The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has cautioned the federal government against using the alleged coup plot as a pretext to target opposition figures or silence dissenting voices.

In a statement issued on Monday, the party’s national publicity secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said while the ADC strongly condemns any attempt to undermine Nigeria’s democratic order, the government must not exploit the situation to instil fear or gain political advantage under the guise of protecting national security.

“The ADC has been following reports of an alleged coup plot involving some arrested military officers and claims that a former southern governor is under investigation for allegedly funding them,” the statement said.

Abdullahi warned that, although the ADC opposes actions capable of threatening Nigeria’s constitutional order, it remains concerned about the potential use of such allegations to justify political witch-hunts, suppress dissent, or manipulate public opinion.

He expressed concern over conflicting statements from government officials, noting that the defence headquarters’ denial of knowledge of any coup plot had raised doubts about the credibility of the reports.

According to him, the government’s silence on the issue has allowed the rumour to spread unchecked, fuelling suspicions that the entire narrative may be politically motivated.

“What appears clear is that the government is using the coup narrative to divert attention from widespread misgovernance and to curry public sympathy,” he said.

Abdullahi added that reports linking unnamed politicians to the alleged plot could be exploited to justify clampdowns or surveillance on opposition figures.

He cautioned that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) must not allow its “desperation” to hold on to power to endanger democracy or citizens’ rights.

“The government has a duty to clarify the true nature of the alleged coup and address the nation transparently if any threat truly exists,” he said. “It must desist from weaponising national security to silence political opposition.”

The ADC reaffirmed its commitment to defending Nigeria’s democracy, saying it would support any legitimate measures aimed at protecting the constitution while rejecting all forms of dictatorship, whether military or civilian.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, has urged legal authorities to sanction Aloy Ejimakor, one of the lawyers representing detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, for what he described as a breach of professional ethics.

Ejimakor had joined protesters in Abuja on Monday, demanding the release of Kanu, who has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his re-arrest in 2021.

In a post on X, Onanuga said he saw Ejimakor among a “small group of protesters” mobilised by activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore.

> “I wonder what Mr. Ejimakor was thinking when he decided to join this shambolic protest,” Onanuga wrote.
“As a lawyer, he should be aware of the principle of sub judice, particularly in relation to the ongoing treason case before the court.”

He noted that while the prosecution has already concluded its case, it was now the responsibility of Kanu’s lawyers — including Ejimakor — to focus on presenting a strong defence, rather than resorting to what he termed “extra-legal tactics.”

> “Rather than focusing on preparing a strong case, Mr. Ejimakor has resorted to extra-legal tactics, joining a career anarchist, to influence the process,” Onanuga said.
“Ejimakor’s action questions his adherence to professional ethics. Legal authorities should consider appropriate sanctions for the unethical conduct of the bearded lawyer.”

The presidential aide’s comments follow heightened calls for Kanu’s release and growing public attention on the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow movement, which has seen several activists and sympathisers take to the streets.

Meanwhile, Ejimakor said he had been arrested alongside other protesters and taken to the FCT police command at No. 1 Zaria Street, Garki 2, Abuja, before being released later in the day.

The Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), which oversees professional conduct among lawyers, may be expected to review Onanuga’s complaint if formally lodged.

Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), remains in detention on charges bordering on treasonable felony.

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) on Monday arrested two journalists working with Agence France-Presse (AFP) while they were covering the ongoing #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

The journalists were identified as Nick Roll, an American correspondent, and John Okunyomih, a Nigerian videographer.

According to TheCable, the duo were stationed at the entrance of Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Maitama, documenting scenes as police fired teargas to disperse protesters demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Eyewitnesses said the officers aggressively confronted the journalists, damaging their equipment in the process. Their mobile phones were also seized, and their teargas protection gear forcefully removed.

Roll was later released at the scene, while Okunyomih was reportedly taken to the FCT Command Criminal Investigation Department (CID), where he was detained for several hours before being freed.

During the same protest, police also arrested Aloy Ejimakor, one of Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyers, who had been participating in the peaceful demonstration.

Earlier in the day, security operatives fired teargas canisters at commuters and activists gathered in parts of Abuja’s Central Business District, as the protest commenced. Some of the commuters were said to have been caught in the chaos while waiting for vehicles to take them to work.

The protest — spearheaded by Omoyele Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters and former presidential candidate — seeks the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu, who has been held by the Department of State Services (DSS) since his re-arrest in June 2021.

Kanu faces multiple charges before the Federal High Court, Abuja, including treasonable felony and terrorism-related offences, following his long-running agitation for an independent Biafra state.

As of press time, neither the FCT Police Command nor the AFP bureau in Abuja had issued an official statement regarding the arrests or damage to equipment.

The incident has sparked widespread criticism from journalists’ associations and human rights advocates, who described the arrests as another attempt to stifle press freedom and civic expression in Nigeria.