News

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A Niger State-based journalist, Mustapha Bina, was detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) after reporting an alleged bandit attack on Governor Umaru Bago’s motorcade during a project tour to Mashegu Local Government Area.

According to the report, the attackers opened fire on the governor’s convoy, prompting a swift response from his security team.

“Several bandits were neutralised, while others fled into the bush after being overpowered,” a source claimed.

Some vehicles in the convoy, including a Hilux and a bulletproof vehicle of the Counter-Terrorism Unit, were reportedly damaged.

However, the Niger State Government has since denied the incident, with the chief press secretary to the governor and the state commissioner for Information issuing a statement debunking the report.

Despite the denial, Bina was arrested and detained by the DSS, allegedly on the orders of Governor Bago. An insider source revealed that it took the intervention of the state NUJ chairman and other stakeholders to secure Bina’s bail.

“Mr Bina was invited to the SSS office in Minna for questioning. The governor really felt embarrassed that the issue was out,” the source said.

The incident has reignited concerns about the growing restrictions on press freedom in Niger State.

“It is very unfortunate that the civic space is becoming stifled, and the environment hasn’t been very conducive for journalists, especially under the current administration,” the source added.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Kano State House of Assembly has commenced the process of regulating the indiscriminate sale of cooking gas within the Kano metropolis.

The assembly is set to repeal and also insert a section in the State Fire Service Directorate Edict No 17 of 1970 to accommodate the move.

The measure followed a report by the standing committee on special duties after an investigation on the sale of cooking gas within residential areas during plenary on Wednesday.

While presenting the report, the committee chairman and member representing Gezawa constituency, Abdullahi Yahaya, said the Kano State Fire Service Directorate reported about 475 illegal cooking gas premises after engaging with relevant stakeholders within the state.

He also stated that statistics available from the state chapter of the Nigerian Mainstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NRDPRA) showed that there are 234 unlicensed natural gas retailers in the state.

Yahaya added that the investigation was carried out following a motion moved by a member representing Kiru constituency, Hon. Tasiu Abubakar on the hazards of the sale of the product within the metropolis.

By Uzair Adam

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has instructed all Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) across the country to ensure continuous cash disbursement to customers.

The Daily Reality reports that the bank urged members of the public to report banks that fail to comply.

In a circular issued to DMBs and the general public, and shared on the bank’s verified X (formerly Twitter) handle on Tuesday, the apex bank emphasized its commitment to enforcing compliance through intensified oversight and sanctions on erring banks.

The CBN Governor, Yemi Cardoso, assured that sufficient banknotes had been distributed to all banks based on their capacity, eliminating any reason for a cash shortage as the festive season approaches.

Titled ‘Cash Availability Over the Counter in Deposit Money Banks and Automated Teller Machines,’ the circular outlined guidelines for improving currency circulation in the economy.

“As part of ongoing efforts, the CBN directs DMBs to ensure efficient cash disbursement both over the counter and through ATMs. The bank will continue to monitor compliance closely,” the statement read.

The CBN also provided reporting channels for the public to lodge complaints about cash shortages.

Customers are required to submit details, including the name of the bank, location, amount, and date of the incident, through designated phone numbers or email addresses provided for each state.

The circular, jointly signed by Acting Director of Currency Operations Solaja Mohammed Olayemi and Acting Director of Branch Operations Isa-Olatinwo Aisha, took effect on December 1, 2024.

By Abdullahi Sulaiman

The Parents Teachers Association of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso Bilingual College, Niamey, Niger Republic, has appealed to His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, to honour the promise made by the former Governor of Kano, Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to return their children to their school in Niger Republic. 

The students have not been in school for over a year now, while their peers in the Niger Republic have already resumed classes in the new session five weeks ago.

Dr. Ibrahim Habu, Chairman of the PTA, commends Governor Yusuf for prioritising education with substantial budget allocations. However, he urges him to address the unresolved issues of Bilingual College students in Kano from the last academic session. He calls for immediate action to ensure no child from the college is left idle at home.

The PTA Chairman urges all stakeholders to work collaboratively to fulfil Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s vision of establishing a Bilingual college, emphasising the importance of equipping students with bilingual skills in French and English to enhance self-reliance and global competitiveness among Kano’s next generation of citizens.

The Chairman also calls on the people of Kano State to continue supporting Governor Yusuf’s educational initiatives. These initiatives will ensure sustainable development in the education sector and contribute to the overall development of Kano State.

By Uzair Adam 

The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) has uncovered how three police officers attached to Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja, illegally diverted N43,160,000 from a cargo worker at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in August 2023.  

According to a statement released on Wednesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Ogunjobi, the officers—Inspector Ekende Edwin, Inspector Esther Okafor, and Sergeant Talabi Kayode—acted on the directives of DSP Peter Ejike. 

They unlawfully arrested Andrew Ejah, an employee of FATFAD Cargo Nigeria Limited, who was transporting N74,950,000 on behalf of clients.  

The officers reportedly detained Ejah at Zone 7 Headquarters and falsely declared that only N31,790,000 was recovered. They allegedly demanded a portion of the funds in exchange for suppressing the case.  

Upon receiving a petition from the owners of the missing funds, the Force Headquarters assigned the IGP Monitoring Unit to investigate. 

The unit recovered N31,790,000 from the officers, who maintained that it was the total sum confiscated during Ejah’s arrest.  

Further investigations revealed that the officers had tampered with evidence. Photographs taken at the time of arrest, showing the full amount, were allegedly lost after the phone used was damaged. 

However, forensic analysis exposed their conspiracy to divert N43,160,000 and move it out of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for safekeeping.  

The statement also addressed circulating reports accusing Inspector-General of Police Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun of shielding a cartel involved in smuggling new banknotes from the Central Bank of Nigeria. 

The NPF dismissed the claims as false and part of a smear campaign to divert attention from the officers’ misconduct.  

“The implicated officers have been suspended and face prosecution for serious misconduct, tampering with exhibits, abuse of office, and corrupt practices,” Ogunjobi added.  

The NPF urged the public and media to disregard false narratives aimed at tarnishing the Inspector-General’s image and undermining ongoing police reforms.

By Uzair Adam

President Bola Tinubu has instructed the Federal Ministry of Justice and the National Assembly to address concerns surrounding the proposed Tax Reform Bills.

The bills, recently transmitted to the National Assembly, have faced widespread criticism, particularly from northern governors who argue that the reforms could disproportionately affect their region and worsen the economic situation for Nigerians.

In response, Tinubu directed the Justice Ministry to collaborate with the National Assembly to resolve the contentious issues before the bills are passed into law.

This directive was conveyed in a statement by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who clarified that the government welcomes constructive feedback.

“It is pertinent to state that the government has nothing sinister to warrant the suggestion that the process is being rushed,” Idris said.

“The Federal Government welcomes meaningful inputs to address any grey areas in the bill.”

The minister reiterated the benefits of civil discourse and urged Nigerians to refrain from injecting ethnic or regional sentiments into the debate.

He dismissed claims that the bills are designed to impoverish northern states as “fake news” and “misinformation.”

According to Idris, the fiscal reforms aim to benefit all Nigerians by enhancing critical infrastructure such as healthcare, education, transportation, and digital technology.

He assured that the reforms would not weaken any federal agencies or marginalise any state or region.

“When passed, these bills are expected to bring relief to millions of hardworking Nigerians and empower the 774 local governments for sustainable growth and development,” the statement added.

The minister concluded that Tinubu’s commitment to transparency and accountability is a sign of good outcomes in the ongoing public debates as a healthy aspect of democracy.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) recently hosted a five-day workshop in collaboration with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) that focused on building capacity in African rules of origin.

The workshop, which began on November 28, 2024, brought together representatives from nearly 26 countries to enhance their understanding of rules of origin and facilitate intra-African trade. 

According to Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs Caroline Niagwan, the WCO and JICA have formed an alliance to provide technical assistance and training initiatives to support Customs officers across Africa.

Niagwan emphasized that the EU-WCO Rules of Origin for Africa Programme aims to boost intra-African trade by enhancing the capacity of African countries to implement and apply rules of origin. 

Faith Mathenge, a Rules of Origin expert and facilitator for the EU-WCO Rules of Origin for Africa Programme, reiterated the importance of capacity building in rules of origin for facilitating trade.

Mathenge commended Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi for prioritising capacity building, stating, “I must commend the CGC for prioritising capacity building, which is the bedrock that will enable his officers to implement procedures that facilitate trade and enhance compliance.” 

The workshop portrayed the significance of collaboration in fostering intra-African trade and strengthening the role of customs officers in implementing rules of origin effectively.

This initiative is part of the WCO’s broader efforts to enhance customs capacity building in Africa, including the WCO/JICA Joint Project, which has supported customs administrations in East, Southern, and West Africa since 2015.

By Uzair Adam

The House of Representatives has commenced an investigation into the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) planned retirement of over 1,000 staff, including senior management and directors.

This move followed a motion of urgent public importance presented by Rep.

Kama Nkemkama (LP-Ebonyi) during Tuesday’s plenary session, titled “Need to Investigate the Retirement of Over 1,000 Staff of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Associated N50 Billion Payoff Scheme.”

A media report on December 2 revealed that the retirement plan is part of an ongoing restructuring initiative under the leadership of the current CBN Governor.

The report further indicated that a N50 billion payoff scheme has been proposed to compensate the affected employees.

While presenting the motion, Nkemkama showed concerns regarding the selection criteria, transparency, and adherence to public service guidelines and labour laws.

He noted that the mass retirement could lead to increased unemployment and heightened public discontent.

The lawmaker also expressed concern over the N50 billion payoff scheme, pointing to potential risks of mismanagement and insufficient oversight of public funds in a sector crucial to Nigeria’s financial stability.

Following the debate, the House resolved to set up an ad hoc committee to investigate the retirement plan.

The committee will examine the criteria, legality, and transparency of the process, as well as ensure that the funds are properly utilized.

Additionally, the House urged the CBN to suspend the retirement exercise and its associated payoff scheme pending the outcome of the investigation.

The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment was also called upon to protect the rights of the affected employees in line with Nigeria’s labour laws.

The committee is expected to report its findings to the House within four weeks for further legislative action.

By Uzair Adam

The Presidency has dismissed concerns that the proposed tax reform bills currently before the National Assembly will impoverish northern Nigeria or disproportionately favor Lagos and Rivers states.

In a statement issued on Monday, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga emphasized that the reforms are designed to improve the quality of life for all Nigerians, particularly the disadvantaged, by simplifying tax administration and fostering a better business environment.

The statement addressed apprehensions raised by Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, who had suggested that the proposed Value Added Tax (VAT) sharing formula could be skewed in favor of Lagos and Rivers states.

Onanuga, however, described these concerns as unfounded and based on misinformation.

“The tax reform bills will not make Lagos or Rivers states wealthier at the expense of other regions, nor will they lead to the economic marginalization of any part of the country,” Onanuga stated.

He urged Nigerians to reject any attempt to polarize the nation over the proposed legislation.

Onanuga also clarified that the bills do not seek to abolish key federal agencies such as the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), or the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), which will continue to receive funding through budgetary allocations.

The spokesperson reiterated that President Bola Tinubu’s fiscal policy reforms aim to ease the tax burden on businesses, streamline tax collection, and support national development.

Meanwhile, former Speaker of the House of Representatives Yakubu Dogara called on Northern leaders to approach the tax reform bills pragmatically rather than with ethnic or religious sentiments.

Speaking during a Channels Television town hall in Abuja on Monday, Dogara stressed the importance of prioritizing the region’s future development.

“We Northern leaders must set aside ethnicity and religious biases and focus on the realities these reforms will bring,” Dogara said.

He also criticized senators who claimed there was insufficient consultation on the bills, questioning their own legislative practices.

“How often do they consult the public when making laws? Some state laws are drafted in governors’ living rooms,” Dogara remarked, dismissing the argument that public opinion outweighs the potential impact of the reforms.

Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal and Tax Reforms, explained that the bills aim to empower subnational governments to enhance revenue generation and achieve fiscal self-sufficiency.

By Uzair Adam

Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command have rescued four children from an alleged child trafficking ring and arrested two suspects linked to the crime.

The children, aged between one and thirteen, were reportedly found at Alaeze Guest House in the Rumukwachi community of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, where they were allegedly being held before being handed over to a nurse identified as Loveth, who runs a maternity home.

Grace Iringe-Koko, the Public Relations Officer of the command, stated that the hotel manager played a key role in uncovering the situation.

“The Managing Director of the Guest House became suspicious of the activities of one Esther Anthony, who attempted to check out with the children. He insisted that she provide proof of being their mother,” Iringe-Koko explained.

In response, Anthony left the premises and returned with police officers, accusing the manager of abducting the children and threatening her with a firearm.

However, the manager contacted the Choba Area Command, leading to Anthony’s arrest.

Further investigations revealed that Anthony had conspired with another suspect, identified as Favour, to traffic the children from Swali community in Bayelsa State.

Another accomplice, Purity Silas, was also apprehended in connection with the case.

In a startling development, a family in the Rumuodara area of Port Harcourt identified Anthony as the person who had previously stolen three of their children and sold them to Loveth.

The suspects have reportedly confessed to the crime and are now in police custody, with the case transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Port Harcourt for further investigation.