Nigeria News (Standard)
Ex-DSS Director Dennis Amachree Dismisses Claims Abacha Was Poisoned, Attributes Death to Heart Attack
Former DSS official says investigation found no evidence of poisoning, as 28-year-old rumours around Abacha’s death persist
Former DSS official says investigation found no evidence of poisoning, as 28-year-old rumours around Abacha’s death persist
Former Assistant Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Dennis Amachree, has dismissed long-standing claims that former Head of State, General Sani Abacha, was poisoned, stating that official investigations indicated he died from a heart attack. Amachree made this revelation in Lagos during an interview on Wednesday while discussing his newly released book.
According to Amachree, security investigations conducted at the time of Abacha’s sudden death in Abuja on June 8, 1998 relied on the testimony of a woman who was reportedly with the late military ruler shortly before he died. He said her account—collected through extensive interrogation by DSS officers—remained consistent and did not support any allegations of assassination or poisoning. “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 recounted.
General Sani Abacha’s death at age 54 has remained one of Nigeria’s most debated political mysteries, fuelling widespread speculation due to the absence of public autopsy results and secrecy surrounding the incident. Over the years, different versions circulated—including claims that he ate a poisoned apple supplied by foreign agents or political adversaries—but these have not been substantiated by any official findings.
Amachree insisted that all available evidence pointed towards a natural cause: “From everything she told me and from what I gathered during the investigation, I strongly believe it was a heart attack,” he said. He maintained that security agencies found no proof supporting theories of deliberate poisoning or conspiracy against the former leader.
Abacha ruled Nigeria from November 1993 until his death in June 1998. His tenure was marked by allegations of human rights abuses and corruption but also credited by some supporters for maintaining economic stability and boosting foreign reserves. The former DSS director’s comments add new perspective to ongoing debates but are unlikely to fully resolve public interest in one of Nigeria’s most contentious political deaths.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Oshiomhole Denies Forgery of Senators’ Signatures in Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Suspension Saga
Former APC National Chairman dismisses allegations of manipulated signatures linked to Senate decision on Kogi lawmaker
Former APC National Chairman dismisses allegations of manipulated signatures linked to Senate decision on Kogi lawmaker
Senator Adams Oshiomhole has refuted claims that signatures of his colleagues were forged in the controversy surrounding the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District. The incident, which has generated heated debate within the Senate, occurred in Abuja on Wednesday.
The matter unfolded after reports circulated alleging that some senators’ signatures were falsified to push through a resolution suspending Akpoti-Uduaghan. The Senate was thrown into debate over the authenticity of the process, with concerns raised about due procedure and transparency. Oshiomhole, a former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), insisted there was no forgery involved and called for calm among lawmakers and the public.
The suspension saga has drawn attention due to its implications for legislative conduct and internal democracy within Nigeria’s upper legislative chamber. Many Nigerians have expressed concern about possible manipulation within the National Assembly, especially given recent tensions between ruling and opposition parties.
Oshiomhole said at a press briefing that all signatures appended to the Senate’s decision were authentic and properly obtained. He maintained that “no senator’s signature was forged or used without consent,” urging critics to verify facts before spreading unsubstantiated allegations. As at press time, no official statement had been released by Akpoti-Uduaghan or her aides regarding Oshiomhole’s position.
The Senate is expected to further review its internal procedures in light of this controversy. Political observers say the outcome may shape future disciplinary processes for lawmakers accused of misconduct, as well as public trust in legislative proceedings.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Firefighters, Seadogs Launch Safety Campaign in Amuwo-Odofin, Urge Residents on Prevention
Federal Fire Service partners National Association of Seadogs to educate Mile 2 Estate community on household fire hazards
Federal Fire Service partners National Association of Seadogs to educate Mile 2 Estate community on household fire hazards
Fire safety experts and the National Association of Seadogs (NAS) have called on Lagos residents to prioritise fire prevention, warning that negligence and ignorance remain major causes of outbreaks. The message was delivered at a fire safety sensitisation event held on Monday at Mile 2 Estate in Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area, where officials from the Federal Fire Service (FFS) Lagos Command joined NAS to address the community.
During the campaign, organisers explained that while some fires are accidental, a significant number result from careless handling of flammable materials and lack of adherence to basic safety guidelines. Mr. Oghene Michael, Operations Officer of Festac Fire Station, led a lecture highlighting the dangers of common household items such as cooking gas, Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), curtains, clothing and furniture. “Many materials we use every day can catch fire easily if not handled properly,” Michael said at the event. He stressed that gases in particular can be especially dangerous due to their ability to spread quickly and ignite with minimal spark.
The programme included demonstrations on fire extinguisher use and advice on safe storage of combustible items. Residents were urged to avoid storing PMS or gas cylinders inside living spaces and to ensure electrical wiring met safety standards. Organisers also cautioned against leaving cooking unattended or overloading electrical sockets — practices they identified as frequent contributors to domestic fire incidents in Lagos.
According to NAS representatives, the collaboration with FFS is part of a broader commitment to community safety across Lagos State. They noted a rise in reported household fires during recent dry seasons, which have caused property loss and displacement for affected families. “We want people to see prevention as their responsibility, not just something for government agencies,” one official said.
The FFS Lagos Command advised residents to report fire emergencies promptly using official hotlines and encouraged regular participation in safety trainings. As at June 2026, authorities say heightened awareness and early intervention remain key strategies for reducing casualties and property damage from fires in densely populated urban areas like Amuwo-Odofin.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Opposition Lawmakers Accuse Tinubu of Focusing on 2027 Election Over Nigeria’s Current Challenges
PDP and LP representatives claim urgent national issues are sidelined as president meets stakeholders in Warri, Delta State
PDP and LP representatives claim urgent national issues are sidelined as president meets stakeholders in Warri, Delta State
Opposition lawmakers have accused President Bola Tinubu of placing more attention on his 2027 re-election ambitions rather than addressing pressing national problems. This criticism surfaced on Wednesday during a stakeholders’ meeting held with Ijaw and Urhobo leaders in Warri Federal Constituency, Delta State.
The lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) said the president’s recent engagements, including high-profile consultations in the South-South zone, appear aimed at consolidating his political base ahead of the next general elections. According to them, these moves come at a time when Nigerians are demanding concrete action on economic hardship, insecurity, and failing infrastructure.
The opposition’s concerns follow President Tinubu’s meeting with traditional rulers and community representatives in Warri, which was intended to address local grievances and foster support for ongoing federal projects. However, PDP and LP members argue that such events are being prioritised over urgent interventions required to tackle inflation, unemployment, and security threats across various regions.
No official response has been issued by the presidency regarding these allegations. Meanwhile, government allies maintain that the president remains committed to delivering on his campaign promises and stabilising Nigeria’s economy. They insist that stakeholder engagement is necessary for inclusive governance and sustainable development.
Observers say the mounting criticism signals intensifying political rivalry as preparations for 2027 gather pace. Many expect both sides to ramp up public campaigns in coming months while Nigerians watch closely for policy actions that address their daily struggles.
Oshiomhole Denies Forgery of Senators’ Signatures in Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Suspension Saga
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