuja so he can properly pursue his appeal.

However, when the case was called, Justice Omotosho refused to recognise the appearance of Kanu’s brother, Emmanuel, who had attempted to stand in for the IPOB leader.

The judge informed Emmanuel that he was not permitted to move the application since he is not a qualified lawyer.

“This ex parte motion cannot be moved on the convict’s behalf because you are not a legal practitioner,” the trial judge insisted.

He advised the applicant to hire a qualified lawyer or seek assistance from the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria for proper legal representation, as provided by law.

“When I said representation, it is not his (Kanu’s) father, brother, sister or relations I meant. I mean his counsel.

“I am not going to the merit of this application now in the interest of justice.

“But you cannot represent a human being when you are not a lawyer; you can only represent a corporate body.

“Therefore, you cannot move the application because you are not a solicitor or advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

“For you to be qualified as a lawyer, it will take you another six years or thereabout. So get a counsel to move the application,” the judge added.

Understanding the court’s position, Emmanuel then asked for a new hearing date.

Justice James Omotosho subsequently adjourned the motion to December 8.

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