Politics
Niger Guber: PDP Wants Tribunal To Issue Bench Warrant On Gov’s Father, NECO Registrar
The governorship election petition tribunal sitting in Minna, the Niger State capital will today June 20, rule on whether or not to issue bench warrant on Colonel Sani Bello, the father of the Niger state governor Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, the former and the incumbent Registrar of the National Examinations Council (NECO) and two others for failure to appear before the tribunal.
The two others are the Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) as well as the education secretary of Mokwa Local Government Area. This followed an application by counsel to the petitioner, Mohammed Ndayako and the PDP governorship candidate in the 2019 election, Alhaji Umar Mohammed Nasko, who said the request was as a result of the refusal of the afore-mentioned to honour a subpoena issued on them by the tribunal.
Alhaji Ndayako, in his submission before the tribunal regretted that government agencies, like NECO should ordinarily be worried that an examination body would sit back and watch it’s documents (result) being forged, and refuse to appear in court to protect the sanctity of their results or examination.
According to the counsel in his argument, such bodies should jump at the opportunity provided by the tribunal to catch the suspects.
While the governor’s father, Colonel Bello (retd) was expected to appear before the tribunal to clarify the age claim by the governor in his document submitted to the INEC, the former registrar of NECO, Professor Promise Okpala and the incumbent registrar, Mallam Abubakar Gana, are to appear before the tribunal to clarify the authenticity of NECO’s certificates tendered by Governor Bello and his Deputy Alhaji, Ahmed Muhammad Ketso to the INEC before the election.
However, in his response, J.S. Okutepa (SAN), counsel to the first respondent Alhaji Bello, objected to the application on the ground that the persons named were not served in person.
Okutepa also argued that the tribunal cannot issue bench warrant on those concerned since they were not listed as witnesses in the petitioners’ petition before the tribunal.
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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