Alleged Coup Plot: Court Invokes Practice of Speedy Trial of Six Defendants

*Adjourns to April 29

By: Our Reporter

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday granted the request for accelerated hearing in the trial of six persons accused of plotting to overthrow the government of President Bola Tinubu.

The court scheduled April 29, April 30, May 4, and May 5 for the commencement of trial and the hearing of bail applications filed by the defendants.

In the course of proceedings, the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, informed the court that the prosecution had witnesses available, subject to the convenience of the court.

Counsel to the first defendant, Mohammed Ilayepo, indicated that his client’s bail application was due for hearing. Justice Abdulmalik, however, ruled that the trial would commence before any bail applications are considered.

Paul Erokoro, A.I. Yeru, and N.S. Diri, who are counsel to the second, third, and sixth defendants respectively, expressed reservations about their readiness to proceed, citing the short notice given them and the complex nature of the case.

Justice Abdulmalik then directed all counsel to agree on dates suitable for a speedy trial. The court subsequently fixed April 29, April 30, May 4, and May 5 as hearing dates for the accelerated trial.

Alleged Coup Plot: Court Invokes Practice of Speedy Trial of Six Defendants

Over 1,400 Africans Drawn Into Russia-Ukraine War, Hundreds Killed — Investigation Raises Alarm Across Continent

By: Michael Mike

A disturbing new investigation has uncovered that more than 1,400 African youths have been recruited to fight on the side of Russia in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine War, with over 300 reportedly killed — sparking outrage, concern, and renewed scrutiny of foreign engagement programmes targeting young Africans.

The report, released by INPACT, alleges that at least 1,417 young men and women from countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, and South Africa were enlisted between 2023 and 2025. Of that number, no fewer than 316 are believed to have died on the battlefield in Ukraine.

The findings challenge repeated denials from Russian officials, who have consistently rejected claims that African nationals are being recruited into the war effort.

In December 2025, Russian diplomat Natalia Krasovskaya assured the public during a press briefing in Accra that African students in Russia were safe and engaged only in legitimate academic pursuits. Similarly, Russia’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Andrey Podyelyshev, dismissed reports of Nigerian involvement in the conflict as “misleading” earlier this year.

However, testimonies from returnees, families, and independent observers now paint a sharply different picture — one of vulnerability, deception, and exploitation.

Recruitment Through Soft Power Channels

Central to the controversy are institutions commonly referred to as Russian Houses, which operate across Africa promoting language training, scholarships, and cultural exchange. While officially recognised as legitimate platforms for cooperation, the INPACT report raises concerns that some may have doubled as recruitment pipelines.

According to the investigation, unsuspecting youths — many seeking education, employment, or better opportunities abroad — may have been lured with promises of scholarships or jobs, only to find themselves funneled into military roles upon arrival in Russia or occupied territories.

In Ghana, the report links recruitment patterns to academic partnerships with institutions such as Novosibirsk State Technical University. It claims that 272 Ghanaians joined Russian forces, with at least 55 confirmed dead.

Similarly troubling patterns were observed in Kenya, where revised figures show fatalities rising from an initial estimate of 10 to at least 16.

A Pattern of Denial and Rising Concern

Despite mounting evidence, Russian authorities have continued to deny any state-backed recruitment of Africans into the war. Analysts argue that this disconnect between official statements and emerging data is fueling mistrust and anxiety across African nations.

Security experts warn that the situation reflects a broader geopolitical struggle, where global powers increasingly compete for influence in Africa — sometimes at the expense of vulnerable populations.

“This is no longer just about diplomacy or cultural exchange,” a regional analyst noted. “It raises serious ethical and security questions about how foreign engagements are conducted and who ultimately bears the risk.”

Families Demand Answers

For many families across the continent, the revelations are deeply personal. Reports of missing sons, unexplained travel arrangements, and deaths in distant conflict zones have left communities grappling with grief and confusion.

In Nigeria and beyond, calls are growing louder for governments to investigate recruitment networks, regulate foreign exchange programmes, and provide stronger protections for citizens seeking opportunities abroad.

Background: Africa and the Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine War in February 2022, Africa has found itself in a delicate position. While most African countries have maintained neutral diplomatic stances, the war’s ripple effects have been deeply felt across the continent — from rising food and fuel prices to shifting alliances and increased foreign engagement.

Russia, in particular, has expanded its outreach in Africa through security partnerships, energy deals, and educational exchanges. Critics argue that these engagements, while beneficial on the surface, may also serve strategic interests tied to the war effort.

The latest findings now cast a shadow over some of those initiatives, raising urgent questions about transparency, accountability, and the true cost of global power struggles on African youth.

Calls for Transparency

As pressure mounts, observers insist that Russian diplomatic missions and affiliated organisations operating in Africa must provide clear, verifiable explanations.

For now, the report has ignited a continent-wide debate — not only about the fate of those already caught in the conflict, but about the safeguards needed to prevent further exploitation.

With hundreds reportedly dead and many more unaccounted for, the unfolding revelations mark a sobering chapter in Africa’s intersection with a distant war that is proving to be closer to home than many imagined.

Over 1,400 Africans Drawn Into Russia-Ukraine War, Hundreds Killed — Investigation Raises Alarm Across Continent

Berom militia kill another Fulani herder in Riyom, as community vow to attack soldiers for arresting 2 suspects

By: Zagazola Makama

A Fulani herder has been brutally killed in another round of unprovoked attack by Berom militia in Makera area of Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The incident, which occurred at about 11:55 a.m. on April 26, also left six cattle dead and about 20 others with gunshot wounds.

The attacks occurred two days after two local hunters were killed and another injured in an attack by suspected armed Fulani bandits in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, which was carried out in retaliation to an earlier attack by the Berom militia on Fulani herders and the rustling of 84 cattle in the same area.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE responded swiftly to the distress call and deployed to the scene.

“On arrival, troops discovered that one herder had been killed, six cattle were shot dead, while several others sustained gunshot injuries.

“Troops advanced and sighted five suspects fleeing towards Golhoss community. They pursued the suspects and successfully arrested two, while others escaped,” the sources said.

According to the sources, the corpse of the herder was recovered and handed over to the Secretary of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN).

They added that tension rose shortly after the arrest when women and youths from the community mobilised in large numbers and blocked the road in an attempt to attack soldiers and prevent the troops from taking away the suspects.

“The women and youths tried to obstruct the troops and stop the movement of the arrested suspects. However, the situation was later brought under control following the intervention of the youth leader and other peace-loving members of the community, who ensured the road was cleared,” the sources said.

The sources noted that the arrested suspects are currently in military custody for further investigation, while normalcy has been restored in the area under close military monitoring.

In a related development, another attack was recorded at about 4:00 p.m. the same day at Gero community in Jos South LGA, where suspected Berom militia attacked cattle, killing one cow and injuring three others with gunshot wounds.

Security sources warned that the prevailing situation in Riyom and Jos South LGAs retains the potential to trigger reprisals, given past incidents in the area, adding that troops have since dominated the affected communities and are engaging stakeholders to prevent escalation.

Further checks by Zagazola indicate that the latest incident is part of a growing pattern of attacks on Fulani pastoralists and their livestock in parts of Plateau State.

The attacks, however, followed a series of initial pledges by Barrister Solomon Dalyop Mwantiri, the National President of the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), who vowed to attack any Fulani grazing in any part of the Berom community.

Mr Mwantiri, in a widely circulated video, said that they (Berom youth) cannot guarantee peace and safety on the Plateau if Fulani continue grazing on their land. The warning followed the initial killing of seven persons in Dorowa Babuje village on Feb. 22, after gunmen suspected to be Fulani bandits opened fire on residents at a local relaxation spot.

Since then, every Fulani who comes to cross over into the community has been attacked. In most cases, cattle are rustled and the attackers, with support from community members and traditional rulers, sell off the stolen livestock through their networks in other states.

The back-to-back incidents reflect an entrenched pattern of attacks and reprisals involving Fulani and Berom local militia groups across parts of Plateau State.

At about 5:00 p.m. on April 23, troops of Sector 6 responded to a report of provocative grazing around Tahoos community in Riyom LGA. On arrival, the troops intercepted 34 cattle grazing without a herder within the community. The livestock were moved to the troops’ location for necessary action. Sources noted that the absence of a herder raised suspicions, with concerns that the owner may have either fled or been attacked.

In a related development, troops deployed at Ganawuri also responded at about 11:30 a.m. the same day to a report of destruction of cabbage farms belonging to two residents, Mr Haruna Badung and Mr Elisha Musa, in Bindi community of Riyom LGA.

Similarly, in Mangu Local Government Area, troops of Sector 8 responded at about 12:30 p.m. to a report of injuries to a local resident, Mrs Gift Zaphania, in a confrontation with a Fulani herder while fetching water at a stream in Maijankai village. The victim was found with injuries and was evacuated to a nearby clinic for medical attention. The herder reportedly fled on sighting troops, abandoning 29 cattle, which were taken into custody pending further action.

On April 22, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE arrested three Berom militia members and recovered 84 rustled cattle following an attack on a pastoralist in Riyom LGA. The troops, deployed at Dokku, responded to a report of cattle rustling behind Makera market and tracked the animals to a riverine area, where they were recovered and returned to the owner.

On April 21, 2026, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE neutralised two suspected armed Fulani bandits and recovered weapons around the Marit general area of Doruwa Babuje in parts of Plateau State, preventing potential attacks.

On April 20, 2026, troops under Sector 6 responded to an isolated attack on two civilians in Sabon Gida village, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State by Berom militia. On arrival, the troops discovered the corpse of one of the victims bearing machete injuries, while the second victim was reported to have escaped during the attack.

On April 19, a revenge attack was carried out as a 32-year-old man, identified as Mr Gideon Luka from Mangu but resident in Sabon Gida, was killed by Fulani attackers in an isolated attack along Sabon Gida axis in Gyel District of Plateau State.

On April 19, security operatives in Nasarawa State intercepted 11 cattle allegedly rustled from Bokkos in Plateau State, leading to the arrest of a suspect at Lafia cattle market. Investigations linked the livestock to a larger herd of 57 cattle rustled in May 2025. Acting on the tip-off, detectives swiftly mobilised to the market and arrested one Alhaji Ziya-U Inusa, a resident of Dengi in Plateau State, who was found in possession of eleven cows suspected to have been stolen. During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed that he purchased twelve cows from a paramount ruler in Plateau State (name withheld) but transported only eleven due to limited vehicle capacity.

Earlier, on April 16, troops responded to a rustling incident in Mangu LGA, although the suspects fled before the arrival of security forces.

On April 15, troops recovered 48 rustled cattle in Yelwa village, Heipang District of Barkin Ladi LGA, while on April 13, troops foiled an attempted rustling in Bassa LGA, recovering 92 cattle abandoned by fleeing suspects.

Berom militia kill another Fulani herder in Riyom, as community vow to attack soldiers for arresting 2 suspects