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FG Files 13-Count Charge Against Coup Plotters

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  The Federal Government has filed a 13-count charge before the Federal High Court in Abuja against six individuals, including two retired senior military officers and a serving police inspector, over an alleged plot to wage war against Nigeria and commit acts of terrorism. The defendants—retired Major General Mohammed Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Victor, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani—are scheduled to be arraigned on Wednesday, April 22, before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik. Also listed in the charge, but said to be at large, is a former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva. The charge, filed on Monday by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), accuses the defendants of offences ranging from treason and terrorism to failure to disclose security intelligence and money laundering linked to terrorism financing. The prosecution alleged that the defendants conspired in 2025 “to levy war against the state to overpower the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” an offence punishable under Section 37(2) of the Criminal Code. The Federal Government further alleged that the defendants had prior knowledge of a planned treasonable act involving one Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Ma’aji and others but failed to alert authorities. According to the charge, the defendants, “knowing that a treasonable act was intended to be committed, did not give information thereof with all reasonable despatch to either the President… or a peace officer.” They were also accused of failing to take preventive steps, as the charge stated that they “did not use any reasonable endeavours to prevent the commission of the offence.” Beyond treason, the defendants are facing terrorism-related charges under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. Prosecutors alleged that they “conspired with one another to commit an act of terrorism in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim and Zekeri Umoru were specifically accused of attending meetings linked to the alleged plot, “in a bid to further a political ideology which may seriously destabilise the constitutional structure of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” The charge also accused the defendants of providing support for terrorism, alleging that they “knowingly and indirectly rendered support” to facilitate acts of terror. In addition, the prosecution alleged deliberate suppression of intelligence, stating that the defendants “had information which would be of material assistance in preventing the commission of the act of terrorism, but failed to disclose the information to the relevant agency as soon as practicable.” On the financial aspect, several defendants were accused of handling funds linked to terrorism financing, in violation of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. Bukar Kashim Goni allegedly “indirectly retained the aggregate sum of N50,000,000, which forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit: terrorism financing,” while Abdulkadir Sani allegedly retained N2m from a similar source. Zekeri Umoru, according to the charge, “without going through a financial institution accepted a cash payment of the sum of N10,000,000,” and also retained an additional N8.8m suspected to be proceeds of terrorism financing. Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim was also accused of taking possession of “the sum of N1,000,000, being part of proceeds of terrorism financing.” The case is expected to test the Federal Government’s resolve to prosecute alleged threats to national security as proceedings commence before the Federal High Court in Abuja. In October 2025, the Federal Government announced the cancellation of a ceremonial parade earlier scheduled to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary on October 1. Days after the announcement, reports emerged linking the cancellation to an alleged coup plot. However, the Defence Headquarters dismissed the claims, insisting that the decision had no connection with any coup attempt. Later that month, on October 31, authorities confirmed that 16 military officers had been arrested in the first week of October over the alleged plot, while two others were declared at large. In January 2026, the Defence Headquarters confirmed that there was indeed a plan to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The Director of Defence Information, Samaila Uba, said investigations carried out in line with military procedures uncovered the involvement of some personnel in the alleged coup plot. Uba added that those implicated would be arraigned before appropriate military judicial panels. In March, family members of the detained officers appealed to President Tinubu to ensure that the suspects were tried in an open court. At a press conference in Abuja, wives and relatives of the detained officers also demanded access to the accused, whom they described as alleged coup masterminds. The agitation continued in April, as families of the detained officers staged a protest at the entrance of the National Assembly, calling for a speedy trial and improved access to their relatives in custody.

JUST IN: S’West PDP Backs Makinde, Declares Loyalty To Turaki-led NWC

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  IBADAN — THE South West chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has declared its full alignment with Seyi Makinde, while reaffirming its unwavering loyalty to the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) led by Aminu Turaki. The position was made known on Monday during a press conference held at the party’s zonal headquarters, Adagunodo House, in Ibadan. Speaking on behalf of the zonal leadership, the PDP South West Publicity Secretary, Sanya Atofarati, said the Zonal Executive Committee stands in solidarity with Nigerians amid prevailing economic and security challenges across the country. Atofarati noted that the party remains committed to offering what he described as a credible alternative anchored on people-oriented governance, stability, and national development. The zone also threw its weight behind Governor Makinde, commending his administration for consistent delivery of democratic dividends and dedication to strengthening democratic institutions. “The South West Zonal Executive Committee unequivocally identifies with and stands firmly behind Governor Seyi Makinde, whose leadership continues to exemplify stability, focus, and commitment to the welfare of the people,” the statement read. The party dismissed reports of an alleged impeachment plot against the governor, describing them as unfounded and a calculated attempt to create political tension. It urged Nigerians to disregard such claims. The PDP also criticised former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose, over what it described as “reckless and divisive” remarks capable of inciting discord, particularly through the politicisation of traditional institutions. According to the statement, such comments are “irresponsible and self-serving” and do not reflect the position of the PDP in the South West. The party further maintained that Fayose remains expelled and should refrain from actions capable of creating friction between the Makinde administration and the Olubadan Palace. It also warned against dragging the revered Olubadan stool into partisan politics, stressing that the relationship between the monarch, Rashidi Ladoja, and Governor Makinde remains cordial. Calling for calm, the PDP urged citizens to remain vigilant and united, warning against attempts by “disgruntled political actors” to destabilise the polity for personal interests. Reaffirming its commitment to internal cohesion, the zone pledged total support for the Turaki-led NWC, emphasising the need for unity, discipline, and collective purpose within the party. The party also expressed appreciation to Nigerians for their resilience and continued faith, assuring that it remains committed to providing responsible leadership and steering the country towards stability and prosperity.

Gbenga Daniel Locked Out of Ogun APC Stakeholders’ Meeting.

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  Former Governor of Ogun State and Senator representing Ogun East at the Senate, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, was reportedly denied access to the ongoing All Progressives Congress Ogun East stakeholders meeting at Adeola Odutola Hall, Ijebu Ode, on Monday. Daniel disclosed this in a viral video circulating for about one minute. The video showed the former governor addressing party supporters from his white campaign bus, branded with the OGD/PBAT Movement. Daniel said, “We are here for our Ogun East APC caucus meeting, but surprisingly, we have been barred; we are told that we can’t enter, but let it be said that whatever they do here today is null and void.” The invitation letter for the emergency stakeholders meeting sent out by the leadership of the party in Ijebu Ode included deputy governors, past and serving local government chairmen, councilors, past and serving members of both the state and National Assemblies, among others, as expected to attend.

Boko Haram Gives 72-Hour Deadline Over 416 Hostages

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  Boko Haram insurgents have issued a warning in a video, daring the Nigerian government to carry out a forceful operation to free 416 captives in Borno State. This is as it was warned that if their demands are not met within 72 hours, the victims will be taken to different locations where they may never be seen again. Our correspondent who obtained the video in the early hours of Monday reports that the group said it “welcomes” any attempt by the government to rescue the victims by force. The terrorists, dressed in military camouflage, stated that they are battle-ready if the government chooses force instead of meeting their demands. Previous reports from April 10 indicated that BOSYA has been in communication with the press and serves as an intermediary between the terrorist group and the affected victims. This was when Boko Haram displayed the abducted victims. The message, delivered in Hausa and translated into English on screen, read: “We are Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidwatu Wal-Jihad under Imam Abu. “Today, 19th April 2026, we are issuing a new message to the Borno South Youths Alliance and to the Nigerian government, which we do not recognise as our government. This is our first and final message. We are giving you 72 hours. “If our demands are not met, we will move these victims, including women and children, to different locations. All of them. You have made your decision, and we have made ours. We instruct you, in the name of Allah, not to exceed the given time.” However, the group did not state its demands in the video. “And take a look at them before we do so, because you may never see them again. If the government believes it can rescue them by force, you are free to try. We depend on Allah,” the group’s spokesperson added. He further stated, “Let this message reach the Borno South Youth Alliance and the Nigerian government. We do not act lightly. This is our message.” Earlier, the group had demanded ₦5 billion on Sunday night for the release of the victims. Confirming this, the President of the Borno South Youths Alliance, Samaila Kaigama, said the demand was communicated through a video described by the terrorists as a “final warning.” The statement read: “Borno South Youth Alliance wishes to inform the public and the international community that on 19th April 2026, Boko Haram reportedly issued a 72-hour ultimatum regarding ongoing mediation efforts for the release of the 416 Ngoshe women and children in their custody. “According to information received during the mediation process led by BOSYA President, Samaila Ibrahim Kaigama, a final warning video was sent after demands were communicated, including a ransom request of ₦5 billion for the release of the abducted women and children.” Samaila called on the government and concerned Nigerians to prioritise efforts to secure the victims’ release. “In view of the urgency of this humanitarian matter, BOSYA renews its appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, concerned Nigerians, and philanthropists, including Aliko Dangote, Abdul Samad Rabiu, and other well-meaning Northern billionaires. “We respectfully call on all capable stakeholders to urgently intervene and use every lawful and available means to secure the freedom of these 416 women and children,” he said. It will be recalled that on March 4, PUNCH Online reported that the group attacked a military base in Ngoshe, burning operational vehicles, dispersing security forces, killing an unspecified number of people, and abducting several others.  

Nine Dead, 13 Injured as Pupil Opens Fire in Turkish School

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  A 13-year-old attacked a school in Turkey on Wednesday, leaving nine people dead and 13 others injured, as terrified students leapt from windows to escape what officials described as the country’s second school shooting in just two days. Wednesday’s attack unfolded in the Kahramanmaras province in the south of the country, where such mass shootings are usually rare. “We regret to report nine deaths (…) and 13 wounded. Six of them are currently in intensive care, three of whom are in critical condition,” Interior Minister Mustafa Ciftci said in a statement, upping the previous toll of four dead and 20 wounded. “A student came to school with guns that we believe belonged to his father in his backpack. He entered two classrooms and opened fire randomly, causing injuries and deaths,” Kahramanmaras province governor Mukerrem Unluer told reporters earlier in the day. The attacker, an eighth‑grade student, was the son of a former police officer, Unluer said, adding that the suspect was carrying five guns and seven magazines. He died during the incident. “We suspect he may have taken his father’s weapons,” the governor said. “He shot himself. It is not yet clear whether this was suicide or happened amid the chaos,” he said. Police detained the ex-student’s father, Ugur Mersinli, the official Anadolu news agency reported. Footage released by IHA private news agency showed a person, body and face covered, being evacuated in an ambulance, as well as tearful parents who had rushed to the school in the southern province’s main city, Kahramanmaras. Another video, taken by a resident of a nearby building, verified by AFP, shows students jumping from a first-floor window of the school to escape the gunfire, while dozens of others flee through the courtyard. About 15 gunshots can be heard in the one-and-a-half-minute video. Police increased security around the building, and television footage showed ambulances in the area. The incident prompted the interior and education ministers to travel to the city. Justice Minister Akin Gurlek said prosecutors had launched an immediate investigation into the shooting. -‘Vulnerability’- The shooting came a day after an ex-student opened fire with a shotgun at his former high school in Siverek district of Sanliurfa province, also in the centre of the country. The gunman wounded 16 people before killing himself in a showdown with police. Ten students were among the casualties. Speaking to the ruling AKP party in parliament, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan promised that those found to have been negligent or at fault “will certainly be held accountable” over the school shootings. Police detained one suspect after Tuesday’s attack and suspended four officials from duty, Erdogan said. The school was ordered closed for four days. Main opposition CHP leader Ozgur Ozel called for broader security measures. “At this point, it is clearly evident that violence in schools can no longer be explained by isolated incidents,” he wrote on X. “This issue has turned into a growing and deepening security vulnerability,” he said. Measures such as ensuring full control at school entrances and exits, increasing the number of security personnel, strengthening camera systems, intensifying police patrols around schools, and keeping emergency crisis plans ready are now essential, he added. “The security of schools is entrusted to our state. No negligence or deficiency in this regard can be excused anymore,” Ozel said. School shootings in Turkey had been rare until this week. In May 2024, a former student killed a private high school principal in Istanbul with a firearm five months after he was expelled. Turkey has strict gun laws that require licensing, registration, mental and criminal background checks, and severe penalties for illegal possession. AFP

Plateau Attack: Apostle Selman Donates ₦200m in Cash and Food Aid to Victims

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  Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has urged residents to embrace a shared responsibility in maintaining peace and fostering unity across the state. The governor made the call on Wednesday while receiving the founder and senior pastor of Eternity Network International, also known as Koinonia Global, Apostle Joshua Selman, during a courtesy visit to the Government House, Jos, following recent attacks in parts of the state. During the visit, Selman donated relief materials and cash worth over N200 million to support victims of the recent attacks. Mutfwang, who expressed appreciation for the visit, said the presence of the cleric and his team was “a strong show of solidarity with the government and people of Plateau in a time of grief.” He thanked God for the life and impact of Apostle Selman, describing him as “a prophet with honour in his hometown,” whose influence has positively touched many lives. The governor also acknowledged other members of the delegation, including a former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, John Kennedy and Mr Bestman Wadia, commending their contributions and connection to Plateau State. While lamenting the recent attacks, Mutfwang said the government had extended support not only to affected Christian communities but also to some Muslim families impacted by the violence, stressing the need for unity and humanity beyond religious lines. “We deliberately reached out to affected Muslim families as a demonstration of our love for humanity. Plateau belongs to all of us,” he said. He also appreciated the outpouring of support and condolences from across the country and beyond, including from President Bola Tinubu, noting that such solidarity has strengthened the resolve of the people. The governor, however, assured that efforts were ongoing to prevent a recurrence of such attacks, while urging citizens to remain hopeful. “If it had not been the Lord, what the devil intended would have been worse. While we mourn, we must also be grateful for what God has prevented,” he said. Mutfwang further called on Plateau indigenes, both at home and in the diaspora, to contribute to the development and preservation of the state. “No matter what we become outside, if home is not strong, we remain vulnerable. The preservation of Plateau is a collective responsibility,” he added, describing Plateau as “a divine project that must be protected by all.” Earlier, Apostle Selman, who was accompanied by the said, the visit was to identify with the state and commiserate with families affected by the recent violence. He described Plateau as “a land of great potential, rich culture and resilient people,” but lamented the spate of violence that has plagued the state over the years. “We came not just as ministers of the gospel, but as sons of the soil, to stand with the people in this difficult time and to encourage hope,” he said. The cleric urged the state government not to be discouraged despite the challenges, assuring that their efforts would eventually yield positive results. “Someday, we will look back and appreciate the courage and resilience of the leadership for not giving up,” he said. As part of his intervention, Selman announced the donation of relief materials, including a truckload of about 3,000 bags of rice and other essential items valued at over N100 million. He said the items would be distributed across affected communities in collaboration with the state government and the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN. In addition, he disclosed a financial support package of about N100 million to assist victims and affected families. “These palliatives may not bring back the dead, but they can bring comfort to grieving families and demonstrate love and responsibility,” he said. Selman emphasised the need for collective effort in addressing the crisis, noting that while no single group can solve the problem alone, everyone has a role to play. “It would be unfair to do nothing. We must all contribute in our own way to bring relief and restore hope,” he added.

Inflation Climbs to 15.38% Amid Surging Food and Transport Costs

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  Nigeria’s inflation rate climbed to 15.38 per cent in March 2026, reversing the recent downward trend, as rising costs of food, transportation, and accommodation drove prices up, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. This was the first time the headline inflation rate had increased since March 2025. The latest Consumer Price Index report released on Wednesday showed that headline inflation increased from 15.06 per cent in February 2026, indicating renewed pressure on household spending. According to the report, “in March 2026, the Headline inflation rate rose to 15.38 per cent, up from 15.06 per cent in February 2026,” reflecting a 0.32 percentage point increase on a year-on-year basis. The NBS noted that the Consumer Price Index rose to 135.4 points in March, up 5.4 points from 130.0 in February. On a month-on-month basis, inflation accelerated sharply, highlighting the pace of price increases within a short period. The report stated that “the Headline inflation rate in March 2026 was 4.18 per cent, which was 2.17 per cent higher than the rate recorded in February 2026 (2.01 per cent).” This suggests that, while annual inflation remains below the 27.35 per cent recorded in March 2025, underlying price pressures are building again. A breakdown of the drivers showed that food and non-alcoholic beverages remained the biggest contributor to inflation, accounting for 5.55 percentage points of the headline figure. Restaurants and accommodation services followed with 3.26 percentage points, while transport contributed 1.80 percentage points. The data also revealed a divergence between urban and rural inflation trends. Urban inflation stood at 14.64 per cent year-on-year, while rural inflation was significantly higher at 17.22 per cent, showing stronger price pressures in rural areas. On a monthly basis, rural inflation surged to 6.73 per cent, up from 0.71 per cent in February, indicating a sharp spike in prices in rural communities. Food inflation remained elevated, continuing to exert pressure on households. The NBS said, “the Food inflation rate in March 2026 was 14.31 per cent on a year-on-year basis,” compared to 25.22 per cent in the same period of 2025. This represents an increase from the 12.12 per cent recorded in February 2026, reinforcing the upward movement in food prices during the period. On a month-on-month basis, food inflation stood at 4.17 per cent, reflecting persistent increases in staple food items such as yams, cassava, tomatoes, and potatoes. Core inflation, which excludes volatile agricultural produce and energy, rose to 16.21 per cent year-on-year, down from 27.12 per cent in March 2025. On a monthly basis, core inflation climbed to 4.03 per cent, indicating broader price increases beyond food. The NBS further noted that the average inflation rate for the 12 months ending March 2026 stood at 20.05 per cent, higher than 18.58 per cent recorded in March 2025, suggesting sustained medium-term inflationary pressure. At the state level, inflation remained uneven. Bayelsa recorded the highest year-on-year inflation rate at 27.37 per cent, followed by Sokoto at 26.03 per cent and Bauchi at 23.67 per cent. In contrast, Osun recorded the slowest rise at 5.25 per cent, while Kano and Kaduna posted 9.85 per cent and 10.38 per cent respectively. On a month-on-month basis, Zamfara recorded the highest increase at 10.77 per cent, followed by Bauchi at 9.37 per cent and Sokoto at 9.05 per cent, while Lagos, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers recorded the slowest increases. The report noted that variations across states reflect differences in consumption patterns, warning that direct comparisons may be misleading due to varying weights assigned to goods and services. The World Bank earlier warned that the ongoing surge in global oil prices could directly add around 3.1 percentage points to Nigeria’s headline inflation, as rising fuel costs ripple through the economy. “Overall, an increase in oil prices to about $80 per barrel… would directly add around 3.1 ppts to headline inflation under a full pass-through assumption,” the World Bank noted in its most recent Nigeria Development Update, adding that indirect effects from higher fuel costs on transport, logistics, and food prices could push inflation even higher.

Surge in Terror Attacks Aims to Distract Tinubu, says Akpabio

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  The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, on Tuesday in Abuja, said the intensified spate of terrorist attacks across the country is a “gang up” to distract President Bola Tinubu’s reforms. Akpabio made the assertion during his goodwill message at the official commissioning of the Nigeria Revenue Service Headquarters, Abuja. He said, “Believe me, Mr President, two weeks after you win the elections, the bomb blasts will stop. People are sponsoring it to distract you from your work. “You’re doing so well despite the gang up on your administration.” His comments come barely 24 hours after Tinubu held closed-door talks with the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and a French general at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Sources close to the President who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity described Monday’s engagement as part of intensified collaboration on Nigeria’s security situation. The meeting, which began at about 2:00 pm on Monday, was Tinubu’s first official engagement since his return from Bayelsa on Friday. It came three weeks after the President announced that France had agreed to supply military equipment and training to Nigerian forces battling insurgency in the North-East. Akpabio’s comments come against the backdrop of rapidly deteriorating security conditions across Nigeria, including a controversial air strike on Saturday that killed over 100 civilians, and a fresh United States advisory authorising the voluntary departure of non-emergency embassy staff from Abuja. On Saturday, a Nigerian Air Force strike targeting Boko Haram insurgents hit the Jilli market in Yobe State, near the Borno border, killing over 40 civilians, including children. Amnesty International cited survivors and hospital authorities confirming the death toll, with local sources putting the figure as high as 200. The military defended the operation as a precision strike on a terrorist logistics hub, but Amnesty International condemned what it described as “reckless use of deadly force” and called for an independent investigation. The Presidency also defended the operation. Speaking with Bloomberg earlier on Monday, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, said, “The market was a legitimate military target because it has been turned into a logistics and trading hub by Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists.” Military air raids have killed at least 500 civilians since 2017, according to multiple reports, with failures in intelligence gathering and coordination between ground forces and air assets cited as contributing factors. Days earlier, on April 8, the United States Department of State authorised the voluntary departure of non-emergency government employees and family members from the US Embassy in Abuja, citing a deteriorating security situation. The move elevated 23 Nigerian states to a “Level 4: Do Not Travel” warning, the highest risk category, including newly added Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba states. The US highlighted threats from Islamist insurgents in the Northeast, criminal gangs in the Northwest, and ongoing violence in parts of southern and southeastern Nigeria, including oil-producing regions. The embassy said visa appointments in Abuja had been suspended, though the Lagos consulate continues to provide routine and emergency services. The Federal Government said the travel alert was guided by US internal protocols and did not reflect the overall security situation across Nigeria. “While we acknowledge isolated security challenges in some areas, there is no general breakdown of law and order, and the vast majority of the country remains stable,” Minister Mohammed Idris stated. Nigeria is battling multiple security threats across its six geopolitical zones, including Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province insurgency in the Northeast, banditry and kidnapping in the Northwest and North-Central regions, and separatist violence in the Southeast.

Ghana Appoints Former Real Madrid Coach Carlos Queiroz as Head Coach

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  The Ghana Football Association has named Carlos Queiroz as head coach of the Black Stars ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup 2026. This was announced in a statement by the Ghana Football Association on Monday. The Portuguese tactician, who previously handled Real Madrid, Manchester United, Portugal and Iran, will lead Ghana at the tournament co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States. “The Executive Council of the Ghana Football Association, working with all key stakeholders, has appointed Carlos Queiroz as head coach of the senior national team, the Black Stars,” the statement read. Queiroz brings considerable World Cup pedigree to the role. He guided South Africa to qualification for the 2002 tournament, led Portugal to the knockout rounds in 2010, and was in charge of Iran at the 2014 and 2018 editions. He has also held coaching posts in Egypt, Oman, Japan and Qatar. “Coach Queiroz begins work immediately to prepare the Black Stars for the tournament, which kicks off on June 11, 2026,” the statement added. Ghana are drawn in a group with England, Panama and Croatia. The Black Stars open their campaign against Panama on June 17 in Toronto, Canada.

Atiku’s Suspension Linked to “Indian Hemp Smoking,” Says Ex-SGF

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  Babachir Lawal, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, has urged the public to ignore the alleged suspension of Atiku Abubakar, himself, and others, dismissing the group behind it as “Indian hemp smokers.” Babachir is the Vice Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, North East region. A factional chairman of ADC in the state, Raji Zumo, announced during a press conference on Monday the suspension of Atiku, Lawal and the party’s transition committee chairman, Sadiq Ibrahim. Speaking exclusively to PUNCH, Babachir said, “If some people take heavy Indian hemp, they can claim to be President of Nigeria, so don’t consider them as normal people. Indian hemp is at duty.” He said Raji has no reasonable position in the ADC that empowered him to speak on behalf of the party. “Raji’s actions demonstrated the power of Indian hemp against our young men. What is his position in the party in Adamawa State, if not influence of drugs?” he said. Also speaking, the Adamawa State Chairman of the ADC, Mr. Shehu Yohanna, said the statement credited to Raji was not only baseless but also insisted that he had left the party long ago. “Raji was my deputy, before he disappeared to an unknown place, only for him to resurface on social media on Monday, suspending our father, Atiku Abubakar,” he said. An Adamawa State High Court on Thursday suspended the ADC congresses in the state. Justice Ahmed Isa of Yola High Court No. 6, who presided over the case, ordered the suspension of the congresses slated for Thursday until the determination of the case. The court adjourned the case to April 15, 2026, for continuation of hearing. The embattled ADC chairman of the Adamawa State chapter, Shehu Yohanna, approached the court and asked it to halt the congresses due to his exclusion from the planning process. Yohanna filed the suit against Mr. Sadiq Dasin, the state chairman of the transition committee of the ADC, Adamawa State chapter. When PUNCH contacted Lawal, he denied knowledge of the court ruling. “I am in Abuja, so I don’t know about the case. Go and ask those that were in court today. I don’t know anything concerning the court case,” he said. The Adamawa State chapter of the ADC has been engulfed in crisis since last year over the leadership of the party, creating three different factions.

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