Suspected internet fraudsters have allegedly shot a collaborator over a disagreement arising from the sharing of N94 million proceeds from an online scam.

The incident reportedly occurred on Sunday at Okhoro road in the Egor Local Government Area of Edo State.

The victim was said to have been driving in his Sport Utility Vehicle when the gunmen who drove in another vehicle accosted him.

A source on Tuesday said the gunmen ordered him out of his car and shot him at a close range.

The source described the victim as “Aza Man”, a code name by internet fraudsters for a person who provides bank account for receiving proceeds of Internet fraud.

According to the source, the Aza man ran into trouble after he reneged on agreement with other members of the syndicate on the sharing formula for the N94 million realised from a scam.

“While the Aza man was promised a certain percentage of the amount upon the payment, he refused and instead retained the fund to himself.

“He refused to share with the group,” the source said.

Meanwhile, when contacted, SP Moses Yamu, the Public Relations Officer of the Police Command in Edo on Tuesday confirmed the shooting.

He noted, however, that “investigation had commenced, with the aim of arresting the perpetrators.”

Yamu added that the victim was undergoing treatment at a medical facility in the state.

(NAN)

Deposit Money Banks in the Federal Capital Territory have increased their maximum over-the-counter withdrawal limit to N50,000 per day, findings by The PUNCH have shown.

A survey conducted by our correspondent on Tuesday revealed that banks, including Guaranty Trust Bank and Zenith Bank, have increased the withdrawal limit, enhancing it from N5,000 that was allowed to customers last month.

At the GTBank branch located along the airport road, customers were allowed to withdraw N50,000 over the counter but a limit of N20,000 at its Automated Teller Machines.

An official who spoke to our correspondent said the bank is now in possession of more cash and that is the reason why the limit was increased.

“We now have more cash and that is why we are giving out more money. Simple.”

Meanwhile, Point of Sales operators have stated that an increase in the withdrawal limit would not reduce their service charge.

Currently, POS operators charge N800 for a withdrawal of N20,000 and N2,000 for a withdrawal of N50,000.

An operator, Faith, said a steady supply of cash would reduce service charges and not a one-time compliance by banks.

He said, “How will I reduce my charges because banks are now giving N50,000? Let it be stable first, then it would reduce.”

The British Government is set to deport popular pastor, Tobi Adegboyega, to Nigeria after losing his case against deportation at the immigration tribunal.

PUNCH Online reports that the UK government had shut down his church, SPAC Nation, after investigations exposed a misuse of funds by the church leadership.

It was gathered that the UK authorities closed the church after Adegboyega failed to properly account for more than £1.87 million of outgoings and operating with a lack of transparency.

However, according to The Telegraph, an immigration tribunal ruled that he should be deported back to Nigeria after investigations.

After arriving on a visitor’s visa in 2005, Adegboyega has lived in the UK unlawfully ever since.

In 2019, the pastor applied for leave to remain under ECHR’s right to a family life.

His application was initially dismissed by a first-tier immigration tribunal before he appealed.

Having been married to a British woman, the pastor claimed deportation would breach his right under the European Convention of Human Rights to a family life and failed to consider his community work with SPAC.

His legal team described him as a ‘charismatic’ community leader of a large, well-organised church who had ‘intervened in the lives of many hundreds of young people, predominantly from the black communities in London, to lead them away from trouble’.

Politicians including former Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, and senior figures within the Metropolitan Police had ‘lauded’ his work, he claimed, but no testimony by them was submitted to the court.

However, the Home Office contended ‘all is not as it seems’ and dragged him before an immigration tribunal.

However, according to the judgment as quoted by The Telegraph, the tribunal said evidences against the Nigerian pastor were taken to consideration.

The judgment reads, “Various manifestations of [Mr Adegboyega’s] church have been closed down, by either the Charity Commission or the High Court, because of concerns over its finances and lack of transparency.

“Former members of the church have alleged that it is a cult, in which impoverished young people are encouraged to do anything they can to donate money, including taking out large loans, committing benefit fraud and even selling their own blood.

“It is alleged that the church leadership lead lavish lifestyles and there have, it is said, been instances of abuse. The [Home Office’s] case before us was that all of this needs to be taken into account when evaluating whether [Mr Adegboyega] is in fact of real value to the UK.”

Speaking at the tribunal, Adegboyega said that claims that his chruch was a cult was unfounded and attacks on him and the church were politically motivated.

He also maintained no one had ever faced criminal charges over his church’s finances, adding that his deportation would breach his human rights.

However, the tribunal was told the Charity Commission concluded “there had been serious misconduct and/or mismanagement in the administration of the charity which was sustained over a substantial period of time.”

The tribunal also found Adegboyega’s evidence to be “hyperbolic in many instances’ and had ‘sought to grossly inflate his influence.”

The tribunal concluded, “We are not satisfied that the good work that SPAC Nation undertakes generally would collapse or even significantly suffer should the appellant be required to leave the UK.

“Weighing all of the foregoing in the balance we conclude that the decision to refuse leave to remain was wholly proportionate.

“Mr Adegboyega seeks to rely on family and private life relationships, all of which have been established whilst he was in the UK unlawfully, and which would survive his return to Nigeria.

“The interference would therefore be limited, and lawful in all the circumstances.”

The Senate has suspended action on the tax reform bills currently before it.

It further instructed the Committee on Finance to stay action on the public hearing pending the time the agitation in the public space is addressed.

The Senate further constituted a special committee to meet with the executive branch and work with the Federal Government to resolve the issues surrounding the tax reform bills.

This was made known by the Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, who presided during the plenary on Wednesday.

There have been a lot of controversies surrounding the Tax Reform Bills since its introduction to the National Assembly.

The bills are the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024; Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2024; Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2024 and Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024.

Northern governors have rejected the bills, describing them as anti-democracy.

Following this, the National Economic Council requested that the tax reforms bill be withdrawn from the NASS for more consultations.

Amidst the controversy, Senator Shehu Buba (APC, Bauchi South) in an interview with British Broadcasting Service, Hausa Service said Northern Senators agreed to recall the Tax Reforms Bills.

He said, “These bills are complex and require thorough review by tax policy experts.”

He claimed that northern lawmakers strongly oppose the proposed “derivation” formula in the value-added tax (VAT) distribution system, arguing that northern states would be unfairly impacted.

Also, on Tuesday, the president instructed the Ministry of Justice to liaise with the judiciary.

Speaking about these controversies, the Deputy Senate president noted that the delegation will meet on Thursday at the National Assembly to resolve all the issues that have been the cause of the uproar.

Barau said, “On the tax reform bills currently before us, we acknowledge that the Senate remains the highest legislative assembly in this country.

“The Senate comprises men and women of wisdom and experience, entrusted to legislate for the peace, stability, and development of the nation.

“The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, like similar bodies globally, serves as a stabilising force in times of difficulty or disagreement. Through dialogue and consensus, the Senate has consistently provided solutions to national challenges since 1999.”

He added, “In this regard, we have decided to set aside politics, ethnicity, and regionalism to work together on resolving the issues surrounding the tax reform bills.

“In collaboration with the Executive Arm of Government, we agreed to establish a forum to identify and address contentious areas to ensure national unity and progress.

“Before the introduction of these bills, we faced numerous challenges, including insecurity and economic issues.

“The President has been working to address these problems, and we are committed to supporting these efforts while tackling global economic challenges. We also agreed that no other issues should aggravate the country’s current difficulties.

“It has been mutually decided between the Executive and the Senate to engage the Judiciary to sort out these matters.

“the Attorney General of the Federation will be involved in discussions to identify and resolve areas of disagreement for the nation’s benefit.

“Tomorrow, the committee established by the Senate, along with its leadership, will meet with the Attorney General to address these issues.”

Barau further instructed, “Consequently, the Senate Committee on Finance has been directed to pause further actions on public hearings and other matters related to the tax reform bills until the issues are resolved.”

Members of the committee are all the leadership of the Senate including other members,  Adamu Ailero (PDP, Kebbi Central), Orji Kalu (APC, Abia North), Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa  West) Titus Zam (Benue South), Abdullahi Yahaya (Kebbi), Adeola Olamilekan (APC, Ogun West), Sani Musa (APC, Niger East) and Adetokunbo Abiru (APC, Lagos East).

The Senior Pastor of Harvesters International Christian Centre, Bolaji Idowu, has debunked allegations linking him to fraudulent real estate activities and money laundering, describing the claims as unfounded and misleading.

Reports emerged on Tuesday alleging that Idowu had been detained in Abuja by operatives of the Force Criminal Investigation Department over his purported involvement in real estate fraud.

A police source reportedly claimed, “Pastor Bolaji Idowu, popularly known for his ‘Next Level Prayers,’ is under investigation for alleged fraudulent real estate activities and money laundering.”

It was further alleged that the cleric regained his freedom after interventions by some prominent Christian leaders. 

However, addressing the matter during his church’s daily morning prayer session, Next Level Prayers, on Wednesday,  Idowu dismissed the allegations, asserting that he neither owns nor deals in properties within Nigeria.

“I do not have any property in Nigeria. The only property I have in Nigeria is the one bequeathed to me. So, there is no property that I have or bought in Nigeria,” he told his congregation.

Idowu also refuted claims that billions of naira had been funneled into his bank accounts as part of the alleged scheme, maintaining that his financial records are transparent and open to scrutiny.

“Someone said I received billions into my account. My accounts are public; you can check if I have ever received billions in them. It is just a lot of things going on in the press, but this is not the forum to address that,” he stated.

The pastor expressed shock at the allegations, admitting that he learned about them through the media, just like the public.

“Some of these things, as you are reading them, I am also reading them,” he said.

A Magistrate Court in Ado Ekiti has ordered that Human Rights Attorney and activist, Dele Farotimi, be remanded following allegations of defaming a prominent legal figure and founder of Afe Babalola University, Aare Afe Babalola, SAN.

Naija News reports that the activist is accused of damaging the reputation of Afe Babalola through statements made in his recently released book, ‘Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.’

Farotimi, who was arraigned on Wednesday (today), pleaded not guilty to all sixteen charges brought against him.

Police prosecutor, Samson Osun, requested that the defendant be held in custody while further investigations are conducted, citing the need for maintaining public safety.

In response, the defendant’s attorney, Dayo Akeredolu, contested this request, urging the court to grant bail under lenient conditions and based on self-recognition.

He emphasized that the case is eligible for bail and that the defendant is a well-known individual who does not pose a threat.

Akeredolu also pointed out that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven otherwise.

Nevertheless, the presiding judge, Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun, decided to remand the defendant in custody and scheduled the next hearing for December 10.

In the wake of the controversies surrounding the tax reform bills, the presidency has explained how the bill will serve the states better and enhance their capacity to earn more revenue.

Naija News reports that the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, in a statement on Wednesday, shed more insights about the bill.

Ajayi’s statement comes after President Bola Tinubu directed the National Assembly and the Ministry of Justice on Tuesday to work together to address the concerns raised on the bill.

The statement reads, “Since the public debate around the Tax Reform Bills started, the strongest push back against it has come largely from the north. Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum has become the face of the resistance for the reasons he has pushed forward, even when some of them didn’t speak to the facts and provisions of the bills.

“If Governor Zulum and other voices of resistance who think the states will be shortchanged had actually taken time to examine the four executive Bills, they will see how progressive and transformative the Bills are. They will also discern the thought behind them which is primarily to make both the Federal and sub-nationals fiscally stronger and buoyant.

“In his public presentations and the most recent being the Channels TV Town Hall moderated by Seun Okinbaloye Monday evening, Chairman of Presidential Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele and other panelists again made convincing arguments for the passage of the Bills before the National Assembly.

“Here are the 10 ways the Tax Bills will serve the states better and enhance their capacity to earn more revenue:

1. The federal government will cede 5% out of its current 15% share of VAT revenue to states.

2. The Bills will transfer income from the Electronic Money Transfer levy exclusively to states as part of stamp duties.

3. The Bills seek to repeal obsolete stamp duties law and re-enactment of a simplified law to enhance the revenue for states.

4. Under the new dispensation the Tax Bills will usher in, states will be entitled to the tax of Limited Liability Partnerships.

5. When passed by the National Assembly, the Tax Bills will enable the state government to enjoy tax exemption on their bonds to be at par with federal government bonds.

6. Under the proposed tax reform, states will enjoy a more equitable model for VAT attribution and distribution that will lead to higher VAT income.

7. Integrated tax administration will provide tax intelligence to states, strengthen capacity development and collaboration, and scope of Tax Appeal Tribunal to cover taxpayer disputes on state taxes.

8. The proposed tax laws grant powers for Accountant General of the Federation to deduct taxes unremitted by a government or MDA and pay to the beneficiary sub-national government on personal income tax of workers of federal institutions in states.

9. Framework to grant autonomy for states internal revenue service and enhanced Joint Revenue Board to promote collaborative fiscal federalism.

10. Legal framework for taxation of lottery and gaming and introduction of withholding tax for the benefit of states.

“From the aforementioned, it is clear that the Tax Bills are not in any way injurious to the states. Apart from streamlining the tax system in Nigeria and catalysing economic output, the tax and fiscal policy reforms provide incentives for states to become economic powerhouses. The challenge for governors will be to put on their thinking cap by investing in manpower and critical social and physical infrastructure in their states that will support businesses and socio-economic activities to flourish.”

Pastor Tobi Adegboyega's lawyer has refuted reports that the Nigerian-UK-based pastor is facing deportation from the United Kingdom, describing the claims as "ignorant" and emphasizing that his client is not a criminal.

The Telegraph had earlier reported that Adegboyega lost his appeal against deportation following allegations of financial misconduct within his church after failing to properly account for over £1.87 million in financial outgoings.

SPAC Nation, a now-defunct church founded by Adegboyega, was shut down after the Charity Commission found “serious misconduct and/or mismanagement” in its financial dealings.

Allegations from former members described the church as a “cult” that exploited young and vulnerable individuals, coercing them into taking loans, committing benefit fraud, and even selling their blood to make donations.

The UK tribunal, in its ruling during the trial, however, concluded:

“We are not satisfied that the good work that SPAC Nation undertakes generally would collapse or even significantly suffer should the Appellant be required to leave the UK.

“Weighing all of the foregoing in the balance, we conclude that the decision to refuse leave to remain was wholly proportionate.

“[Mr Adegboyega] seeks to rely on family and private life relationships, all of which have been established whilst he was in the UK unlawfully and which would survive his return to Nigeria.

“The interference would therefore be limited and lawful in all the circumstances.”

However, Adegboyega’s lawyer, Dele Olawanle, in a post on Instagram on Wednesday, described the deportation claims as “ignorant,” “false,” and “sensationalist.”

Olawanle said Adegboyega is not subject to deportation proceedings, noting, “He (Adegboyega) is not facing deportation from the UK… Deportation is for criminals. He is not.”

Olawanle also noted that despite challenges faced by SPAC Nation—including concerns raised by the Charity Commission regarding financial mismanagement—Adegboyega himself had never been personally found guilty of any wrongdoing.

“Even though the courts and the Charity Commission had issues with SPAC Nation, he was not personally found guilty of any wrongdoing,” Olawanle said.

“Tobi has lived in the UK for at least 20 years without a criminal conviction. He has contributed significantly to the British community.

“He has faced many challenges, but he is a winner. Many of his adversaries are from the African community. Sensationalism is an act of idiocy. It is not worth the paper it was written on.

“I read some comments this morning and wondered why people are so quick to make ignorant comments without facts. I wondered why there is joy in seeing people go down, including so-called pastors.

“Society has a big problem, as we cannot handle people who are different and want them to go down. We love people who act sheepishly with zombie traits.”

Olawanle, however, concluded by saying that the claims of deportation were “false” and noted that he would not be making any further comments on the matter, either publicly or privately.

“I have said that this latest news on deportation is false, and I will make no further comments on this deportation matter privately or officially.”

Popular Nigerian singer, Timaya has opened up on the reason for remaining single despite the success in his career.

The singer explained that he has never fancied getting married and it is not something he is drawn to.

He disclosed this in a recent interview with Naija FM.

He, however, said he has not ruled out the possibility of tying the knot in the future.

“I’ve never been a married guy right from time but it can change because marriage ‘dey craze’? I just look at it like if I marry today, would I be able to get out? In all my previous relationships, I was the one who got out because I don’t like stress”, he said.

Timaya explained that his hesitation towards marriage stems from his desire for freedom and his dislike for stress.

He stressed the importance of open communication in relationships, stating that he values honesty and transparency.

“If you have a problem with me, let’s talk about it because I don’t like going to bed thinking about things, I go die o. I don’t like anything to bother me at all,” he added

On fatherhood, Timaya shared that his children live with their respective mothers, but they maintain a close bond, explaining that being a father can be stressful, but it’s also enjoyable.

Timaya revealed that he spends quality time with his children, and they often visit him for extended periods.

The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has called for efforts to better the lives of Nigerians, noting that citizens are in need of quality leadership.

Vice President Shettima said there was every need to maximize the values from the nation’s core national assets for the benefit of Nigerians.

Senator Shettima stated this on Tuesday during the 4th meeting of the National Council on Privatisation (NCP), held in his office at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He urged members to provide constructive leadership for Nigerians, cautioning that posterity will judge them kindly if they make efforts to be fair to the citizens.

Shettima, according to a statement from his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, stressed that the nation’s core national assets are critical to the economic agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

“The work of this council has never been more important, especially given our current economic climate. Maximising value from core national assets is a key tenet of the economic agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and we must, as a council, play our part in unlocking the national prosperity that Mr. President works towards every day.

“The agenda today is heavily packed; the items range from very important post-privatization matters to critical sector reform issues that typify the indelible contributions the bureau and this council continue to make towards the attainment of our national aspirations.

“I encourage members of the council to contribute strongly to our discussions today. Posterity will judge us kindly if we make efforts to be fair to the Nigerian people. Our people need our leadership. People will pass judgement on our decisions in years to come,” Shettima said.

During the meeting, the Council received report presentations from its finance, technical and legal committees which were all approved and ratified.

In his presentation to the Council, the Director General of the Bureau Public Enterprises (BPE), Mr. Ayodeji Gbeleyi, sought the approval of the NCP for the proposed 2025 work plan of the Bureau, prioritizing revenue-generating projects and strengthening of concession management capacity, among others.

Also in his presentation, the DG gave an update on the establishment of the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) to the National Council on Privatisation aimed at improving grid management, transparency and reliability.

Council also received update reports on the restructured Kano, Kaduna, Benin and Ibadan Electricity Distribution Companies as well as the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission orders on the transfer of regulatory oversight of electricity markets in Edo, Enugu, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Oyo and Ondo States.

Other important update reports at the meeting included operations at the Zungeru Hydropower Plant; Kainji and Jebba Hydroelectric Power Plant, and the proposal to relocate 4 turbines from Afam power plant to Ughelli power plant, all in a bid to increase power supply to the national grid.

Present at the meeting were the Ministers of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu; Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu; Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, as well as other members of the NCP.