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Army Dismisses Mutiny Threat Against Tinubu’s Govt

Published

5 hours ago

January 20, 2026

Eric

The Nigerian Army has dismissed as false and misleading an online report alleging threats of mutiny by soldiers over salaries and allowances, describing the claim as sensational and detrimental to national security.

The acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, said there has been no threat of mutiny within the Nigerian Army.

Anele said that such conduct is alien to its ethos, discipline and professionalism.

She said mutiny is a grave offence under military law and incompatible with the loyalty of Nigerian Army personnel to the Constitution and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

Anele explained that the report relied on anonymous and unverifiable claims circulated through non-official channels, which did not reflect the views or disposition of officers and soldiers who were trained to address grievances through established military procedures.

Anele clarified that promotion increments is only one component of military pay and should not be misrepresented as total earnings.

According to her, military remuneration includes consolidated salaries, rank-based allowances, operational, field and hardship allowances, as well as other entitlements that vary based on deployment, qualifications and responsibilities.

She said the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Armed Forces of Nigeria and relevant government authorities, is implementing structured welfare reforms, including periodic reviews of salaries and allowances, enhanced operational incentives, improved accommodation, medical care and insurance packages for troops and their families.

The army spokesperson added that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, had, since assuming office, initiated constructive engagements with relevant authorities on troop welfare, with positive outcomes already emerging.

Anele reaffirmed that the Federal government, under President Bola Tinubu, remains committed to the welfare and operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces amid evolving security challenges.

She urged the public to disregard unfounded reports and rely on official communication channels for accurate information on the Nigerian Army.

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2027: Oyegun Welcomes Edo Obidient Movement into ADC

Published

5 hours ago

January 20, 2026

Eric

National Leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chief John Oyegun, on Monday, said a new Nigeria is possible with the calibre of people joining the party.

Oyegun spoke in Benin at the mass entry of the members of the Obidient Movement into the ADC.

The former Chairman of the All Progressives Congress stressed that the Obedient Movement’s entry into the party in the State is a sign that the people are ready to join the struggle for a leadership change.

Oyegun, who noted that he is happy that the Obidient movement is joining the ADC, added: “A new Nigeria is truly possible. A few days ago, I was in the hall when a colourful and important personality, Dele Momodu, joined us.

“Today is the first time I saw youths who were committed to the nation-building. It is my first time meeting members of the Obidient Movement in this number. We are convinced that the youth of this country are ready.

“You have decided to take up the struggle yourself by joining the ADC. I am happy. I want to say that from the day the coalition came together, I have been convinced that we are on the right path.”

“I am sure you are not happy with what is happening in Nigeria and Edo State. Remember that the chairman said our one target is to save the country. We must start to make sure that, through the ADC, we make a new Nigeria possible.”

The State coordinator of Obidient Movement, Asemota Idiogbe, described ADC as the right party to battle APC in Edo and Nigeria.

He stated that he expects Peter Obi to become the party’s flagbearer and, eventually, the president of the country.

He said: “This is the right party to battle the APC in Edo and Nigeria. The ADC will take over Edo and the country. We expect Peter Obi to be the president. We are here to improve the party, not to ask for positions.

“We will influence the masses to vote for the ADC. The party is for people who want a better Nigeria. I want to let you know that the current leaders were the ones who made the Labour Party thick. Now that we have fused into the ADC, Labour is no more.

“We don’t share money to mobilise people. We are self-funded. Some of those who won on our platform betrayed us and joined the APC.”

State Chairman of the party, Kenneth Odion, commended the Obidient Movement for joining the ADC, noting that the party was poised to do well in the next election.

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Equity Health Group Acquires Europe Dental Ltd, to Launch Nationwide Retail Dental Clinics in Nigeria

Published

19 hours ago

January 19, 2026

Eric

Equity Health Group Ltd has announced the acquisition of Europe Dental Ltd, marking a significant milestone in its strategy to build one of Nigeria’s most comprehensive and technology-enabled healthcare platforms.

The acquisition will enable the rollout of a nationwide network of retail dental clinics, expanding access to high-quality oral healthcare across the country.

Founded and led by Dr. Fadi Ibrahim Nadar, Europe Dental Clinic has built a strong reputation for clinical excellence, modern dental technology, and patient-centered care. Under Equity Health Group’s ownership, the Europe Dental brand will be scaled beyond its existing footprint to serve communities across Nigeria, addressing a critical gap in accessible and affordable dental services.

Speaking on the transaction, Dr. Fadi Ibrahim Nadar, CEO and Founder of Europe Dental Clinic, described the acquisition as a transformative moment for the company.

This acquisition represents a defining chapter in the journey of Europe Dental Clinic. Our founding vision was to deliver world-class dental care rooted in clinical excellence and trust.

Partnering with Equity Health Group allows us to scale that vision nationally, reaching millions of Nigerians who currently lack access to quality dental services. With Equity’s infrastructure and long-term commitment to healthcare transformation, we are positioned to set new benchmarks for affordability, accessibility, and clinical outcomes.”

The acquisition aligns with Equity Health Group’s broader ambition to create an integrated healthcare ecosystem spanning multiple levels of care. Beyond dental practices, the Group is executing a nationwide expansion plan that includes primary care clinics, specialist hospitals, eye clinics, containerised and mobile clinics, and AI-powered telemedicine platforms designed to extend care to underserved and remote communities.

Dr. Princess Ibe, Group Chief Executive Officer of Equity Health Group Ltd, emphasized the strategic importance of oral healthcare within the Group’s expansion agenda.

“The acquisition of Europe Dental Ltd is a deliberate and strategic step in building Nigeria’s most comprehensive healthcare platform. Oral health remains one of the most underserved aspects of public health, yet it is fundamental to overall wellbeing. Europe Dental brings strong clinical governance, a trusted brand, and proven expertise that align perfectly with our vision.

Our objective goes beyond individual clinics. Equity Health Group is building a scalable, technology-driven healthcare system that integrates clinics, hospitals, dental and eye care, containerised facilities, and AI-powered telemedicine. This approach enables us to deliver highquality healthcare efficiently, affordably, and at scale—across both urban and rural Nigeria.”

The integration of Europe Dental into Equity Health Group’s portfolio is expected to accelerate the development of standardized, retail-focused dental clinics, leveraging shared infrastructure, digital health tools, and centralized clinical governance. The rollout will support improved patient outcomes while contributing to Nigeria’s broader healthcare capacity and resilience.

With this acquisition, Equity Health Group reinforces its commitment to transforming
healthcare delivery in Nigeria through strategic acquisitions, innovative care models, and advanced technology, positioning the Group as a leading force in the country’s evolving healthcare landscape.

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Nigeria Mourns As Imam Abubakar Abdullahi, Who Sheltered Multiple Christians, Dies at 90

Published

1 day ago

January 19, 2026

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

Nigerians are mourning celebrated Muslim cleric, Imam Abdullahi Abubakar, who is reputed for sheltering 262 Christians during the 2018 sectarian attacks in Plateau State.

Abubakar, who held the post of the Chief Imam of Nghar village in the Barkin Ladi local government area of the state, passed away after a brief illness at the age of 92

Confirming his death, one of his sons, Saleh Abubakar, said his father died on Thursday night at the Plateau Specialist Hospital, Jos, 10 days after he was admitted.

Imam Abubakar, who was also a herder, left behind 19 children including 12 boys and 7 girls.

The late Islamic cleric rose to prominence following his extraordinary act of courage on June 23, 2018, when armed assailants attacked several communities in Barkin Ladi LGA, leaving dozens dead.

Following the announcement of his death, Nigerians from all walks of life including Christians, have risen stoutly to eulogise his life and times, crediting greatness, humanity and purposeful living to the nonagenarian.

Leading the long list of mourners, President Bola Tinubu expressed sorrow over the death of the Chief Imam of Nghar village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State just as Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, have also expressed sadness over his death, describing him as a true hero of humanity.

Tinubu, in a condolence message shared on X by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the cleric as an extraordinary religious leader whose life was a powerful testament to faith, courage, and the sanctity of human life.

“At such a time when tribal and religious tendencies seemed to overwhelm reason, Imam Abubakar stood firmly on the side of peace, benevolence, and conscience,” the President said.

He noted that despite the grave danger to his own life, the cleric chose compassion over division and love over hatred.

“Mindless of the enormous risk to his own life, the noble cleric chose humanity over division, love as opposed to hatred, and embrace rather than rejection. His heroic feat underlines the essence of true faith, resonating louder than sermons in a salient message to the world at large,” Tinubu added.

Tinubu urged religious and community leaders across the country to emulate the late Imam’s example by promoting tolerance, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence.

Atiku, in his message which was also shared on X, said the cleric lived a life that transcended religious divides and affirmed our shared humanity. The former vice president urged Nigerians, particularly religious leaders, to recommit to the ideals the late cleric embodied in inter-faith harmony, mutual respect, and an unwavering defence of the sanctity of every human life.

On his part, Obi described the late Imam as a beacon of light, “reminding us that the core of Islam is peace and the protection of the vulnerable.” He called on Nigerians to embrace love, unity, and peaceful coexistence in honour of the late Islamic cleric, adding that what Imam Abubakar did was exactly the expectations of citizens from their leaders; protect life and property.

In a condolence message, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, said Imam Abubakar’s commitment to interfaith harmony and protection of the vulnerable earned him the respect of Nigerians and the global community.

Mutfwang added that Abubakar’s passing “has left a significant void in Barkin Ladi,” urging residents to uphold the values of compassion, tolerance, and unity that he embodied.

“On behalf of my family, the government, and the people of Plateau State, I extend my deepest condolences to the family and all those mourning the loss,” the governor said. “May Almighty God grant them comfort and strength to bear this painful loss.”

Also expressing heartfelt sympathies, Chairman of the Plateau State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN), Yusuf Babayo, described the death of Imam Abdullahi as painful and a significant loss to the Muslim Ummah.

“It is difficult to get a leader like Imam Abdullahi. He was an elder statesman whose valuable contribution to peace in the state will be greatly missed,” Babayo said.

“He did not discriminate and treated everybody as his own, irrespective of religious differences. The vacuum created by his death cannot be filled by anyone in the state.”

In his reaction on behalf of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Plateau State Secretary Rev. Simon Julius, described the late Imam as a rare figure whose courage and legacy transcended religious boundaries.

“In every religion, there are good and bad. For us, the late Imam will be remembered for his courage and for saving human lives,” Rev. Julius said. He also sympathised with the Muslim Ummah over the loss and urged individuals to emulate the lifestyle of Imam Abdullahi for the betterment of Plateau State and Nigeria at large.

The Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) Plateau State chapter also expressed shock at his passing, while submitting to the will of Allah SWT. In a statement signed by its Secretary, Dr. Salim Musa Umar, JNI described the late Imam as an exceptional leader who demonstrated compassion during a trying period for his community.

“He was credited with hiding over 200 Christians in his mosque during one of the most devastating ethno-religious conflicts in Plateau State, the statement read.

“On behalf of the chairman and Emir of Wase, JNI extends its condolences to his family, Plateau State, and Nigeria. No doubt, we have lost a rare gem. Humanity will never forget his sacrifices, and history will remember him positively.”

Late Imam Abubakar Abdullahi has since been buried in Nghar village, Barkin Ladi LGA, the Jumma’at Prayer in his honour.

IMAM ABDULLAHI ABUBAKAR IN BRIEF

Imam Abdullahi Abubakar was born in 1936 in Bauchi, Northern Region, Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria.

Imam Abubakar was the Chief Imam of Akwatti Mosque in Nghar, a community in Barkin Ladi local government area of Plateau State.

In 2018, there was an attack on Yelwan Gindi Akwati, Swei and Nghar villages where 80 persons were killed by suspected bandits.

The Imam was able to save the lives of 262 people, predominantly Christians from the Birom tribe, by sheltering them in his mosque as attackers roamed the villages.

In July 2019, Imam Abdullahi Abubakar received the International Religious Freedom Award from the United States government, which is granted to supporters of religious freedom, together with four other religious leaders from Sudan, Iraq, Brazil, and Cyprus.

In August 2019, President Buhari authorized the inclusion of Imam Abdullahi Abubakar in the membership of the national Ulama committee and was part of an 80-man Ulama committee charged with the responsibility of educating Nigerian pilgrims in Mina during the 2019 Hajj.

Imam Abubakar received many other awards during his lifetime, including US International Religious Freedom Award (2019), Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) and an Award of Excellence.

He died on January 15, 2026 after a brief illness.