The lawmaker representing Gaya, Ajingi and Albasu Federal Constituency of Kano State in the House of Representatives, Mustapha Ghali, has shed more light on why the North is not in support of the Tax Reform Bills proposed by President Bola Tinubu.

Ghali, who alleged that those sponsoring the bills or supporting them, have ulterior motives, said the focus of the bills should be in the interest of entire Nigeria and not just some regions or states.

This is as he revealed that he was lobbied by a fellow lawmaker from the south to support the controversial bills with the assurance that it would benefit Kano State.

The lawmaker, however, said he doesn’t want a bill that will only benefit his own state and leave out others, including neighbouring states.

Ghali, who made the disclosures while speaking with newsmen in Kano State, said Nigeria is not ripe for such bills and called on the federal government to, instead, provide a conducive environment for the citizens.

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) chieftain said, “There was an influential member from the South that met me and said, Dr Ghali you are privileged to have the wherewithal to stand and speak and you usually get the support of your fellow members. We have come to strike a deal with you today. We want you to support these tax reform bills.

“He told me that their reason was that when it is passed, Kano will also benefit alongside Lagos. If Kano benefitted you will also benefit. I said to him he is right, but I want Jigawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara Sokoto, Kebbi also to benefit.

“My reason was if today I have a problem in Kano, before you come to my rescue from Lagos, I have called one from Jigawa, I have called someone from Katsina, Kaduna and Niger. So, even if Kano will benefit, what of my neighbours, those that I have always been at peace with?

“This indicates that these people have an ulterior motive. The good thing is all northern legislators have all sat and are working towards containing the issue. We all have our own priorities from our people that we are representing. Your interest should not be conflicting or against the other region. This is why we are telling people to stop fighting for political differences but for the success of our region.”

North Must Take A Stand Against The Bills

Speaking further, the lawmaker said the Northern region must unite and speak with one voice to stop the implementation of the bills.

He submitted that countries that have implemented such bills had first provided a conducive environment and development such as employment, hospitals, schools and other social amenities for the populace, but the reverse is the case in Nigeria.

“Several countries across the world have implemented the tax reform bill and it is working for them. But at what point? You have to provide a conducive environment and development such as employment, hospitals, schools and other social amenities for the populace.

“Take for instance, England, United Arab Emirates, UAE and Saudi Arabia, where they implemented the bill and it is working for them. The government was able to do so based on the development provided and taxes collected from the well to do to ensure the sustainability of the developmental projects.

“So what we are saying is Nigeria is not yet ripe for the implementation of the proposed bill. It is not like we totally rejected it but the government has to provide the development and conducive environment before implementing the tax reform bill.

“I however appeal to northern lawmakers, governors, elders, business men and women, academicians and all relevant stakeholders to put heads together to ensure that the bill is set aside,” he said.

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has officially approved the renaming of Edo State University, Uzairue, to Edo University, Iyamho.

Naija News reports that this development was announced in a statement issued on Monday in Benin City by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ikhilor.

The statement confirmed that the name change takes immediate effect and instructed that all official documentation for the institution reflect the new name.

The statement reads, “It is hereby announced for the information of the that the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo has approved the change of the name of ‘Edo State University, Uzairue,’ to now be known as ‘Edo University, Iyamho’ with immediate effect.

“Accordingly, all documentation in respect of the Institution henceforth shall reflect the above change.”

Obaseki’s Govt Forcefully Acquired Many Properties Without Compensation – Edo Govt To Compensate Owners

The Edo State Government has announced plans to compensate individuals whose lands or properties were illegally taken or destroyed by the immediate past administration led by former Governor, Godwin Obaseki.

Naija News reports that the Attorney General of the State and Commissioner for Justice, Samson Osagie, made this known in Benin on Monday.

Osagie said Obaseki’s government acquired some community lands and properties without compensation, stressing that Senator Monday Okpebholo’s administration was already righting the wrongs of the past government to ensure harmony in the state.

According to him, Senator Okpebjolo will investigate all complaints and ensure that those who need compensation receive what is due to them.

Osagie said his ministry would thoroughly handle all lawsuits capable of derailing the government to guide against any distractions.

A 42-year-old man in Lusaka has decided to end his marriage after seeing a controversial photograph his wife took with American R&B superstar Chris Brown.

Chris Brown who was recently in South Africa had the photo taken with the 34-year-old lady during a “meet and greet” session after his concert at FNB Stadium.

According to court documents filed in Lusaka, the husband claims that the photograph, which shows Chris Brown planting a kiss on his wife’s cheek, disrespected him and has brought irreparable damage to their marriage,  further describing it as “demeaning” and argued that his wife’s actions were inappropriate for a married woman. 

The image which was shared on social media platforms, has gained significant attention and sparked mixed reactions.

The husband in his divorce petition stated that his wife’s actions breached his trust and their marital vows. He reportedly confronted her but was rebuffed, even as she argued that the photo was harmless and part of the event package.

“My wife acted in a manner unbecoming of a married woman. This picture has embarrassed me publicly and caused emotional distress,” the husband told the court. 

The wife has, however, argued that the kiss was not romantic and should not be taken out of context. She maintained that it was a lighthearted moment during a fan interaction and that she never intended to disrespect her husband.

She also accused her husband of overreacting and using the incident as an excuse for underlying issues in their marriage.

A woman simply identified as Jessica has been arrested by police operatives attached to Special Area, Rumudomaya, (Rumuokoro) Police Division, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State for inhumane acts against a 13-year-old girl, rape victim.

It was gathered that the little girl, name was withheld, was earlier reportedly raped by Jessica’s husband on 25th December.

Mrs Goodness, mother of the victim, who did not want her full name mentioned, said she was at her workplace on Sunday evening December 29, 2024, when some persons called her that her neighbour, Jessica had stripped her daughter naked and tortured her.

Goodness, who was still in trauma stated that before she arrived home some neighbours had rescued her daughter from Jessica.

She narrated: “Upon interrogation of my daughter, her daughter told me that on Christmas day, December 25th 2024 a female neighbour who is a friend to Jessica took her (alleged rape victim) to Jessica’s house.
Minutes later, Jessica’s husband, Mr Ebuka sent the wife (Jessica) and her friend on an errand.

“As his (Ebuka’s ) wife went out with her friend, Ebuka pounced on my daughter and raped her after threatening to deal with her if she refuses or tells anyone.

“After he was done, he let my daughter go.Though my daughter did not tell me because of the threat. Nobody has seen Ebuka after that day.

“So on Sunday evening, Ebuka’s wife, Jessica, came to my shop and told my daughter to follow her, that she wants to show my daughter something in the house. My daughter followed her, only to get to their house, she stripped my daughter naked, poured her pepper and also inserted pepper in her vagina.

“Jessica dragged my daughter outside, flogged her severally with machet accusing her of having sex with her husband, Ebuka. Some persons even video recorded my daughter.”

Meantime, the National Coordinator of Centre for Basic Rights Protection and Accountability Campaign, Prince Wiro, has condemned the alleged torture of the 13-year old girl by Jessica.

Wiro described the incident as inhumane, barbaric and disheartening

Wiro said: “We have interacted with the teenager and even saw the bruises and wounds on her body.We demand a thorough investigation by the Police.The Police should make concerted effort to bring in Ebuka,the woman’s husband to answer for the allegation againt him and anybody found culpable in course of investigation should be made to face the law.”

At presstime, it was gathered that the suspect Ebuka has been arrested and detained.

It was gathered that Ebuka upon in his statement at the police station having canal knowledge of the teenager.

However, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police, said the matter has been transfered to the State Criminal Investigation Department for investigation.

The pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, has urged President Bola Tinubu to prioritize Nigeria’s political and economic development in 2025, calling for reforms aimed at creating a more egalitarian society.

In a statement released by its Deputy Leader, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, and National Publicity Secretary, Prince Justice Faloye, Afenifere expressed condolences to families who lost loved ones in various stampedes during Christmas giveaways across the country.

The group extended sympathy to the affected families, saying, “Afenifere wishes the affected families succor as they grieve and lay their dead to rest. We also hope for more preventive and organizational guidelines to prevent future reoccurrences.”

Looking forward to 2025, Afenifere emphasized the need for people-centered economic reforms and equitable political restructuring to improve the welfare and security of Nigerians.

“Afenifere wishes everyone a happy New Year and hopes for better welfare and security for Nigerians as a whole. We hope the Tinubu administration can make life more abundant for all by prioritizing and accelerating Nigeria’s political and economic development,” the statement read.

The group underscored its desire for a transformative approach to governance that respects the rights and lives of all citizens.

“In 2025, we wish to see a turnaround move towards an egalitarian society that values lives and rights of everyone,” Afenifere stated.

The organization’s message reflects a call for leadership that delivers tangible benefits, equity, and improved living conditions for Nigerians in the coming year.

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has outlined plans to spend ₦520 million on ambulance buses, ₦120 million on double bunk beds, and ₦35 million on life jackets as part of its 2025 budgetary allocations.

These expenditures, detailed in the 2025 Appropriation Bill, aim to enhance healthcare, safety, and accommodation for corps members across the country.

Ambulance Buses: ₦520 million is allocated for four ambulance buses, averaging ₦130 million per bus. This cost has raised questions about justification for such a high price.

SAED Centre: ₦300 million is earmarked for constructing a Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) Centre. However, the absence of a specified location has drawn criticism over accessibility concerns for corps members.

Accommodation Enhancements: ₦120 million is designated for 1,000 double bunk beds, while ₦52 million is allocated for 1,000 mattresses. Despite these investments, details on the distribution of these resources remain unclear.

Safety and Utility: ₦35 million is set aside for life jackets, ₦45 million for boreholes in orientation camps, and ₦9 million for 50 biometric scanners. Again, the specific camps or locations benefiting from these allocations are not disclosed.

Other high-ticket items in the budget include: 160 Laptops: ₦136 million allocated for laptops intended for payment processing and biometric data management.

Pickup Vans: ₦400 million for four pickup vans, averaging ₦100 million per van, a figure critics deem excessive.

Miscellaneous Equipment: ₦78 million for an MF tractor, ₦24 million for solar-powered security lights, and ₦28.9 million for Man O’ War gadgets.

The absence of detailed breakdowns for these allocations, particularly the ambulances and pickup vans, has raised concerns about inflated costs and accountability.

While the proposed budget addresses some operational and welfare needs, critics argue it overlooks critical infrastructure improvements and advanced training programmes that could have a more significant impact on corps members’ development and well-being.

The NYSC’s 2025 budget reflects a commitment to improving corps members’ living conditions and operational efficiency. However, inflated costs, lack of specificity, and omitted details undermine confidence in its effective implementation. Transparency and accountability measures are essential to ensure the funds are allocated and utilized appropriately to address the NYSC’s core challenges.

As currency outside banks reach N4.65trn

Credit to govt rises 54%

Nigeria’s Broad Money Supply (M2) increased by 51 per cent Year-on-Year, YoY, to N108.96 trillion in November 2024 from N72.03 trillion in the corresponding period of 2023.

Broad Money Supply (M2) represents cash and demand deposits as well as savings deposits, money market deposits, and time deposits.

The increase in M2 reflects the high government domestic borrowing from the private sector which was reflected in the data.

According to the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Money and Credit Statistics data released yesterday, the M2 recorded a six-month increase since April 2024. Still, it reversed the trend in October 2024 declining month-on-month by 1.5 per cent to N107.7 trillion from N109.4 trillion in September 2024 and up again by 1.2 per cent to N108.96 trillion in November.

The report also showed that the YoY money supply increase followed positive component changes.

Quasi-money, including savings deposits, time deposits, and other near-money assets, also rose marginally.

The data showed that Quasi Money grew by 1.96 per cent YoY to N72.7 from N71.3 trillion in November 2023.

Similarly, Demand Deposits increased by 34.4 percent YoY to N31.6 trillion in November 2024 from N23.2 trillion in November 2023.

Currency outside banks increased by 50.9 percent YoY to N4.65 trillion in November 2024 from N3.08 trillion in November 2023.

Narrow money ( M1), also grew massively by 38 percent YoY to N36.3 trillion in November 2024 from N26.3 trillion in November 2023.

According to the CBN, credit to the government increased by 54 percent YoY to N39.6 trillion in November 2024 from N25.7 trillion in November 2023.

On the other hand, credit to the private sector rose YoY by 27 percent to N75.96 trillion in November 2024 from N59.7 trillion in November 2023.

This resulted in a 91 percent YoY rise in net domestic credit of N115.6 trillion in November 2024 from N60.5 trillion in the corresponding period of 2023.

In their Financial Year 2024 and 2025 outlook report, analysts at Afrinvest West Africa Limited, observed that the Federal Government, FG, is estimated to have borrowed N41.5 trillion from domestic and external sources (including the Naira equivalent of the recent Eurobond.

They said: “Budgeted revenue for the year is on course to underperform by no less than 25 percent, given the actual performance as of eight months.

“Disappointing crude oil output (at about 1.40mbpd vs 1.78mbpd budgeted) topped the risks to revenue performance, offsetting gains from non-oil tax revenue which outperformed the budget by 60.1 percent at N3.8 trillion.

“Debt servicing (43.7 percent) accounted for the largest share of the outlays, followed by non-debt recurrent expenditure with 28.9 percent share.

“The FG is estimated to have borrowed N41.5 trillion from domestic and external sources (including the Naira equivalent of the recent Eurobond). With this, FG’s total debt profile should gross N128 trillion, while the cumulative national debt profile is estimated at N138 trillion.

“Against this backdrop, we estimate that the actual deficit in 2024 would exceed the budgeted N9.2tn by 72.8 percent in the minimum should the total expenditure plan of N 35.1 trillion be fully accommodated.”

A Federal High Court in Abuja has okayed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC’s application to freeze 24 bank accounts domiciled in different banks over allegations bordering on terrorism financing.

Justice Emeka Nwite, who granted the application after EFCC’s lawyer, Martha Babatunde, moved an ex-parte motion to the effect, gave the commission the go-ahead to freeze the accounts for 90 days pending the conclusion of investigations.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the motion ex-parte, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1897/V/2024, was filed by Ekele Iheanacho, SAN.

Iheanacho sought an order freezing the bank accounts stated in the schedule which accounts are owned by Lawrence Lucky Eromosele who is currently being investigated in a case involving kidnapping pending the conclusion of the investigation.

He said the bank accounts in respect of which the reliefs were sought are subject to matters of investigation by the EFCC about money laundering and terrorism financing.

The senior lawyer said preliminary investigations conducted thus far revealed that the bank accounts are linked to persons who take advantage of the virtual cryptocurrency exchange platforms to illegally manipulate the value of naira and laundering proceeds of unlawful activities.

He said there is need to preserve the funds in the identified bank accounts pending the conclusion of investigation and possible prosecution.

In the affidavit deposed to by Mohammed Khalil, an investigator attached to the Special Investigation Team of the EFCC domiciled in the Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA, he said he was a member of the team assigned to investigate the matter.

He said the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, directed the team to investigate a serious threat by a syndicate threatening the lives of senior operatives of the NSA by making demands for payments of ransom.

He said on receipt of the directive, the team began investigation by conducting surveillance of the activities on these syndicates, requesting bank instruments.

Kalil said investigation revealed Lawrence Lucky Eromosele as one of the perpetrators of the crime.
According to him, the operatives received a direct threat involving their families, with the perpetrators providing the homes addresses, family locations and specific movements with a threat to kidnap following failure to remit redemption payments.

He alleged that “one unknown individual contacted an operative, demanding some monies in exchange for their freedom and that of their families.”

“Attached and marked as Exhibit EFCC 1 is the printout of the chat between one of the perpetrators and the operative.”

The officer said in a bid to mitigate some of the threats, the team had identified bank accounts linked to the individuals making the threats.

“Attached and marked as Exhibit EFCC 2 are the bank statements of one of the suspects.
“Further intelligence has revealed that proceeds of crimes and funds for terrorist activities are covertly exchanged through these platforms,” he said.

Kalil said the order of the court is necessary to freeze the said accounts clearly described in Schedule 1 to the motion paper for which investigation is ongoing.

Upon resumed hearing, Babatunde, who appeared for EFCC, informed the court that the motion was dated and filed on December 17.

She said the motion prayed for an order freezing the bank accounts in the schedule attached to the application.

The lawyer urged the court to grant the relief.

When Justice Nwite asked her for how long the investigation would be conducted, Babatunde said within 90 days.

The judge, who granted the prayer, adjourned the matter until March 24, 2025, for mention

A Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, ordered the temporary forfeiture of the sum of 49, 700. 00 US dollars allegedly recovered from Dr Nura Ali, former Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), for Sokoto State in the 2023 general elections.

Justice Emeka Nwite gave the order after Osuobeni Akponimisingha, counsel to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), moved an ex-parte motion to the effect.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that while the Federal Republic of Nigeria (FRN) was the applicant, Ali was the sole respondent in the motion ex-parte marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1846/2024.

The motion, dated Dec. 20 and filed Dec. 24, was jointly filed by the ICPC and the Department of State Service (DSS).

Mr Usman Dauda, the Director of Legal, signed the application on DSS’ behalf, Akponimisingha, Assistant Chief Legal Officer in ICPC, was part of the legal team that drafted the process.

The motion sought an order of the court temporarily forfeiting the sum of $49,700.00 (forty-nine thousand, seven hundred dollars), “recovered from one Dr. Nura Ali during a search operation by the Federal Government of Nigeria being property suspected to be proceed of an unlawful activity.”

It also sought an order directing the applicant i.e., the FRN, through the ICPC and the DSS to jointly conduct a thorough preliminary investigation into the alleged unlawful activities of Ali, in respect of the moveable property sought to be forfeited and make a report to the court within 90 days.

It sought an order directing the applicant i.e., FRN, through the ICPC and the DSS to deposit the 49,700.00 dollars in an escrow account with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN.

The application equally sought an order directing the applicant to publish a notice in any national newspaper calling for persons whether, human, juristic or artificial, having Interest in the money to show cause why it should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.

Giving nine grounds why the application should be granted, the applicant said the victim of the alleged crime was the Federal Government of Nigeria and innocent taxpayers which include judges of courts across the country.

It said the money was recovered during a search operation by operatives of the DSS at the residence of Ali.
“The alleged moveable property of $49,700.00 was bribe money received by Dr Nura Ali when he was the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Resident Electoral Commissioner for Sokoto State.

“The alleged moveable property is not the legitimate earning of Dr Ali as independent National Electoral Commission’s Resident Electoral Commissioner.

“The alleged moveable property is suspected to be proceed of crime,” it said.

The applicant argued that INEC does not pay its staff members with United States Dollar as salaries or allowances.
It said the essence of the application was not to compulsorily acquire the alleged moveable property from the alleged owner, but to preserve the property from dissipation.

It said if the court grants the reliefs sought, interested persons including the alleged owner will be given opportunity to offer an explanation as to the legitimacy of the alleged property.

“Where cogent and verifiable explanation exists as to how the property was acquired, devoid of crime, the alleged owner or any other person having proprietary interest in the property will be allowed unrestricted possession of the property.
“This application is not in conflict with the provisions of Sections 43 and 44 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) which guarantee the rights of citizens of Nigeria to acquire and own immoveable and moveable properties in any part of Nigeria,” it said.

When the matter was called, Akponimisingha, who appeared for the FRN, told the court that the motion ex-parte prayed the court for four orders.

The lawyer said four exhibits were attached to the motion, including Exhibit DSS 1 to Exhibit DSS 4.
He urged the court to grant the application in the interest of justice.

He said a search was conducted in Ali’s residence in Kano and the sum of 49, 700, 000 US dollars was retrieved from the building.

He told the court that Ali allegedly said that the sum of $150, 000 US dollars was given to him by the former Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, and Sen. Aliyu Wamakko.

The ICPC lawyer, who alleged that Ali made this disclosure in his extra-judicial statement to the DSS, said the former REC also wrote a letter to the security outfit in the bid to reclaim the money.

He insisted that INEC does not pay his workers or RECs in dollars.

Also in the affidavit in support of the motion ex-parte deposed to by Iliya Markus, a litigation officer with ICPC, he said that Akponimisingha informed him that he read through the case file and comprehended facts forming the allegations leading to the execution of e search warrant by operatives of the DSS at Ali’s residence.

Markus said the DSS received an intelligence report on Dr Ali on allegations of bribery received from stakeholders, i.e politicians in the course of his official duties as INEC REC in charge of Sokoto State.
He said the intelligence report was processed and residence of Ali in Kano was searched pursuant to a search warrant executed jointly by operatives of the ICPC and DSS.

“A copy of the search warrant is hereby attached and marked as exhibit DSS 1,” he said.

The officer said in the course of the execution of the search warrant, the sum of $47,000.00 was recovered from the house.

According to him, Dr Ali also made statement(s) with respect to the search on his residence and the subsequent recovery of the alleged $49,700.00.

“A copy of the said extra-judicial statement is hereby attached and marked as exhibit DSS 2,” he said.
He said invitation letters had been written to invite persons he claimed gifted him the alleged $49,700.00.
“I also know as a fact that Dr Nura Ali did not report the gift of the alleged $49,700.00 to any law enforcement agency as required by extant laws of the land.

“Dr Ali had in the past written letters to the State Security Services requesting for release of the alleged $49,700.00 bribe money to him.

“Copies of the said letters are hereby attached and marked as exhibits DSS 3 & 4 respectively,” he said.
Markus said the investigation was yet to be concluded, hence, the need for the 90 days’ application.
Justice Nwite, who said that the application was meritorious, granted the prayers.

The judge adjourned the matter until Jan. 30, for report of compliance on the publication in the media and adjourned until March 31 for hearing of the matter

Boxing legend, Mike Tyson has announced that he will be back in the ring in 2025, according to Spanish publication Marca.

Mike Tyson, 58, who faced Jake Paul on November 15, 2024, resulting in a loss, has been generating buzz about a significant return, capturing the interest of the boxing community.

Tyson’s recent bout against Paul at AT&T Stadium sparked discussions, particularly because of the striking 29-year age difference between the two fighters.

Despite the outcome, Tyson remained positive and expressed his gratitude for the experience, acknowledging the meaningful moments shared with his children during the match.

“This is one of those situations when you lost but still won,” Tyson reflected in a Netflix interview post-fight.

“I’m grateful for last night. To have my children see me stand toe to toe and finish 8 rounds with a talented fighter half my age in front of a packed Dallas Cowboy stadium is an experience that no man has the right to ask for. Thank you.”

While his fight with Paul may have raised questions about the future of his boxing career, many fans continue to hope for another memorable appearance from the former undisputed heavyweight champion.

Should Tyson decide to retire, he would leave behind an extraordinary legacy of over four decades, showcasing a remarkable record of 50 wins, 7 losses, and 44 knockouts, while also being recognized as the youngest boxing champion in history.

Interestingly, Tyson’s potential return is now complemented by a surprising challenger: Joe Gatto, known for his role on Impractical Jokers. Gatto has lightheartedly expressed interest in facing Tyson in 2025, adding an exciting layer of intrigue to the legend’s return to the ring.