June 22: Obasanjo, Deputy Charged With Plot to Topple Abacha Regime
On June 22, 1995, Nigeria’s former military ruler Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo and his chief deputy were charged with conspiring to overthrow Gen. Sani Abacha’s military government.
Court papers allege they plotted Abacha’s removal through meetings and contacts intended to destabilize the regime. Both men entered pleas as the trial opened.
Obasanjo had led Nigeria as military head of state from 1976 to 1979 before handing power to civilians. He was arrested in the mid-1990s during Abacha’s crackdown on perceived opponents, and the charges stem from that period.
The court adjourned for further hearing after defense counsel said they would contest the charges. The case drew national attention due to Obasanjo’s status as a former head of state.
2010 – Infamous World Cup Miss
Super Eagles striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni missed from three yards with an open goal, in a 2-2 draw with South Korea that sealed the team’s exit.
The incident came in the 89th minute at Free State Stadium.
With Nigeria trailing 2-1 and goalkeeper Jung Sung-Ryong stranded, Yakubu latched onto a low cross from Victor Obinna. The net was empty. From three yards out, he fired wide of the far post.
The miss drew gasps from 40,000 fans and instant replays across global networks. Nigeria needed a win to advance from Group B. The draw left them bottom with one point.
“I should have scored,” Yakubu told reporters after the match. “It was an open goal and I missed. I take full responsibility.”
Coach Lars Lagerbäck defended the striker, saying, “These things happen in football. Yakubu has scored many goals for Nigeria.”
NEC Dashes to Appeal Court Over June 12 Election Injunction
The National Electoral Commission, NEC, filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal to set aside an Abuja High Court injunction that ordered the immediate suspension of the announcement of results for the June 12 presidential election.
The move comes amid heightened political tension and intense legal maneuvering days after Nigerians voted in what observers have called the freest election in the country’s history.
NEC officials argued that the High Court order was interfering with its constitutional mandate to collate and declare election results. The Commission is seeking an urgent reversal to allow the electoral process to continue.
The Abuja High Court had granted the injunction following an application by plaintiffs opposed to the conduct of the poll. With NEC now escalating the matter to the appellate court, the fate of the June 12 election hangs in legal limbo.
Political observers say the court battle could determine the direction of Nigeria’s fledgling democracy.
