metro

Democracy Day: FG Declares June 12 Public Holiday

Published

2 hours ago

June 11, 2026

Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo

Democracy Day: FG Declares June 12 Public Holiday

The Federal Government has declared Friday, June 12, 2026, as a public holiday to mark this year’s Democracy Day celebration in Nigeria.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on behalf of the Federal Government, in a statement released in Abuja.

According to the statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Magdalene Ajani, Democracy Day remains a significant milestone in Nigeria’s political history, symbolising the country’s long struggle for democratic governance.

The government said the day honours the courage, resilience and sacrifices of Nigerians who played key roles in the return to civilian rule, particularly in connection with the historic events surrounding the June 12, 1993 presidential election.

It added that the legacy of June 12 continues to shape Nigeria’s democratic values, including accountability, civic responsibility, and respect for the rule of law.

Minister Tunji-Ojo reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening democracy in Nigeria, stressing that the administration remains focused on promoting transparency, accountability, inclusive governance, and the rule of law.

READ ALSO:

He also assured Nigerians that security agencies have been directed to intensify surveillance and operational readiness across the country to ensure the safety of lives and property during the holiday period.

According to him, a secure environment remains essential for sustaining democracy and supporting national development.

The minister urged Nigerians to use the Democracy Day celebration as an opportunity for reflection and renewed commitment to national unity, lawful conduct, and civic responsibility.

He encouraged citizens to continue supporting democratic institutions, noting that the strength of any democracy depends on the participation and character of its people.

“As we mark this historic day, every Nigerian is encouraged to remain law-abiding, uphold the institutions that sustain our democracy, and remember that the strength of any democracy lies ultimately in the character of its citizens,” he said.

Democracy Day is observed annually on June 12 in honour of Nigeria’s democratic journey and the significance of the 1993 election, widely regarded as a turning point in the nation’s political development.

Democracy Day: FG Declares June 12 Public Holiday

Related Topics:Democracy Day public holiday

Up Next

Sirika Trial: Nigeria Air Aircraft Chartered From Ethiopian Airlines for 3-Day Display – EFCC Witness

Don't Miss

Senate Vacates Mele Kyari Arrest Warrant, Disowns Oshiomhole’s Remarks on NNPCL

metro

Shocking Revelation: Ex-DSS Director Recounts How Sani Abacha Died

Published

26 minutes ago

June 11, 2026

Trends Admin

General Sani Abacha

Shocking Revelation: Ex-DSS Director Recounts How Sani Abacha Died

Nearly three decades after the sudden death of Nigeria’s former military Head of State, General Sani Abacha, a former Assistant Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) , Dennis Amachree, has come forward with what he describes as the only credible eyewitness account of what really happened on that fateful day, dismissing long-standing claims that Abacha was poisoned. Amachree made the disclosure in his newly released book and spoke about it during an interview with TVC News. He said many accounts of Abacha’s death that have circulated over the past 28 years were based on speculation rather than firsthand knowledge of the facts. According to him, evidence gathered after Abacha’s death pointed conclusively to a heart attack. In his statement, Amachree declared: “A lot of people have come up with different stories about what happened, but they were not aware of the facts. They were looking at events from the outside and drawing conclusions. Some even claimed certain actions caused his death, but they are not doctors and cannot say with certainty what killed him.” Abacha died on June 8, 1998, while serving as Nigeria’s military Head of State. The circumstances surrounding his sudden death have remained a subject of intense public debate and speculation for nearly three decades, with numerous theories emerging over the years – ranging from poisoning by concubines to a handshake with a foreign agent.

Amachree revealed that investigators questioned a woman who was reportedly with Abacha shortly before he died, describing her testimony as the only direct eyewitness account of what transpired in the room. According to him, the woman had arrived at the residence with her sister, who was said to be acquainted with the former military ruler. “The girl who was with him when he died was later brought to me for questioning. When she entered my office, the first thing she said was, ‘I did not kill him.’ She was very direct about it,” Amachree recalled. The former DSS official said he found the woman’s account credible after conducting extensive questioning and saw no reason to doubt her version of events. “I had to believe her because she had no reason to lie to me. I did not create an atmosphere that would make her feel threatened. Her account remains the only true eyewitness account of what happened because nobody else was in that room with them,” he explained.

READ ALSO:

Based on the woman’s testimony and findings from the investigation, Amachree concluded that Abacha died of natural causes. “From everything she told me and from what I gathered during the investigation, I strongly believe it was a heart attack. She did not know he was dead while she was with him, but later realized something was wrong. In my assessment, his death was the result of a heart attack,” he stated. This conclusion directly contradicts many popular theories, including the widely circulated claim that Abacha was poisoned by women who served him apples shortly before his death.

Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, Abacha’s former Chief Security Officer (CSO), has offered a different narrative over the years. He claimed that Abacha’s health collapsed after he shook hands with a security personnel who accompanied Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat to Abuja on June 7, 1998. According to Al-Mustapha: “Shortly after the handshake, I noticed the change in the countenance of the late Commander-in-Chief, and I immediately informed the Aide-de-Camp, Lt. Col. Abdallah, who advised that we keep a close watch on him.” Al-Mustapha described how Abacha became unstable in the early hours of June 8. Despite efforts by his personal physician, Dr. Wali, who administered two doses of injection – one at the heart and another close to his neck – the former leader could not be revived. Al-Mustapha has also dismissed the apple-poisoning rumor, stating: “The issue of my boss dying on top of women was a great lie just as the insinuation that General Sani Abacha ate and died of poisoned apples was equally a wicked lie.” However, Amachree has publicly rejected Al-Mustapha’s handshake theory, stating simply: “Al-Mustapha is not a doctor” and cannot confidently attribute Abacha’s death to a handshake.

In 2021, former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode made explosive claims on social media, alleging that Abacha was murdered by one of Arafat’s bodyguards who administered poison through a handshake. Fani-Kayode further alleged that the act was carried out with the knowledge of the United States, Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) , and two former Nigerian Heads of State. He also claimed that the same parties were responsible for the death of MKO Abiola. Fani-Kayode tweeted: “Gen. Sani Abacha was killed by one of late Yasser Arafat’s bodyguards. He administered poison to him through a handshake. This was done at the behest of the CIA. Two former Nigerian Heads of State and a former Head of Military Intelligence who are also CIA agents knew about the plan.”

A key factor in the enduring mystery is the absence of a formal autopsy. Abacha’s personal physician, Professor Sadiq Suleiman (also referred to as Dr. Wali), had reportedly pushed for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death, but the family declined, opting for a quick burial in accordance with Islamic rites. When asked about the poisoning rumors involving ladies, Professor Wali stated: “When I entered [Abacha’s premises], there were no ladies. It might be true but I did not see them. Concerning the poison, as I said no post-mortem has been done, so I couldn’t assure whether he was poisoned or it was a heart attack.” This lack of forensic evidence has allowed multiple theories to flourish, with no single account ever being definitively proven. Amachree’s account, while compelling as an investigative conclusion, does not constitute medical proof. As Professor Wali himself conceded: “It’s very difficult to say [whether he died of natural causes].” For clarity, the competing narratives can be summarized as follows: Dennis Amachree (Ex-DSS Assistant Director) claims heart attack based on credible eyewitness testimony from the woman present; Hamza Al-Mustapha (former CSO to Abacha) claims a handshake with Arafat’s bodyguard triggered health collapse; Femi Fani-Kayode (former Aviation Minister) claims Abacha was poisoned by Arafat’s bodyguard at the CIA’s behest; and Professor Sadiq Suleiman (Abacha’s personal physician) confirms raised cardiac enzymes were detected but no autopsy was performed.

Key events in this enduring mystery include: on June 7, 1998, Abacha reportedly shook hands with Arafat’s security personnel at Abuja airport; in the early hours of June 8, 1998, Abacha became unstable and his personal physician was unable to revive him; later on June 8, 1998, General Sani Abacha was pronounced dead and the family declined an autopsy; in 2017, Al-Mustapha gave a detailed account of the handshake theory; in 2021, Fani-Kayode alleged a CIA-led poisoning plot; and on June 10, 2026, ex-DSS Director Amachree revealed the eyewitness account in his book and TVC interview.

Nearly three decades after Abacha’s death, the exact cause remains officially undetermined due to the absence of a post-mortem examination. However, Amachree’s firsthand account of the investigation – centered on the testimony of the woman present in the room – provides the most direct evidence to date pointing to a heart attack rather than foul play. As Amachree himself noted, only a medical professional could have determined the true cause of death, but the circumstances of the time – including the family’s insistence on a quick burial – prevented that from happening. For now, Nigerians must weigh the competing narratives: the ex-DSS officer’s eyewitness-based conclusion of natural causes, Al-Mustapha’s handshake-triggered illness theory, and Fani-Kayode’s international conspiracy allegation.

Shocking Revelation: Ex-DSS Director Recounts How Sani Abacha Died

metro

Sirika Trial: Nigeria Air Aircraft Chartered From Ethiopian Airlines for 3-Day Display – EFCC Witness

Published

1 hour ago

June 11, 2026

Trends Admin

Hadi Sirika, former Minister of Aviation

Sirika Trial: Nigeria Air Aircraft Chartered From Ethiopian Airlines for 3-Day Display – EFCC Witness

An investigator with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has told the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja that the aircraft unveiled as Nigeria Air in May 2023 was not owned by the proposed national carrier but was instead chartered from Ethiopian Airlines for a brief three-day promotional display.

The witness, Christopher Odofin, the 12th prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika, gave the testimony on Wednesday before Justice Sylvanus Oriji.

The EFCC is prosecuting Sirika on a six-count amended charge bordering on alleged abuse of office and misappropriation of over ₦2 billion connected to the Nigeria Air project. Also listed as defendants are his daughter, Fatima Sirika; his son-in-law, Hamma Jalal Sule; and their company, Al Buraq Global Investment Limited.

Odofin told the court that investigators obtained documents from Ethiopian Airlines showing that the aircraft used for the Nigeria Air unveiling was strictly provided for a short-term static display in Abuja.

According to the agreement read in court, the aircraft departed Addis Ababa on May 26, 2023, arrived in Abuja on May 27, remained for display until May 28, and departed Nigeria again on May 29, 2023. He quoted portions of the agreement, noting that the aircraft was positioned in Abuja for a temporary branding exercise and later returned to Ethiopia after the display period.

READ ALSO:

The EFCC witness further explained that the arrangement included Ethiopian Airlines crew operating the flight in their uniforms, while Nigerian organisers were permitted to stage a ceremonial presentation using models dressed in Nigeria Air branding uniforms. He added that the deal was signed on May 24, 2023, just days before the end of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration on May 29, 2023.

Odofin also told the court that investigators believe the timing of the Nigeria Air unveiling was deliberately arranged to coincide with the end of Sirika’s tenure as Aviation Minister. He stated that the aircraft remained in Abuja for less than 72 hours before the Nigeria Air livery was removed and the plane was returned to Addis Ababa.

The EFCC said it obtained supporting documents from Ethiopian Airlines through a formal request dated June 12, 2023, as part of its investigation into the controversial national carrier project.

The prosecution also tendered multiple exhibits, including documents and a compact disc allegedly containing a voice note linked to Sirika. The exhibits were admitted without objection from the defence team, while the prosecution applied for the voice recording to be played at the next hearing.

The case was adjourned for continuation before Justice Oriji, as the court proceeds with hearing further testimony in the ongoing trial over alleged financial misconduct linked to the Nigeria Air project.

metro

Senate Vacates Mele Kyari Arrest Warrant, Disowns Oshiomhole’s Remarks on NNPCL

Published

3 hours ago

June 11, 2026

Trends Admin

Former NNPCL GCEO Mele Kyari

Senate Vacates Mele Kyari Arrest Warrant, Disowns Oshiomhole’s Remarks on NNPCL

The Senate has withdrawn the arrest warrant earlier issued against former NNPCL GCEO Mele Kyari and formally distanced itself from comments made by Senator Adams Oshiomhole describing the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) as “a bunch of criminals and thieves.”

The development marks a significant twist in the ongoing Senate probe into the financial records and transactions of the state-owned oil company, particularly audit queries linked to an alleged ₦210 trillion discrepancy in NNPCL accounts between 2017 and 2023.

The arrest warrant had been issued by the Senate Committee on Public Accounts after lawmakers expressed frustration over Kyari’s repeated failure to appear before the panel investigating the audit observations. The committee, chaired by Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, adopted a motion sponsored by Senator Victor Umeh, who argued that the investigation could not continue indefinitely without the appearance of key individuals involved in the management of the company during the period under review.

According to Umeh, Nigerians deserve answers regarding questions raised in the audited financial statements of the national oil company, insisting that the committee had exhausted all reasonable efforts to secure Kyari’s attendance.

However, the Senate has now clarified that the warrant was not a resolution of the entire upper legislative chamber but a decision taken by the Public Accounts Committee in the course of its investigation. Sources within the National Assembly indicated that the Senate leadership moved to correct public perception and underscore that committee actions should not automatically be interpreted as decisions of the full Senate.

The controversy intensified during the committee hearing when Senator Tony Nwoye informed lawmakers that Kyari was receiving medical treatment in Germany and was therefore unable to attend the session.

READ ALSO:

Nwoye told the committee that he had spoken with the former NNPCL chief about a week earlier and that Kyari had initially indicated his willingness to appear before lawmakers. According to him, he later learned that Kyari had been hospitalized abroad, a development that prevented his attendance.

The disclosure sparked a heated exchange within the committee as Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi accused Nwoye of appearing to defend the former NNPCL boss. Nwoye rejected the allegation, insisting that he was merely providing information available to him and was not acting as Kyari’s representative.

Following the issuance of the warrant, Kyari responded through a letter addressed to the committee chairman, maintaining that he never deliberately ignored the Senate’s invitation.

The former NNPCL boss explained that he had formally communicated his medical condition to the committee in a letter dated May 11, 2026, notifying lawmakers that he was undergoing treatment outside Nigeria. He stated that he remained willing to appear before the committee immediately upon his return to the country.

Kyari also claimed that he had not received some of the invitations reportedly sent to him by the committee and stressed that he would have honoured any invitation that reached him.

Meanwhile, the Senate committee continued its hearing with testimony from former NNPCL Chief Finance Officer, Umar Ajiya Isa, who strongly rejected claims that ₦210 trillion was missing from NNPCL accounts.

According to Ajiya, reports suggesting that such an amount had disappeared were based on a misunderstanding of accounting entries and financial classifications contained in the company’s audited reports.

He explained that NNPCL generated approximately ₦54.5 trillion in revenue during the period under review, making claims of a ₦210 trillion shortfall mathematically impossible.

Ajiya stated that the disputed figures largely related to accounting entries involving accrued expenses and receivables recorded across various entities within the company’s structure. He insisted that all transactions were properly documented and could be verified through existing financial records.

The former finance chief also dismissed allegations that NNPCL spent ₦5.8 billion on its transition from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited. According to him, the actual cost was about ₦2.9 billion, paid directly to government agencies including the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

The Senate investigation stems from audit queries raised by the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation regarding the financial operations of NNPCL between 2017 and 2023. Lawmakers are currently examining 19 separate audit issues covering receivables, accrued expenses and other financial transactions.

Adding to the controversy were comments reportedly made by Senator Oshiomhole during Wednesday’s proceedings. The former Edo State governor was quoted as describing the NNPCL as “a bunch of criminals and thieves” and allegedly demanded that Kyari be brought before the committee “dead or alive.”

The remarks drew widespread reactions and prompted a response from NNPCL, which defended its integrity and rejected any suggestion that the organisation was involved in criminal activities.

In distancing itself from the comments, the Senate emphasized that Oshiomhole’s statements reflected his personal views and should not be construed as the official position of the Red Chamber.

With the arrest warrant now withdrawn, attention is expected to shift back to the substance of the ongoing investigation as lawmakers continue efforts to resolve questions surrounding the audit observations and financial records of Nigeria’s national oil company.