Politics
Anambra Traditional Rulers Blast EFCC Over Obiano’s Video
The Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council has described the online video showing former Governor Willie Obiano in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, as an embarrassment to Obiano and the people of Anambra State.
The council wondered how the video of Obiano got leaked to social media in the first instance.
In a statement signed by its Chairman and Obi of Onitsha, Professor Nnaemeka Achebe, the council stated that it was embarrassed over the viral video showing Obiano dressed in red boxer shorts and a white T-shirt in the EFCC custody.
The statement, which was made available to newsmen in Awka on Monday, decried the “inhumane treatment” to Obiano and queried how the video leaked to the social media.
The council further called on President Muhammadu Buhari and the Attorney-General, Mr Abubakar Malami, to call the EFCC to order, regarding the appalling condition Obiano was being subjected to.
The statement read, “The attention of the council has been drawn to a video clip circulating on the social media showing Obiano in EFCC custody wearing a red boxer shorts and a white T-shirt only.
“The traditional rulers are utterly shocked and disappointed that someone of the status of a former state governor would be treated in such a distasteful and reprehensible manner by an agency of the Federal Government.
“We are equally disturbed that such a video clip found its way out of the highly secure environment of the EFCC onto the social media, obviously, with the intent of causing maximum embarrassment to Obiano and, by extension, the people of Anambra.”
Achebe further stated that “without prejudice to the responsibility of the EFCC to carry out its statutory duties, such treatment to Obiano is absolutely dehumanising and would not bring any value to whatever investigation being conducted by the EFCC”.
He stated that the council, on behalf of all the traditional rulers in the state, called on the EFCC to treat Obiano with due civility.
Achebe further urged that the commission should immediately restore Obiano to his personal comfort, whilst expeditiously working to conclude its investigation.
Obiano was arrested by the EFCC on March 17 at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos.
He was allegedly on his way out of the country shortly after handing over to Professor Charles Soludo.
Meanwhile, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reacted to a video showing former Anambra Governor Willie Obiano in its custody.
A statement on Monday by EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren, condemned the release of the video, announcing that the culprit would face the music.
He said the act was “completely at variance with the established Standard Operating Procedure” of the commission.
“A discreet investigation ordered upon discovery of the leak has revealed the errant officer behind the odious act.
“He is currently being subjected to appropriate disciplinary action”, Uwajaren disclosed.
Obiano is accused of diverting Local Government Councils (LGCs) allocations and alleged purchase of property in Nigeria and abroad.
Politics
Alleged Coup: Protests Rock N’Assembly As Detained Officers’ Children, Wives Demand Justice
Scores of children and wives of military officers detained over an alleged coup plot yesterday staged a peaceful protest at the National Assembly, demanding a speedy trial and the release of the accused officials.
The protesters who gathered at the entrance of the National Assembly complex, moved in a slow procession while clutching placards with inscriptions such as “Don’t Kill Our Daddies,” “Detention Without Trial is Injustice,” and “Six Months of Torture: Enough Is Enough.”
Amid tears and trembling voices, the children appealed for justice and access to their detained fathers, many of whom they said they had not seen for months.
The appeal was made during a press briefing in Abuja attended by no fewer than 20 wives and several children of the detained officers, including a two-month-old baby.
The families were accompanied by human rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju and activist Omoyele Sowore.
At the briefing, the families lamented that the officers had been held for over 160 days without trial or contact with their relatives, describing the situation as a violation of their fundamental rights.
Speaking on behalf of the families, Memuna Bashiru said the prolonged detention had thrown their households into uncertainty and emotional distress, noting that while allegations had been widely publicised, families remained in the dark about the fate of their loved ones.
The arrest of the indicted officers was first announced on October 4, 2025, by the then Director of Defense Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, who disclosed that 16 officers were taken into custody for alleged breaches of military regulations and acts of indiscipline.
However, an interim investigation later suggested the existence of a clandestine network of officers, allegedly coordinated by a senior Army officer, which had begun preliminary planning for a coup.
According to the report, the alleged plot involved surveillance of key national assets, including the Presidential Villa, Armed Forces Complex, Niger Barracks in Abuja, and major international airports, with October 25, 2025, cited as the planned date for the operation.
Those reportedly in custody include Brig Gen M. A. Sadiq, Col M. A. Maaji, Lt Col S. Bappah, Lt Col A. A. Hayatu, Lt Col P. Dangnap, Lt Col M. Almakura, Maj A. J. Ibrahim, Maj M. M. Jiddah, Maj M. A. Usman, Maj D. Yusuf, Capt I. Bello, Capt A. A. Yusuf, Lt S. S. Felix, Lt Cdr D. B. Abdullahi, Sqn Ldr S. B. Adamu and Maj I. Dauda.
The alleged plot, according to findings, targeted senior government officials, including President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.
In a statement issued yesterday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr Felix Morka, said the exercise would take place in all wards and designated centres nationwide.
He called on existing members to update their records, while encouraging new entrants to join the party through the digital platform.
“As the electronic membership registration exercise resumes in all wards and designated locations nationwide, we urge existing members to validate their membership while new members are encouraged to register and join the progressive family,” Mr Morka said.
According to him, eligibility for registration is limited to individuals aged 18 and above who possess a valid National Identification Number (NIN).
The party said the initiative is part of efforts to modernise its operations by transitioning to a digital database that would enhance record accuracy and accessibility.
Mr Morka noted that the e-registration would “digitise the party’s membership register, ensure the integrity of records, and enhance efficient access to membership data for planning and management decisions.”
He added that the move is also aimed at promoting internal democracy within the party and strengthening its commitment to democratic innovation.
The APC had previously introduced electronic registration as part of broader reforms to streamline its membership system and improve organisational efficiency.
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