Politics
Panel Lied Against Ex-Bauchi Gov Abubakar – Aide
Spokesperson of Mohammed Abubakar, the former Governor of Bauchi State, Ali M. Ali, has reacted to the allegation that his principal and predecessor, Isa Yuguda siphoned the sum of N1 trillion during their administrations, saying that the committee panel lied against his principal.
Recall that the Asset Recovery Committee instituted by the incumbent Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed alledged that former governors, Abubakar and Isa Yuguda looted the sum of N1trillion belonging to the state during thier tenures.
The media aide to Abubakar in a press release issued to newsmen yesterday in Bauchi, described the latest allegation as a baseless joke.
“Our attention has been drawn to the latest joke by the Bauchi State Government Assets Recovery Committee set up by the incumbent governor, Senator Bala Mohammed to the effect that our principal and former governor, M.A Abubakar and associates are to refund over a trillion naira looted away under his watch.
“We recall that the fantastic claims during its first news conference on October 2nd, 2019 in which it maligned Abubakar without facts. It brazenly distorted facts, misrepresented documented accounts and even manufactured their own version of history.
“The timing of the press conference then was strategic as it was only a few days to the verdict of the Tribunal of Bauchi State Governorship tussle.
“This latest charge is as laughable as it is diversionary. The first time, Abubakar was charged of not accounting for N321, 460,759,880.34, being Statutory Allocations to the state between May 2015 to May 2019.
“Now it has jumped to trillion. Faced with the daunting task of leadership and lacking in financial discipline, the Bauchi state government is trying to divert attention from its glaring mismanagement of lean resources in the pursuit of vanity and personal aggrandizement.
“The government is looking for a fall guy and MA Abubakar is not that guy. We wish to restate here that MA Abubakar is innocent of all these allegations, we challenge them to provide proof of his misdeeds.
“As chief executive of the state, he took his oath of office seriously and never abused his office knowingly. As a lawyer of repute, he worked by the book. At no time was he a party to any of the breaches alleged by the committee”, the statement read.
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.