News

By Maryam Ahmad

The Trump administration has reportedly issued a directive restricting the display of flags on government buildings, embassies, and military bases worldwide. According to a report by the Washington Free Beacon, which obtained a copy of the document, the new policy permits only the U.S. flag and select military symbols to be flown.

Although the directive does not explicitly mention specific flags, media outlets have interpreted the move as a ban on displaying symbols such as LGBT and Black Lives Matter (BLM) flags, which were frequently flown alongside the U.S. flag during the Biden administration.

This policy aligns with Trump’s broader cultural stance, including a previous decree recognising only two genders—male and female—in official U.S. government documents and policies.

The decision has sparked debate. Supporters praise the emphasis on national and military symbols, while critics view it as a step back in terms of inclusivity and representation.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Kaduna State High Court has once again refused to grant bail to the former Chief of Staff to the former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, Alhaji Bashir Sa’idu.

The court has ordered that he be returned to custody after being charged with 10 counts of alleged corruption, embezzlement, and theft during the administration of Malam Nasir El-Rufai.

When the case was resumed before Justice Isa Aliyu on Tuesday, the 10 charges were read to the defendant, to which he pleaded not guilty.

Among the charges, Sa’idu is accused of selling $45 million of the Kaduna State government’s funds—equivalent to N18.45 billion—at a rate of N498 per dollar, which allegedly resulted in a loss of N3.96 billion to the state government.

According to the prosecution, the offense occurred in 2022 when Sa’idu was serving as the Commissioner for Finance in El-Rufai’s government.

The prosecutors further stated that Sa’idu is accused of embezzling N3.96 billion, which violates Section 18 of the 2022 Anti-Corruption Act.

The defendant’s lawyer, M.I. Abubakar, informed the court that there was a need for bail to be granted to his client, as he had already spent 21 days in custody since his arrest on January 2, 2025.

He also informed the court that a bail application had been filed on January 16, 2025, adding that granting bail would allow Sa’idu to properly prepare his defense against the charges.

However, the prosecution’s counsel, Professor Nasiru Aliyu, objected to the bail request, stating that the law allows the prosecution seven days to respond to the bail application.

After a 40-minute recess, Justice Isa Aliyu ruled that the prosecution should be given sufficient time as provided by the law to respond to the bail request.

The court has adjourned the case to January 23, 2025, for further consideration of the bail application.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has achieved an unprecedented success in revenue collection for 2024 after surpassing its target by a significant margin.

This was revealed in a summary of all revenues collected by the service as seen below:

The total revenue collected reached NGN6.105 trillion, representing a 20.2% increase over the 2024 target of NGN5.079 trillion.

This remarkable figure also reflects a 90.4% increase compared to the 2023 collection of NGN3.206 trillion.

Several factors have contributed to this outstanding performance, including increased trade activities and intensified enforcement measures by the NCS.

The highest monthly collection ever recorded was in October 2024, with NGN604 billion.

Federation revenue amounted to NGN3.657 trillion, while non-federation revenue totaled NGN816 billion.

Import VAT collection reached NGN1.631 trillion, and concessions granted to stimulate economic growth amounted to NGN1.682 trillion.

Furthermore, the NCS recorded a significant reduction in concessions, with a 57.52% decrease compared to the NGN3.959 trillion granted in 2023.

Regarding waivers, duty waivers totaled NGN723 billion, levy waivers amounted to NGN372.65 billion, and VAT waivers reached NGN586.65 billion.

The service has implemented various strategies, including the deployment of modern technology and strengthening its enforcement capabilities.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

An Iranian court has reportedly sentenced Amir Hossein Maghsoudloo, popularly known as Tataloo, to death for blasphemy following an appeal.

Local media revealed that the decision came after the prosecutor objected to an earlier five-year prison sentence.

“The supreme court accepted the prosecutor’s objection,” reported Etemad, a reformist newspaper, on Sunday.

According to the paper, the case was reopened, and the defendant was subsequently sentenced to death for “insulting the prophet,” referring to Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

The ruling, however, is not final and may still be appealed, according to reports.

Tataloo, a 37-year-old underground musician who blends rap, pop, and R&B, had been living in Istanbul since 2018.

He was extradited to Iran by Turkish authorities in December 2023 and has been in detention ever since.

The singer was also sentenced to 10 years for allegedly promoting “prostitution” and faced charges in other cases, including spreading “propaganda” against the Islamic Republic and sharing “obscene content.”

Tataloo, who is known for his extensive tattoos, was once embraced by conservative Iranian politicians to appeal to liberal-minded youth.

In 2017, he even participated in a televised meeting with Iran’s ultra-conservative president at the time, Ebrahim Raisi, who later died in a helicopter crash.

In 2015, Tataloo released a song supporting Iran’s nuclear programme, which was part of a deal to dismantle it in exchange for sanctions relief.

This agreement, however, fell apart in 2018 during the presidency of Donald Trump.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Tinubu is currently hosting a closed-door meeting with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and leaders from Ogoniland’s four Local Government Areas at the Council Chamber of the State House.

Observers noted the arrival of the delegation led by Fubara, which includes notable figures such as Senators Lee Maeba, Magnus Abe, Olaka Nwogu, Barry Mpigi, Victor Giadom, Kenneth Kobani, Monsignor Pius Kii, Ledum Mitee, and Prof. B. Fakae.

Around 2:45 pm, the official vehicle of Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, was seen arriving at the venue.

Key federal officials at the meeting include National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, Minister of Information and National Orientation Idris Mohammed, Minister of Regional Development Abubakar Momoh, Minister of Environment Balarabe Abbas, and the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari.

Although the meeting’s agenda has not been officially disclosed, it is widely speculated to focus on the Ogoni clean-up project and discussions about resuming oil exploration in Ogoniland, Rivers State.

The Federal Government has raised concerns over the prolonged suspension of oil activities in the region, emphasizing its impact on the nation’s economy.

The Niger Delta Development Commission’s Managing Director, Samuel Ogbuku, previously expressed concern over the conflicts that halted oil exploration in Ogoniland, which have led to significant losses in national revenue amidst growing energy challenges.

Meanwhile, a coalition of civil society organizations has demanded $1 trillion for the Niger Delta’s environmental clean-up and compensation for livelihood losses before crude oil production resumes.

In a joint statement, groups including Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria and the Health of Mother Earth Foundation criticized the government’s plan to restart oil production, describing it as neglecting environmental justice.

The coalition also referenced a 2011 UNEP report that documented widespread environmental damage in Ogoniland caused by oil exploration, citing severe pollution of land, water, and air.Further updates on the meeting are expected.

By Uzair Adam  

The Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) of University Teaching Hospitals and Federal Medical Centres have expressed concerns about a looming staff crisis. Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals are leaving Nigeria in large numbers due to poor salaries and working conditions.  

During the 2025 budget defence session before the House of Representatives Committee on Health Institutions, the CMDs noted that despite significant federal government investments in health infrastructure, the mass exodus of healthcare workers weakens the country’s healthcare delivery system.  

The Chief Medical Director of Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Professor Wasiu Adeyemo, described the trend as alarming, warning that if immediate steps are not taken, the nation’s hospitals could soon be empty.  

“Resignations occur almost daily,” Adeyemo stated. “In one or two years, our hospitals may become empty. The main reason people leave is economic. Consultants are earning less than $1,000 monthly. 

“Without addressing remuneration, all government investments in infrastructure will be wasted,” he added.

He reported that LUTH’s 2024 budget included N19.2 billion, with N13.57 billion allocated for personnel and just N33.2 million for overhead costs. 

While personnel performance reached 91 per cent by December, only 45 per cent of the capital project budget had been utilized.  

For 2025, LUTH proposes a budget of N32.7 billion, with N20.3 billion allocated for personnel. 

Adeyemo emphasized the need for improved funding to prevent further resignations and ensure the hospital’s functionality.  

Similarly, the Chief Medical Director of University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Professor Jesse Abiodun, decried delays in releasing budgeted funds. 

He revealed that UCH had a capital appropriation of N5.59 billion in 2024, but only 38 per cent of the funds were released.  

“We still have 72 per cent of the funds outstanding,” Abiodun said. “We could only utilize the 38 per cent because we had prepared a cash plan in advance.”  

UCH has proposed a capital budget of N4.39 billion and an overhead budget of N690 million for 2025, which Abiodun said is insufficient, especially given rising utility costs such as electricity.  

The House Committee on Health Institutions Chairman, Hon. Patrick Umoh, urged the CMDs to provide comprehensive presentations detailing their budgetary needs and challenges. 

He noted that the committee would continue reviewing submissions to address the critical issues facing Nigeria’s tertiary health institutions.  

The CMDs reiterated the urgent need for government intervention, stressing that improving remuneration and timely funding release is crucial to averting a healthcare crisis.

By Muhsin Ibrahim

Umar Maikudi, also known as Cashman, was elected as the National President of the Motion Picture Practitioners Association of Nigeria (MOPPAN) at an event held in Nasarawa State on 18 January 2025.

As the newly elected National President, Maikudi expressed gratitude and enthusiasm for collaborating with filmmakers and film scholars to explore potential partnerships that could benefit the film industry. 

In a message sent to media houses across Nigeria, the president stated, “Let’s work together to drive growth and development in the sector.”

Maikudi concluded by encouraging others to “feel free to reach out to me to discuss potential collaborations and partnerships.”

Hailing from Kaduna, Maikudi has been a film scholar and actor for many years. He has appeared in several films, including the Netflix series War: Wrath and Revenge, part of the famed Sons of the Caliphate drama.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Sokoto state authorities are under increasing pressure to ensure the safety of Hamdiyya Sidi Shariff and her lawyer, Abba Hikima, who have both been subjected to disturbing threats during the ongoing trial.

The duo is facing charges brought by the Sokoto state government, accusing Hamdiyya of “insulting or abusive language” and “inciting disturbance” for criticizing Governor Ahmed Aliyu.

According to Amnesty International Nigeria, the threats to their safety include harassing phone calls and physical confrontations with individuals claiming to be ‘intelligence agents.’

These actions have raised concerns over the abuse of power and an apparent attempt to silence critics and intimidate those defending them.In the wake of the threats, Barrister Hikima was forced to request armed police protection during a recent court hearing, which the court granted.

However, both Hikima and Hamdiyya have been followed and confronted while staying in Sokoto for the trial, intensifying the already hostile atmosphere.

In November 2024, Hamdiyya Sidi Shariff was abducted by armed assailants while she was retrieving her mobile phone from a charging point.

She was brutally beaten and thrown out of a moving tricycle, suffering severe injuries.Amnesty International Director Isa Sanusi condemned the actions, stressing that such intimidation tactics aimed at suppressing freedom of expression should have no place in a democratic society.

Sanusi also called on Nigerian authorities to focus on tackling the rampant insecurity in Sokoto, particularly in the eastern part of the state, where gunmen have been terrorizing local communities.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Ali Ndume, the senator representing Borno South, has faulted the governors’ endorsement of a 30% derivation formula in the proposed Tax Reform Bills, citing that it is excessive and unfair to other regions.

The Tax Reform Bills, which include the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024; Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2024; and Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024, have sparked heated debates across the country since their introduction in the National Assembly.

The bills aim to overhaul Nigeria’s tax system, streamline revenue collection, and introduce a revised revenue-sharing formula have passed the second reading in the Senate.

After a period of vehement opposition, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, last week standing up from a meeting with the Presidential Tax Reform Committee, threw its support behind the bills, proposing a Value Added Tax (VAT) sharing formula of 50% equality, 30% derivation, and 20% population.

This position was outlined in a communiqué signed by Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq who is the chairman of the forum.

However, Ndume who has been very critical of the bills, expressed dissatisfaction with the governors’ stance during a phone interview with our correspondent on Sunday in Abuja.

He questioned the justification for allocating 30% of derivation to oil-producing regions.

He was quoted as saying, “Even in regions bearing the brunt of oil exploration, taking 30% is too much.

“Why would they take that amount when others are also in need of development funds?”

The senator also criticized the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) for charging 4% as collection fees, describing it as an exorbitant administrative cost.

“The FIRS is only performing administrative functions, so why should they be charging 4%? Collection fees should not exceed 1%,” he argued.

Ndume voiced concerns over the economic burden on Nigerians and called for a reduction in VAT rates.

He said, “At a time when people are struggling to make ends meet, tax rates should be decreased to 5% or even 3%, just as Ghana and the United States have done to support their citizens. Expanding the tax base and ensuring corporations like banks and telecom companies pay their fair share is the way forward.”

While acknowledging that tax reform is long overdue, Ndume insisted it must prioritize the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.

“We need to reform the tax system, but it should not disadvantage the masses, especially now when they are barely surviving.”

The senator urged the National Assembly to carefully review the proposed legislation to address these concerns and ensure the reforms are fair, equitable, and beneficial to all Nigerians.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Kano State Censorship Board has banned Usman Sojaboy, a Kannywood singer, and two actresses, Shamsiyya Muhammad and Hasina Suzan, from participating in all Kannywood activities in Kano.

This decision was made after a video surfaced portraying immorality that contradicts Kano’s religion, culture, norms, and values.

The board received numerous complaints from the public and Kano members of the ulama.

In a statement signed by Abdullahi Sani Sulaiman, Information Officer of the Kano State Censorship Board explained that Sojaboy had been warned multiple times about his immoral and vulgar content.

Abba El-Mustapha, Executive Secretary of the Kano State Censorship Board, has directed the preview unit to ensure that Sojaboy and the two actresses do not participate in any Kannywood productions.

He added that all open theaters and entertainment centers should take note.

Kano State Censorship Board is empowered by law to regulate all forms of expression, ensuring they align with the state’s religion, culture, norms, and values.

This decision is part of the board’s ongoing efforts to maintain moral standards in the Kannywood film industry.