NIGERIA NEWS
Benin coup: 30 people mostly soldiers jailed
The Government of Benin Republic on Tuesday jailed at least 30 people, most of whom are soldiers, accused of links to a foiled coup attempt earlier this month.
DAILY POST recalls that soldiers appeared on national television on December 7 to announce that President Patrice Talon had been deposed.
However, the attempted coup was swiftly defeated by loyalist army forces with the help of the Nigerian air force and French special forces.
Several people were killed and the alleged coup leader lieutenant-colonel Pascal Tigri and other mutinous soldiers are still on the run.
At least 30 accused people on Monday appeared before a special prosecutor for the court for economic crimes and terrorism in the city of Cotonou.
They were reportedly placed in pre-trial detention the following day at the end of their hearing.
They are being prosecuted for treason, murder and endangering state security.
Meanwhile, Chabi Yayi, son of former Beninese President and current opposition figure Thomas Boni Yayi, who was earlier arrested, was released on Monday after being questioned but remains under prosecution in connection with the coup bid for reasons that are not known.
He is alleged to be a member of the opposition party led by his father.
President Talon is accused by critics of authoritarianism in a country once praised for its democratic dynamism.
NIGERIA NEWS
Business woman sues estranged husband, police over alleged harassment, rights violations
A Lagos-based businesswoman, Mabel Hussaini, has filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit against the Nigerian police, her estranged husband and several other respondents, accusing them of unlawful arrest, detention, extortion and persistent harassment.
In the suit she filed before the Federal High Court in Lagos on 24 July, Ms Hussaini said she was harassed by the police over matrimonial disputes with her estranged husband.
Her suit seeks declarations that the actions of the respondents violated her rights to dignity of the human person, personal liberty, fair hearing, private and family life, and freedom of movement, as guaranteed under the Nigerian constitution.
The respondents sued in the suit include the Inspector-General of Police, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Abuja; the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, FCID Annex, Alagbon; the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 2 Command and a chief superintendent of police identified as Bolugi
The rest are Abayomi Michael, a police inspector; the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), her estranged husband, Adedeji Adesiyan, and Citadel Views Gardens and Estates Ltd.
According to court filing, Ms Hussaini married Mr Adesiyan in 2016 under native law and custom, and the union produced a daughter, now eight years old.
She told the court that in November 2024, her husband gave her $60,000 to invest in real estate and to establish a trust fund for their child.
She said she utilised the funds as agreed by purchasing a property located at E18, Citadel Estate, Ogombo Road, Lekki, Lagos, in the child’s name and opening a trust fund for her benefit.
Ms Hussaini stated that the relationship later turned sour after she discovered that her husband had allegedly contracted other marriages in Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
She said Mr Adesiyan subsequently relocated to the UK and later demanded a refund of the money, despite knowing that it had already been invested for their daughter.
She told the court that after explaining that the funds were no longer available, she began receiving threats to her life and that her husband later reported her to the police on allegations of theft.
Police’s involvement
According to her account, officers at the Elemoro Police Station, Ibeju-Lekki, initially granted her bail after hearing her explanation. However, the matter escalated on 7 January, when officers from the FCID Annex, Alagbon, allegedly arrested her and her eight-year-old daughter at gunpoint and took them to the Alagbon facility.
Ms Hussaini alleged that she was verbally abused, humiliated, and detained for several hours without being allowed to fully state her case, all in the presence of her minor daughter.
She further alleged that the officers demanded N2 million for her release but eventually compelled her to pay N500,000 through a point-of-sale (POS) operator after threatening to remand her in prison.
She said her lawyers subsequently petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, who allegedly directed that the matter be transferred to the Zone 2 Police Command and treated as a civil and matrimonial dispute.
Despite this directive, she claimed that criminal charges were later filed against her. The charges were subsequently withdrawn after senior police authorities reportedly acknowledged that the dispute was civil in nature.
Ms Hussaini further alleged that the police continued to harass her and interfered with the property transaction by instructing the estate developer not to release documents relating to the Lekki property purchased in her daughter’s name.
She said the actions of the respondents caused her and her child severe emotional and psychological trauma.
Demands
In the suit, she is asking the court to restrain the respondents from further arresting, detaining or harassing her in connection with the dispute.
She is also seeking an order directing a refund of the N500,000 allegedly extorted from her and restraining the respondents from selling, investigating or interfering with the property purchased in her daughter’s name.
She further asked the court to award N50 million in damages against the police officers and her estranged husband for alleged unlawful arrest, detention and abuse of power.
Ms Hussaini also seeks a declaration that the police lack constitutional authority to intervene in matrimonial disputes or engage in debt recovery arising from civil transactions.
Efforts to reach the Lagos State Police Command spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi, and the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, for comment were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
The respondents have yet to file their defence in the case.
Nigerian courts have consistently held that the police have no authority to intervene in civil disputes, including matrimonial disagreements and debt recovery matters, describing such actions as unlawful and an abuse of power.
NIGERIA NEWS
Lady In Pain as ‘Agbero’ Flees With Her Bottle of Fanta in Lagos: “E No Go Better for You”
Ankrah Shalom (Human-Interest editor)
Shalom Ankrah is a journalist and a Human Interest Editor at Legit.ng with over six years of experience. She has a degree in Mass communication from Alex Ekwueme University. Shalom has worked with reputable news organizations including The Tide and GistReel. Email: ankrah.shalom@corp.legit.ng.
An expert has shared the alleged reason behind Peller’s car crash on December 14, 2025, during an Instagram livestream.
It would be recalled that the car crash occurred along the Eko Expressway, where bystanders rushed to take Peller to the hospital.
Expert Exposes Alleged Reason For Peller’s Car Crash
According to the expert identified with the X handle, @austeiin, the breakup between Peller and Jarvis is a stunt, and the car crash incident is just content.
He further claimed he could bet his December salary on the claim and asked about the value Peller brings.
Peller’s Relationship With Jarvis
In the tweet that has gone viral, the expert inquired why Jarvis, an educated individual, accepted dating Peller and turned their relationship into content.
Read Tweet Below…….
The way Nigerians hype Peller needs to be studied.Remove social media madness, gimmicks, and clout who exactly is Peller?
What real value does he bring? .Nigerians made him relevant, and that’s the plain truth.If nonsense didn’t trend in this country, this guy wouldn’t even be in the conversation.
Loud behavior + foolish stunts = instant fame.That’s the formula. Now let’s be serious. How does someone believe that acting anyhow online for views will suddenly lead to something meaningful or respectable? That mindset alone shows the whole thing was never deep.
And to that Jarvis too; how does a well-educated person look at someone like Peller and say, “Yes, this is fine, I love him and I will date him” then turn their relationship into content…..Public display, constant cameras, zero boundaries…..For what exactly?.
What were people expecting? A fairytale? Abeg! Abeg.That Jarvis break up with Peller is pure fallacy & a stunt! That Accident Peller was involved in is all content.
I can bet my December salary on it.t’s engagement farming. No be Peller again?! It’s Nigerians doing what Nigerians do best; hyping drama and then acting shocked when it crashes.
See below…..
Alwan Hassan, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has claimed that 95 percent of ministers who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari should be in prison over alleged corruption.
Hassan made the allegation on Tuesday while speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today.
Asked about growing scrutiny of officials who served under Buhari, Hassan said: “95 per cent of the ministers under Buhari should be in jail by now.”
He added: “There has never been a time when ministers got free hands without supervision like Buhari’s eight years in office.”
Hassan said Buhari had once warned his ministers to keep their documents ready for future accountability.
He said: “You’ve heard what people are saying; the former president even told them to keep their documents ready because there will come a day when they’ll be asked to explain themselves; maybe he has seen what they are doing.”
The APC chieftain alleged that corruption was widespread during Buhari’s tenure from 2015 to 2023, adding that a small number of officials were not involved in wrongdoing.
Hassan said: “Those good men around those years are the 5 per cent; there are a few good people, very few good men around.”
He attributed the alleged abuse to lack of oversight, describing Buhari’s administration as a “free-for-all”.
Hassan said: “There has never been a time when government budgets were 100 per cent released without interference by the presidency like Buhari’s time; ministers were given free rein; they did what they wanted.
“Everyone was his own cabal; if you got the chance to meet Buhari and explain things, you became a cabal. The nation was at peace; people were doing what they wanted; if you were appointed under Buhari, your job was largely abdicated to you; there was no supervision.”
Hassan made comparisons of Buhari’s era with the current administration of President Bola Tinubu.
He said: “This government is hands-on; if you’re talking about government finance, it’s Asiwaju; everyone knows this. Contractors like me are still shouting about unpaid sums; he is careful; he knows his priorities; it is not business as usual.”
The United States has placed Nigeria on a new list of countries facing fresh entry restrictions, following an expanded travel policy announced by President Donald Trump on Tuesday.
The move forms part of a broader Proclamation signed by the US president, which introduces new limits on the entry of foreign nationals from countries classified as high-risk to American security and public safety.
Nigeria is among 15 additional countries now facing partial restrictions under the policy.
According to the Proclamation, the decision is based on what the White House described as “demonstrated, persistent, and severe deficiencies in screening, vetting, and information-sharing” by affected countries.
The White House explained that the action is aimed at tightening border controls and strengthening national security. It described the policy as “strengthening national security through common sense restrictions based on data.”
Under the new framework, restrictions vary by country. Some nations face full entry bans, while others, including Nigeria, are subject to partial limitations affecting certain visa categories and immigration pathways.
The Proclamation maintains full restrictions on nationals from 12 countries previously listed under Proclamation 10949. These include Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
Five additional countries — Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, and Syria — have now been placed under full restrictions. Individuals holding Palestinian-Authority-issued travel documents are also affected. Laos and Sierra Leone, which were earlier under partial restrictions, have now been moved to the full restriction category.
Nigeria joins several other countries newly placed under partial restrictions. Others on the list include Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Burundi, Cuba, Togo, and Venezuela remain under partial limitations from earlier proclamations.
The White House noted that the policy includes exemptions. These cover lawful permanent residents of the United States, existing visa holders, diplomats, athletes, and certain other visa categories. It also allows for case-by-case waivers where entry is deemed to serve US national interests.
However, the administration disclosed that some family-based immigrant visa categories have been tightened due to what it described as “demonstrated fraud risks.”
Explaining the rationale behind the decision, the White House said the restrictions are designed “to prevent the entry of foreign nationals about whom the United States lacks sufficient information to assess the risks they pose.”
It added that the policy is also intended to encourage cooperation from foreign governments, improve information-sharing, and support broader national security and counterterrorism objectives.
President Trump was quoted in the fact sheet as saying, “It is the President’s duty to take action to ensure that those seeking to enter our country will not harm the American people.”
The document further stated that, following consultations with cabinet officials and security agencies, “President Trump has determined that the entry of nationals from additional countries must be restricted or limited to protect U.S. national security and public safety interests.”
The restrictions are said to be country-specific, reflecting what the administration called unique challenges in each location. These include issues such as corruption, unreliable civil and criminal records, weak birth registration systems, and limited access to law-enforcement data.
The White House also cited high visa overstay rates, refusal by some governments to accept deported nationals, and concerns linked to criminal and extremist activities.
As part of the same review process, the Proclamation announced that restrictions on Turkmenistan had been partially lifted. Nonimmigrant visa bans were removed after the country showed improved cooperation, although immigrant entry restrictions remain in place.
In a related development, Politics Nigeria earlier reported that President Trump had declared Nigeria a “country of particular concern,” a designation linked to allegations of widespread religious violence and the killing of Christians.
That earlier decision had already strained diplomatic conversations between Abuja and Washington, setting the stage for heightened scrutiny of Nigeria under the new travel policy.
The latest move is expected to raise concerns among Nigerians planning travel, study, or family reunification in the United States, while also adding another layer to the ongoing debate over immigration, security, and US-Africa relations.
By Nnasom David
A Cessna 172 aircraft operated by Skypower Express crashed on Tuesday evening at Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Imo State, prompting an immediate response from airport emergency services.
The aircraft, with nationality and registration marks 5N-ASR, was originally en route from Kaduna International Airport to Port Harcourt International Airport when the crew declared an emergency, forcing a diversion to Owerri.
The aircraft crashed in the approach area of Runway 17 around 8:00 p.m. local time. Four people were on board, and no fatalities have been reported so far.
According to the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), there was no post-crash fire, and flight operations at the airport continued safely, with other aircraft taking off after the incident.
A statement signed by Mrs Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, NSIB, said: “Efforts are ongoing to recover the distressed aircraft from the crash site for a detailed wreckage examination,” NSIB said.
The NSIB noted that it has activated its protocols in line with its mandate. Director-General Captain Alex Badeh Jr. expressed sympathy to Skypower Express while welcoming the absence of casualties.
“We express our deepest sympathies to the management of Skypower Express and are glad that no fatalities have been reported so far. Our team is coordinating with authorities to secure the site,” he said.
Vanguard News
The post Cessna 172 aircraft crashes at Owerri airport appeared first on Vanguard News.
The Ekiti State Amotekun Corps has transferred a 28-year-old man, Olapade Ifeoluwa, to the police following his arrest over the alleged rape of a seven-year-old girl in Ilawe Ekiti, Ekiti Southwest Local Government Area (LGA).
The Head of Communications for the corps, Adeleye Adewale, confirmed the arrest in a statement issued in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday. He explained that operatives apprehended the suspect after he was accused of luring the minor to his apartment under the pretence of watching a film.
Adewale said, “Upon interrogation by the arresting officers of the Ekiti Southwest Local Government Command, the suspect confessed to the crime committed. He said that the minor was induced to watch a film and lured to his apartment, where he precipitously had carnal knowledge of her. He later ascribed his action to the devil’s work after his apprehension.”
The father of the victim recounted the incident, noting that his daughter’s cries during the assault drew the attention of neighbours at Ujana Street, Ilawe Ekiti, who intervened and rescued her.
According to Adewale, both the suspect and the victim were taken to the Amotekun Headquarters in Ado Ekiti for further investigation before being handed over to the Ekiti State Police Command for appropriate action.
This arrest comes months after a similar case in September, when Amotekun operatives foiled an alleged attempt by a 21-year-old man, Ahmed Abdulai, to rape a 13-year-old girl in Are Ekiti, Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area. Officers reportedly intercepted Abdulai in the bush after flashing torchlights on him while he was attempting to assault the minor. He was subsequently handed over to the Rapid Response Squad of the Nigeria Police for investigation.
The Ekiti State Amotekun Corps has reiterated its commitment to working with the police to ensure that suspects in such cases face the full weight of the law.
NIGERIA NEWS
Alake lauds Nigerians in diaspora for deploying resources for national development – Tribune Online
The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Dr Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, has lauded Nigerians living outside the country, for their selflessness and commitment towards the development of the country.
He appreciated them for deploying their hard earned money for the betterment of citizens of the country.
The monarch stated this during the free medical outreach organised by the Yoruba Nurses of North America held at Ake Palace, Abeokuta, on Tuesday.
Oba Gbadebo disclosed that the exodus of Nigerians to foreign land for greener pastures some years back has been yielding positive results,based on their determination to add value to the national economy.
ALSO READ: New tax laws will benefit poor, low income earners, small businesses — Tinubu
He said, “One of the best things that has happened to our nation is our children who are all over the world doing so well especially in deploying their hard earned resources for the upliftment of others.
“Some of these people are coming back to be chiefs, to be traditional rulers, industrialists adding a whole lots of value to our economy.
“So let those people who want to stay behind in the country do so and for those who wants to travel abroad, those whose skills are wanted abroad, let them go, make it there and come back to support the well being of their people back home and our economy too.”
He noted that Nigeria is next to India in terms of money sent home annually, saying the support is making lots of difference in the life the people and the nation’s economy.
Oba Gbadebo commended the medical personnel for giving back to the people out of their resources.
The traditional ruler described the medical outreach as good example of collaboration with people in diaspora that are aimed at empowering the people and making life more meaningful for the people back home.
The President, Yoruba Nurses of North America, Dr Adebisi Allison, said the annual free medical outreach underscored the association’s commitment towards enhancing health and well-being of Yoruba people across the South West, including Kogi and Kwara states, through a holistic and community-driven approach.
While adding that the free medical outreach served as an avenue for Yoruba health care professionals across North America to give back to their communities and help their kinsmen, the Yoruba people.
He hinted that the nation’s health care system is facing numerous challenges, especially shortage of healthcare facilities and equipment; inadequate health literacy; limited access to certain services; high out of pocket expenses and fragmented structure that prioritizes tertiary heath care at the expense of primary health care.
“These challenges have continued to undermine the potency of Nigeria’s Health sector, despite the substantial amount of funds allocated to healthcare infrastructure in this country. Moreover, massive brain drain of Nigerian health practitioners has further exacerbated the ugly situation.
“In the light of this, the Yoruba Nurses of North America, (YORNNA), seeks to bridge the gap by promoting equitable access to essential health services, encouraging community participation, and fostering partnerships with government at all levels, community groups and third-party organizations.
“YORNNA’s resolution to prioritize immediate action on health care across Yoruba communities arose out of the discussions from a 2022 Forum spearheaded by Apero Nile Loko initiatives, developed by Egbe Omo Yoruba North America, which focused on key issues facing the Yoruba people. According to Prof. Funsho Famuyiwa, who spoke at YORNNA 2024 Health Outreach Information Session and Fundraiser, a comprehensive 400-page report released in 2023 from the Apero forum emphasized the urgent need for improved access to health care services, education and deeper community involvement,” he added.
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NIGERIA NEWS
Police arrest woman for faking baby’s abduction, selling two-month-old child for ₦1.5m in Delta
The Delta State Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police Olufemi Abaniwonda, on Tuesday confirmed the arrest of a woman for allegedly faking the abduction of her two-month-old baby and selling the child for the sum of ₦1.5 million to a pastor in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area.
The woman had on Monday, December 15, alleged that gunmen forcefully took her baby from her while she was in a tricycle and pushed her out.
However, the Effurun Area Commander of the Nigeria Police Force, ACP Aliyu Shaba, and his men swung into action and recovered the baby, just as investigations revealed that the mother had staged the abduction and sold the child to the cleric.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the development in a WhatsApp message sent to our correspondent in Warri.
His message simply read: “Confirmed,” without providing further details.
Leaders and traditional rulers in communities across the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, have vowed to continue supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration, noting that the appointment of an Abuja indigene as a minister and to other strategic national roles has strengthened the people’s sense of belonging and purpose within the federation.
During visits to Karshi, Karu, Garki and Bwari on Tuesday by the FCT Renewed Hope Ambassadors, the traditional rulers and community leaders expressed satisfaction with the performance of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, maintaining that President Tinubu made a sound and strategic choice in appointing him to drive development in the territory.
The FCT Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Hon. Adamu Abdullahi, who led the delegation, described President Tinubu’s administration as one that history would judge fairly for its inclusive approach to governance.
He noted that the appointment of an indigenous son of the FCT as minister reflected President Tinubu’s commitment to fairness, national integration and confidence in the capacity of the people of the territory to contribute meaningfully to national development.
The Renewed Hope Ambassadors visited the Emir of Karshi, Alhaji Ismaila Danladi Muhammad, where representatives of the Emir affirmed the community’s support for President Tinubu. They also described Karshi as the second home of Hon. Adamu Abdullahi, assuring that the community would not disappoint the President for finding their son worthy of the responsibility of coordinating the Renewed Hope Ambassadors in the FCT.
Speaking on behalf of the Emir, the Hakimin Karshi, Alhaji Jibrin Danladi Adanda, acknowledged ongoing infrastructural development in the FCT while appealing for sustained government attention to further address community needs.
While receiving the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, the Sa’karuyi of Karu, Joseph Danfulani Narai, described the coordinator as a man whose contributions to community development are visibly evident, commending his longstanding record of service and commitment to grassroots progress.
Commending President Tinubu for finding FCT natives worthy of key national appointments, the Sapeyi of Garki, Alhaji (Dr.) Usman Nga Kupi, reaffirmed his community’s commitment to President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, saying that the administration’s developmental strides in the FCT place a moral obligation on the people to reciprocate with loyalty and electoral support for the APC-led government.
The Sarkin Bwari, Alhaji Awwal Musa Ijakoro, assured that the traditional institution would fully support the return of President Tinubu, citing the choice of a minister whose interventions have opened up Bwari to increased development, including improved road networks, the presence of the Law School and greater recognition of traditional rulers in governance.
Also, the Esu of Bwari, Dr. Ibrahim Yaro, congratulated the Renewed Hope Ambassadors coordinator, describing him as a man of integrity, and pledged to mobilise all tribal chiefs within his domain to ensure massive support for President Tinubu’s re-election.
In the past week, the Renewed Hope Ambassadors have sustained their grassroots mobilisation drive across the FCT, engaging traditional institutions and local communities in a coordinated effort to galvanise support for President Tinubu’s re-election.