Breaking News: Chad in Chaos as Gunfire Erupts Near Presidential Palace; Coup Attempt Foiled, 19 Killed

N’Djamena, Chad — On the evening of January 8, 2025, a violent confrontation broke out near the presidential palace in N’Djamena, the capital of Chad, after armed fighters attempted to storm the presidential complex. The gun battle, which lasted for several hours, resulted in the deaths of at least 19 people, including 18 of the attackers and one security personnel. In addition, several others were injured, including three members of the Chadian security forces.

According to Chad’s Foreign Minister, Abderaman Koulamallah, the situation has since been brought under control, with soldiers successfully repelling the attackers. Koulamallah appeared in a video shortly after the incident, standing alongside soldiers and stating, “The destabilisation attempt was put down. The situation is completely under control.” Despite this assurance, residents of the capital remained on edge, having witnessed a heavy military presence and hearing gunfire in the area.

The attack occurred just hours after Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi completed an official visit to Chad, where he met with President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno and other senior officials. Reports suggest that President Déby was present at the presidential complex during the attack, though he was unharmed. The timing of the attack, coinciding with an official visit from a foreign dignitary, has raised questions about the stability of the Chadian government.

Political and Military Context

The attempted assault comes amidst a backdrop of increasing political tensions in Chad. In December 2024, Chad announced the termination of its defense cooperation agreement with France, signaling a potential withdrawal of approximately 1,000 French troops stationed in the country. This move has been seen as part of Chad’s efforts to assert greater sovereignty and reduce its historical ties with its former colonial power.

Additionally, Chad and Senegal’s recent decisions to expel French troops from their territories reflect a broader regional shift, with countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger also distancing themselves from French influence. These developments mark a significant realignment in the region, challenging France’s longstanding military presence in West Africa and the Sahel.

Chad’s Political Landscape and Military Stability

The attack on the presidential palace follows Chad’s recent parliamentary elections, which were marred by opposition boycotts and allegations of irregularities. The elections, intended to restore democratic processes, have been widely criticized for their lack of credibility. President Mahamat Idriss Déby, who assumed power in 2021 following the death of his father, is expected to further consolidate his power as he faces mounting domestic and regional challenges.

With tensions running high and the future of Chad’s political stability uncertain, authorities are closely monitoring the situation to prevent further escalation. The government’s quick response to the coup attempt has shown a significant military presence, but it remains to be seen whether Chad can maintain peace amid growing discontent and regional shifts away from French influence.

The situation in Chad remains fluid, with further developments expected in the coming days.

Public Outrage as Lagos Teacher Arrested for Assaulting Three-Year-Old Pupil

Nigerians have expressed widespread outrage following the emergence of a viral video showing Stella Nwadigo, a teacher at Christ-Mitots International School in Isawo, Ikorodu, Lagos State, physically assaulting a three-year-old pupil, Abayomi Michael. The incident reportedly occurred during a writing lesson where the pupil struggled to write as instructed.

Details of the Incident

In the video, Nwadigo is seen repeatedly slapping Abayomi while instructing him to write the number six. The footage, shared widely on social media, has drawn condemnation from Nigerians across various sectors, with many calling for justice for the young boy.

The shocking display of abuse has also raised concerns about child protection and the conduct of educators in Nigerian schools.

Official Response

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has confirmed Nwadigo’s arrest. In a phone interview on Wednesday, the agency’s Executive Secretary, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, assured the public that appropriate measures were being taken to address the matter.

“The teacher is in custody, and investigations are ongoing. The government is committed to ensuring justice for the young boy,” Vivour-Adeniyi said.

The Lagos State Ministry of Education also weighed in, with spokesperson Kayode Sutton confirming that the incident had been escalated to relevant authorities for further investigation. “This matter has been forwarded to the appropriate quarters, and we are working to ensure that due process is followed,” Sutton stated.

Public Reaction

The video has sparked an uproar on social media, with many Nigerians condemning the teacher’s actions and demanding accountability. Prominent social commentator, VeryDarkMan, was among those who voiced their outrage.

“To the owners of Christ-Mitots, you have just 24 hours to explain why the teacher treated that child in such a way. I’ve never been to Ikorodu, but I’ll fly to that school,” he declared in a video shared online.

He further threatened to organize a protest at the school, urging Nigerians to rally around the case to prevent similar incidents. “Imagine if the child had fallen and gotten injured; they would have likely fabricated a story to cover up the abuse,” he said, suggesting that this might not be the teacher’s first offence.

Broader Implications

The incident has reignited conversations about the state of education and child welfare in Nigeria. Many critics have called for stricter vetting and training processes for teachers, as well as enhanced monitoring systems to safeguard children from abuse in schools.

Child rights advocates have also demanded that the Lagos State government impose severe penalties on schools and educators involved in such acts, emphasizing the need to prioritize the safety and well-being of children.

Next Steps

The DSVA and Lagos State Ministry of Education have assured the public that investigations are ongoing, with further updates expected in the coming days. In the meantime, Nigerians are watching closely to ensure that justice is served and measures are implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Court Dismisses Emefiele’s Application Challenging Jurisdiction in $4.5bn Fraud Case

The Lagos State Special Offences Court has dismissed an application filed by the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, challenging the court’s jurisdiction to hear the $4.5 billion and ₦2.8 billion fraud charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Delivering the ruling on Wednesday, Justice Rahman Oshodi affirmed the court’s jurisdiction to try Emefiele and his co-defendant, Henry Omoile. However, the judge struck out four of the 26 charges filed by the EFCC, citing a lack of jurisdiction over those counts.

Court Ruling

Justice Oshodi clarified the decision, stating:
“Allocation of foreign exchange without reason is not defined as an offence under any written law. The objection to counts one to four succeeds and is hereby struck out.”

Regarding the remaining counts, the judge ruled that the court had sufficient jurisdiction to proceed.
“The objection challenging the court’s territorial jurisdiction over counts eight to 26 fails and is hereby dismissed. The prosecution has established sufficient territorial nexus in this case,” he said.

The trial was subsequently adjourned to February 24 and 26, 2025, for continuation.

Background of the Case

The EFCC arraigned Emefiele on 26 charges, including abuse of office and illegal allocation of $4.5 billion and ₦2.8 billion. The allegations center on economic and financial crimes, which the EFCC asserts fall squarely within its jurisdiction.

At the last court hearing on December 12, 2024, Emefiele’s counsel, Mr. Olalekan Ojo (SAN), had argued that the Lagos Special Offences Court lacked jurisdiction to hear the case. He contended that the alleged offences were not recognized under Nigerian law and fell outside the territorial reach of the court.

Ojo further argued that the Lagos State House of Assembly does not have legislative authority over matters on the Exclusive Legislative List. As a result, Section 73 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State (2011), under which counts one to four were filed, could not be applied extraterritorially to the alleged offences committed by Emefiele.

EFCC’s Counterarguments

In response, EFCC counsel, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), maintained that the court had jurisdiction, emphasizing that the charges involved economic and financial crimes within Lagos State.

Oyedepo argued that evidence and witness testimonies indicated that the alleged offences occurred within Lagos, making it the appropriate venue for the trial. He further dismissed the objections raised by Emefiele’s legal team as lacking factual or evidential merit.

Timeline and Adjournments

The ruling on the jurisdictional challenge was initially scheduled for January 7, 2025, but was delayed until January 8, 2025. With the jurisdictional issue now resolved, the court has set the trial for continuation in late February.

Implications

The court’s decision marks a significant development in the high-profile case, paving the way for substantive hearings on the remaining charges. The EFCC’s prosecution team has expressed readiness to proceed, while Emefiele’s defense is expected to continue its legal battle.

The trial is closely watched, as it involves one of the most influential figures in Nigeria’s financial sector, with far-reaching implications for accountability and governance in the country.