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Lawyer bags six months imprisonment over libelous publication against Dangote

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A magistrate court in Abuja has convicted and jailed a lawyer for six months over defamatory publication against the Dangote Cement Plc.

The convict, Augustine Addeh, of the law firm, Mokidi and Co., had caused the publication of an advert in the Nation Newspapers of Friday November 6, 2015, where he falsely alleged that the Dangote Cement caused the invasion of Okpella Community with armed gangsters on October 30, 2015.

The convict, in the publication, also sought to debar the company’s enlistment on the London Stock Exchange, and other stock markets around the world.

The sponsor of the defamatory publication purported that the company caused terrorists to block the Okpella-Benin road which resulted in sporadic shooting, while also causing the death of an innocent person.

Following a petition signed by the Dangote Cement’s Representative, Ahmed Hashem, to the Inspector General of Police(IGP), the originator of the damaging advert was arrested and arraigned in the magistrate court sitting in Abuja.

The convict was thereafter tried for offences of criminal conspiracy, defamation and intimidation punishable under the penal code.

Delivering judgment in Dutse Alhaji, Abuja, on the suit on Thursday August 10, 2023, the Magistrate, Muhammaed Omeiza Tahir, held that the prosecution proved its case against the sponsor of the libelous publication.

A copy of the judgment revealed that, the Magistrate, Muhammaed Omeiza Tahir, held that investigation shows that the publication was false, malicious and damaging to the Dangote Cement Plc.

The Magistrate ruled that the elements of defamation have been established by the prosecution.

He therefore sentenced the convict to six months imprisonment.

He added that the convict will also publish a public apology in some national newspapers within two weeks of the ruling, failure of which he will be jailed for three months without an option of fine.

Meanwhile, a statement from the Dangote Group signed by the Group Chief Branding and Corporate Communication Officer, Mr. Anthony Chiejina, said the company has a robust relationship with its host communities in Nigeria, and will continue to nurture and cherish the bond.

Crime

Nigerian Military Confirms Coup Plot Allegations: 16 Officers to Face Court-Martial

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The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced that investigations into the conduct of 16 military officers arrested in October 2025 have been completed, with some found to have allegedly plotted to overthrow the government.

In a press release issued today, the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) stated that the officers were initially detained over acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations.

Following a thorough investigation conducted in line with established military procedures, the probe uncovered evidence linking a number of the officers to a plot against the government—an action deemed inconsistent with the ethics, values, and professional standards expected of AFN personnel.

“The findings have identified a number of the officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government,” the statement read. The comprehensive report has now been forwarded to the appropriate superior authority for further action.

Those implicated and found to have cases to answer will be formally arraigned before a special military judicial panel, where they will face trial in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other relevant service regulations.

The DHQ emphasized that this process upholds accountability while maintaining the integrity of military discipline.

The arrests were first announced by the Defence Headquarters in October 2025, initially described in neutral terms as related to indiscipline. Today’s update marks the first official confirmation from the military that the matter involved an alleged coup attempt against President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The AFN reiterated its commitment to professionalism and adherence to constitutional order, assuring the public that the judicial proceedings will be conducted transparently and in full compliance with military law.

No further details on the identities of the officers or specific timelines for the trials were provided in the statement.

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Crime

DSS Arrests Suspected Sea Pirates, Foils Planned Hijack of Crude Oil Vessel

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The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested several suspected sea pirates in a swift operation that successfully thwarted a planned hijack of a crude oil vessel off the Nigerian coast.

According to security sources, the suspects were apprehended following credible intelligence that indicated an imminent attack on the vessel transporting crude oil.

The operation, carried out by DSS operatives in collaboration with other security agencies, prevented what could have been a major maritime incident in Nigeria’s territorial waters.

The arrested individuals are currently in custody and undergoing interrogation to uncover possible accomplices, sponsors, and details of the foiled plot. Authorities have not yet released the exact number of suspects or their identities, citing ongoing investigations.

This latest crackdown highlights the persistent threat of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, where armed groups target oil vessels for ransom, theft of cargo, or both.

The DSS emphasized its commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime economy and critical energy infrastructure.

No injuries or damage to the vessel were reported, and normal operations have resumed.

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Crime

Police Foil Bandit Attack, Rescue 6 on Yankara–Funtua Highway

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Security operatives in Katsina State have successfully thwarted an armed bandit attack on the Yankara–Funtua highway, rescuing six kidnapped victims unharmed.

According to reports from local security sources, the incident occurred in the Faskari Local Government Area when suspected bandits ambushed travelers along the highway. Prompt response by police officers led to a confrontation with the attackers, forcing them to flee and abandon their captives.

The rescued individuals have been identified as Rabi Hamisu, Safare Musa, Abubakar Samaila, Shehu Umar, Sara’u Yahaya, and Ibrahim Babangida. All six were reported to be in good condition following the operation and have been reunited with their families.

The Katsina State Police Command has intensified patrols and surveillance along vulnerable highways in the region amid ongoing efforts to combat banditry and kidnapping.

Authorities urged residents and commuters to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly.

This latest success underscores the ongoing security challenges in parts of northwestern Nigeria, where armed groups frequently target highways for ambushes and abductions. No casualties were reported among the security personnel involved in the rescue.

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