General News
SECURITY AGENCIES INTENSIFY MANHUNT FOR TIMIPRE SYLVA OVER ALLEGED COUP PLOT, FINANCIAL CRIMES
Former Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva, has remained outside Nigeria after being declared wanted in connection with alleged financial crimes and investigations into a purported coup plot against the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Security sources confirmed that Sylva’s Abuja residence was raided by operatives of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) in October 2025 as part of investigations into an alleged plot to overthrow the Tinubu government.
Sylva was reportedly out of the country at the time of the operation.The raid followed the arrest of 16 military officers allegedly linked to the foiled coup plot.
During the operation, Sylva’s younger brother, Paga Sylva, who served as his Special Assistant on Domestic Affairs, and his driver were detained for questioning.
Separately, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) declared Sylva wanted on November 10, 2025, over alleged conspiracy and dishonest conversion involving the sum of $14,859,257.
The funds were said to be part of monies provided by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board for the construction of the Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited.
Security officials said international law enforcement agencies, including Interpol, have been activated to track the former governor.
A senior operative of the Department of State Services (DSS) said Sylva could be arraigned in absentia if he fails to return to Nigeria.“Interpol was contacted immediately after he was declared wanted.
Alongside the EFCC, the DSS is pursuing him. If he is innocent, he should submit himself for investigation,” the operative said, adding that Sylva would not evade justice indefinitely.
A senior EFCC official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, also confirmed that the commission plans to arraign Sylva, although no date has been fixed.
Sylva’s media aide, Mr. Julius Bokoru, dismissed allegations linking his principal to any coup plot, describing them as baseless and politically motivated.
He said Sylva was in the United Kingdom for medical examinations and would honour invitations from the EFCC upon his return.
Bokoru accused unnamed political actors of exploiting the situation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Defence Headquarters had initially denied reports linking the detention of military officers to a coup plot, describing the investigation as routine.
However, in January 2026, the military acknowledged that some officers were indeed involved in plans to overthrow the Tinubu administration, following further investigations.
General News
Alue-Do Festival Assault: First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Condemns Attack on Women, Calls for Justice
The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has strongly condemned the reported assault of women and girls during the Alue-Do Festival in Ozoro, Delta State, describing the incident as “horrific” and unacceptable.
Reacting to viral footage from Ozoro, the First Lady expressed outrage over scenes showing young girls being physically and sexually assaulted, as well as subjected to degrading treatment during what was meant to be a cultural celebration.
While acknowledging Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity, Mrs. Tinubu stressed that no tradition or custom should be used as justification for violating the dignity and rights of women and girls.
She commended the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force for making arrests in connection with the incident and urged authorities to ensure that all perpetrators are brought to justice.
The First Lady also called on victims to seek immediate medical and psychological support, offering prayers for their healing, peace, and strength in the aftermath of the ordeal.
The incident has sparked widespread concern and renewed calls for stricter measures to protect women and girls during cultural and public events across the country.
General News
World Water Day 2026: Oluremi Tinubu Calls for Gender Equity Through Improved Water Access
The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has called for collective action to promote gender equality through improved access to water and sanitation, as the world marks World Water Day 2026.
In a message commemorating the day, Senator Tinubu highlighted this year’s theme, “Water and Gender,” alongside the campaign slogan, “Where Water Flows, Equality Grows,” emphasizing the strong link between water access and gender equity.
She noted that in many communities, women and girls bear the burden of sourcing water, often trekking long distances to streams, a situation that negatively impacts their education, health, and economic opportunities.
“When we ensure safe, clean, and accessible water, we do more than quench thirst; we open doors for girls to stay in school, for women to pursue livelihoods, and for families to live healthier lives,” she said.
The First Lady urged Nigerians to work together to ensure equitable access to water resources across the country, stressing that improved water systems can drive social and economic development.
She concluded by encouraging citizens to embrace the spirit of the global observance and reaffirm commitments toward building a more inclusive society.
“Let us work together to ensure that where water flows in Nigeria, equity truly grows,” she added.
World Water Day is observed annually on March 22 to raise awareness on the importance of freshwater and advocate for sustainable management of water resources worldwide.
Fresh hostilities in the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict intensified early Sunday, with Iran launching strikes near Israel’s main nuclear research centre, leaving dozens injured and raising fears of wider regional escalation.
According to reports, missiles hit areas close to the nuclear facility in Dimona and the southern city of Arad. Rescue services confirmed that nearly 70 people were injured in Arad alone, with several in serious condition and multiple residential buildings severely damaged.
The Israeli military said it had begun retaliatory strikes targeting locations in Tehran, further escalating the conflict, which has now entered its fourth week.
Iran warned that any attack on its energy facilities would trigger retaliatory strikes on U.S. and Israeli infrastructure across the region. The threat followed a statement by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who warned that the United States could target Iranian power plants if Tehran fails to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours. Iranian authorities described such threats as provocative, vowing a firm response if carried out.
Saudi Arabia also confirmed that its air defence systems intercepted missiles and drones targeting its territory, including areas near key oil installations, with no casualties reported. In a separate incident, a projectile struck near a commercial vessel off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, causing an explosion but leaving the crew unharmed.
Iran’s state media reported that the death toll within the country has surpassed 1,500 since the conflict began, raising humanitarian concerns. Legal experts have also warned that targeting civilian infrastructure such as power plants could violate international law.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the situation as “a very difficult moment,” as emergency teams continued search-and-rescue operations in affected areas.
In Yemen, Iran-backed Houthi rebels warned they could join the conflict if attacks against Iran intensify, cautioning that further escalation could disrupt global energy supplies and economic stability.
Despite diplomatic signals, including a temporary U.S. move to ease sanctions on Iranian oil shipments, there are no clear signs of de-escalation, with both sides continuing military operations. Analysts warn the conflict risks expanding into a broader regional war with significant global implications.