Two individuals arrested during a raid on the Abuja home of former Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva, remain in detention.

Operatives had stormed the residence on Saturday, October 25, 2025, arresting his younger brother, Paga, who serves as his Special Assistant on Domestic Affairs, as well as his driver. Sylva, a former Bayelsa governor and prominent member of the All Progressives Congress, was reportedly out of the country when the operation took place.

Sources familiar with developments said Sylva initially planned to return to the country, but cancelled his trip after learning that several suspected coup plotters had been picked up.

His media aide, Julius Bokoru, had confirmed the raid in a statement last week, denying Sylva’s involvement in any coup plot and accusing the military of destroying property during the operation. Bokoru alleged that some political actors were engaging in mischief because they viewed Sylva as a threat to their ambitions.

Speaking to The PUNCH on Sunday, Bokoru confirmed that the two detained aides were still being held. When asked if they had been released, he responded, “Not that I know of. As of last night (Saturday), they had not been released. I would have known if they were released.”

Pressed on why there had been no public call for their release despite no incriminating evidence reportedly found during the raid, he said, “I believe some lawyers are on the matter already.”

Earlier, on October 4, the Director of Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, had disclosed that 16 officers were in custody for violating military regulations and acts of indiscipline. However, SaharaReporters alleged that the officers, ranging from Captain to Brigadier-General, were being detained by the Defence Intelligence Agency over a suspected plan to topple the government and were apprehended at various locations nationwide.

Meanwhile, Niger Delta stakeholders, including former agitators, have condemned what they described as a smear campaign against the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, a former aide to Sylva.

After an emergency meeting in Port Harcourt on Sunday, the Critical Ex-agitators Stakeholders Coalition urged traditional rulers, political figures and regional leaders to support Ogbuku and resist efforts to destabilise the NDDC.

The coalition’s spokesman and Pioneer National Secretary of the First Phase Ex-Agitators, Nature Kieghe, called for unity, warning against “the pull-him-down syndrome,” saying “a house divided against itself can never stand.”

Kieghe highlighted Ogbuku’s record, stating that he is the first NDDC boss to introduce a needs assessment model that aligns projects with community priorities. He listed initiatives such as the Light Up Niger Delta project, which he said has boosted security and economic activities in rural areas.

“We cannot continue to fight ourselves and expect meaningful development,” Kieghe stated. “These stones being thrown at Dr Samuel Ogbuku are uncalled for. This is the time for all Niger Delta leaders to support him and encourage the good work he is doing.”

He also noted improvements in contractor payments, describing Ogbuku as prudent and suggesting critics were envious of his achievements. Kieghe added that the NDDC completed 311 projects across the nine states in the third quarter of 2024 alone, including infrastructure, renewable energy and water projects.

According to him, the commission has expanded youth empowerment schemes, revived its scholarship programme and launched an agricultural initiative aimed at food sustainability in the region. He further noted that most Niger Delta states now have NDDC office complexes “for faster and more effective service delivery.”

Kieghe urged regional leaders to guard against external influences and expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for supporting Ogbuku’s leadership, saying, “He has changed the narrative of the NDDC, and we appeal to you to continue to give him all the support he needs.”

The founder of one of Nigeria’s most renowned live bands, Akin Shuga, Akinloye Tofowomo, has passed away.

Information obtained by The Eagle Online indicates that Tofowomo died in New Brunswick, Canada after undergoing surgery.

The family confirmed his death in a statement issued on Monday. The statement, signed by Femi Dare on behalf of the family, noted that Tofowomo was born on January 6, 1975.

According to the statement, “It is with profound solemnity and total submission to the will of God, that the family of Akinloye Tofowomo (Akiin Shuga) — revered music icon, Grandmaster, and Managing Director of Shuga Limb Foundation and Shuga Entertainment, Nigeria’s most prestigious live band — announces his passing in New Brunswick, Canada.”

The tribute described him as a cultural pillar in the music industry, adding, “Akinloye Tofowomo was more than a musician; he was a custodian of rhythm, culture, and the spirit of performance. Across more than three decades of excellence — on stage and in mentorship — he redefined what it meant to lead a band with grace, mastery, and purpose. To countless admirers at home and abroad, he was both an inspiration and an institution: a true king in his art.”

The family appealed for privacy as they mourn, stating, “As the family comes to terms with this immeasurable loss, they humbly request privacy and quiet reflection at this deeply difficult time. They wish for the space to find closure and to honour his life in the intimacy of loved ones and cherished memories.”

They added that memorial arrangements will be announced later, saying, “Further details, including dates and arrangements for memorial observances, will be communicated in due course.”

Expressing gratitude to the public, the family stated, “The family extends heartfelt appreciation to all who have reached out with prayers, tributes, and kind words. Akinloye Tofowomo’s legacy — through the Shuga Band and Shuga Entertainment — will continue to live on.”

Tofowomo is survived by his wife, children, siblings, and mother. “May his noble soul find eternal rest,” the statement concluded.

Tofowomo, popularly known as Akiin Shuga, was a Nigerian singer, songwriter and music entrepreneur. He founded the celebrated Shuga Band in 1998 and also established the Shuga Limb Foundation, which supports individuals living with polio.

A protest broke out on Monday at the Peoples Democratic Party national secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Abuja, as supporters aligned with the faction loyal to PDP National Vice Chairman (North Central), Mohammed Abdulrahman, stormed the facility.

The protesters, singing solidarity songs, demanded the immediate exit of the National Working Committee led by Umar Damagum from the party headquarters.

Abdulrahman was recently announced as Acting National Chairman amid escalating leadership tensions in the party. His emergence followed the suspension of the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and the Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, for one month as internal disputes deepened.

In response, a rival group loyal to Anyanwu convened a separate meeting in Abuja where it declared the suspension of the Damagum-led NWC.

The protesting faction accused the Damagum leadership of mishandling party affairs and vowed to take control of the secretariat on behalf of the Abdulrahman camp.

Security operatives have since been deployed to the scene to avert possible clashes, as both sides continued to jostle for dominance at the party headquarters.

More to come…