FEATURES
The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has announced the suspension of the foreign component of its TETFund Scholarship for Academic Staff (TSAS) Intervention, effective January 1, 2025.
This decision, outlined in a letter dated November 25, 2024, and signed by TETFund's Executive Secretary, Arc. Sonny Echono, cites the escalating cost of overseas training and an increasing number of scholars absconding as reasons for the suspension. The letter was addressed to heads of beneficiary institutions, including vice chancellors, rectors, and provosts.
"In response to the current excessive cost of training in foreign institutions, coupled with the high rate of abscondment of scholars, the Board of Trustees of the Fund has approved the suspension of the foreign component of the TSAS Intervention," the letter stated.
TETFund has directed beneficiary institutions to prioritize local training within Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. This shift, according to Echono, is aimed at reducing pressure on foreign exchange, enhancing local capacity, and significantly increasing the number of beneficiaries.
“It is expected that this will conserve and reduce pressure on the foreign exchange rate, boost investment and local capacity in our institutions while significantly increasing the number of beneficiaries of the intervention,” Echono wrote.
However, scholars already enrolled in foreign institutions under the TSAS programme will continue to receive sponsorship until they complete their studies, ensuring a smooth transition for ongoing commitments.
A 37-year-old Zimbabwean national identified as Lovemore Sithole has been convicted in Botswana for selling his six-year-old stepson for ritual purposes.
Sithole, who reportedly received $15,000 USD (approximately 200,000 Botswana Pula) in exchange for the child, now faces the death penalty in a case that has sparked widespread outrage.
Earlier this year, Sithole orchestrated a grim deal, trafficking his stepson to individuals allegedly involved in ritual sacrifices. According to investigators, Sithole negotiated the transaction, handing over the boy in exchange for the significant sum. The horrific crime culminated in the young boy’s disappearance and death, leaving a devastating impact on his family and communities in both Botswana and Zimbabwe.
The boy was reported missing, and a month later, Botswana authorities discovered human remains in an area linked to suspected ritualistic activities. DNA analysis confirmed the remains belonged to the missing child, cementing Sithole’s involvement in the heinous act.
The revelation has left the boy’s family and the public reeling. Citizens in both countries have condemned the crime, expressing anger and sorrow over the inhumanity of the act. Many are demanding the harshest penalties for Sithole, whose actions have been described as barbaric and unforgivable.
Botswana authorities acted swiftly, arresting Sithole after the remains were found and uncovering evidence linking him to the sale of the boy. The case has reignited debates over capital punishment in Botswana, a country that maintains the death penalty and enforces it in cases of severe crimes.
As Sithole awaits sentencing, the tragedy has drawn attention to the persistent issue of ritualistic killings in the region and the need for stronger measures to protect vulnerable children. The execution of justice in this case has become a focal point for communities seeking closure and a deterrent against such atrocities.
A 25-year-old Nigerian man, Oluyomi Omobolanle Bombata, popularly known as ‘Bobo Chicago’ or ‘Bola Flexx,’ was arrested by the U.S. FBI last week, for allegedly defrauding companies and individuals to the tune of $2.8 million.
Bobo Chicago, famed for his extravagant lifestyle, was apprehended on November 20 in Illinois, Chicago, following an arrest warrant issued in Oklahoma.
People Gazette reports that investigations linked him to multiple criminal complaints, leading to a five-count charge, including wire fraud, conspiracy, money laundering, and unlawful monetary transactions committed between June and October 2023.
Before relocating to Chicago, he reportedly terrorised Nigerians living in the Houston metro area. From Chicago, he was transferred to Oklahoma, where he allegedly orchestrated the fraud.
Federal agents revealed that he hacked into accounts in the Eastern District of Oklahoma and funnelled over $300,000 of stolen funds to a popular U.S. liquor store, implicating the owner.
Bobo Chicago claimed he lacked the financial resources to fight the charges, prompting the court to assign him a public defender. His co-conspirator remains in custody as investigations continue.
FCTA Names IBB, Ortom, Others As Land Title Defaulters, Gives Two-Week Ultimatum For Revocation
AFOLABI
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has published a list of 9,532 alleged land title debtors, including prominent individuals and government institutions, urging them to settle their obligations within two weeks from the publication date of November 26.
Among those listed is former Head of State Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB), who reportedly owes ₦152 million for a plot of land in Asokoro, an upscale area in Abuja. Babangida served as Nigeria’s military ruler from 1985 to 1993.
Other notable names include former Benue Governor Samuel Ortom, who owes ₦950,000 for a plot in Bazango, and Senator Aminu Tambuwal, representing Sokoto South, with an outstanding payment of ₦18 million for a plot in Carraway Dallas, near Asokoro.
Several federal agencies were also named as defaulters, including the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), the Nigerian Navy, and the Nigeria Police Force.
The Lagos Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, the Kaduna State Government, and the State House Abuja were listed as well.
The FCTA warned that failure to settle the debts would result in the revocation of the affected land titles. Defaulters were advised to make payments via e-payment to the FCT Department of Land Administration’s account.
“This exercise is part of our ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with land title regulations and recover outstanding debts,” an FCTA official said.
‘If You’re Not Part Of Elites Benefiting From Corruption In Nigeria, They Eliminate You’ – Pastor Bakare
AFOLABI
The General Overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church, Pastor Tunde Bakare, has claimed that some elites are responsible for the setback in Nigeria.
Naija News reports that Bakare, while preaching in London to some of his members on the message “Celebrating God’s Legacy—Honouring the Past and Celebrating the Future,” said that some countries consider Nigeria a threat.
Pastor Bakare stated that Nigeria is unable to progress because some elites are benefiting from the corruption, and those who are not part of it are eliminated by any means.
The clergyman said he was not opposed to Nigeria’s relationship with the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.
Bakare said, “Don’t you think there are nations who don’t want Nigeria to prosper? We are a threat. But before accusing others, what about giants cornering the wealth of the nation?
“The leadership of the nation cannot go to bed with two eyes closed when dealing with these giants. The elites are benefiting from the corruption, and if you are not part of them, they eliminate you by any means.
“The elites continue to hold down the country. I am not against the World Bank or the International Monetary Fund, but David, in the Bible, inquired. We seem to leave the root issues in our nation.
“Our founding fathers, irrespective of their political affiliations, were not in politics for what they would get.”
Nigerian comedian cum Nollywood actor, Adebowale Adedayo, better known as Mr Macaroni, has avered that faithfulness in marriage and relationships is possible but difficult.
The entertainer made this known during an appearance on the ‘Diary Of A Naija Girl’ podcast.
Mr Macaroni stated that although he is not currently in a romantic relationship, he has gained significant experience by advising his friends about their relationships.
The skit maker, who claimed to be a relationship expert, added that it is often easy to help his friends with relationship problems because he is not involved in the relationship.
He said, “It’s possible not to cheat but it is very difficult. I might not be in a relationship or considering it right now, but I’m a relationship expert.
“I’m serious. I’m an expert because my friends talk to me about their relationships and I advise them. But I think it’s easy to help them because I’m outside the relationship.
“So, it’s very difficult not to cheat as a married person. Both male and female, not just the man… You tell yourself that you will cheat only once, but once you start, there’s no going back.”
The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Wale Adeniyi, has officially transferred 21 luxury vehicles valued at over ₦8.1 billion to the Canadian government.
Adeniyi noted that INTERPOL has recognized certain West African nations as key locations for exotic cars that have been stolen from Canada, the United States, and Europe.
Naija News reports that the luxury vehicle collections include brands such as Rolls Royce, Lamborghini Huracán, Mercedes-AMG, and Range Rover.
Adeniyi explained that members of the criminal syndicate had stolen these vehicles from abroad and subsequently imported them into Nigeria using forged documentation.
He added that law enforcement officers have successfully recovered approximately 21 luxury cars from this criminal organization through the newly established Operation Hot Wheel.
Operation Hot Wheel is a collaborative effort involving personnel from the Nigeria Customs Service, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Canadian government.
Adeniyi emphasized that the recovery of all 21 vehicles was made possible through the cooperation of the Canadian government and the EFCC.
In his remarks at the official handover ceremony, the CGC affirmed that the Nigeria Customs Service has intensified its efforts to combat vehicle trafficking syndicates operating within the nation’s borders.
“According to INTERPOL reports, West Africa has emerged as a notable destination hub in the global stolen vehicle trade network, which extends from Europe and North America to as far as South America and Australia. This challenge is particularly acute in Nigeria,” he said.
The CGC indicated that data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) shows that from 2013 to 2015, merely 54 per cent of stolen vehicles were recovered, highlighting the extent and sophistication of this criminal operation.
According to him, the increasing prevalence of stolen vehicles entering our region has raised significant alarm, as it jeopardizes our legitimate automotive market and places considerable pressure on our security systems.
Recent intelligence from global law enforcement agencies further substantiates that our region has become a favoured destination for vehicles stolen internationally.
This trend damages Nigeria’s reputation on the world stage and adversely affects our economy through considerable revenue losses and heightened security expenditures.
The economic ramifications of this criminal activity are extensive and alarming. In addition to harming our legitimate automotive trade and international business relations, it undermines President Tinubu’s economic reform initiatives, which seek to establish Nigeria as a reliable centre for global commerce.
Consequently, the Service is compelled to allocate significant resources towards improved border management and stringent verification processes—resources that would be better utilized for trade facilitation and economic development programs.
This illicit activity strains our operational capabilities and jeopardizes the government’s initiatives to attract foreign investment and position Nigeria as a trustworthy partner in international trade.
“In response to these challenges, the Nigeria Customs Service initiated Operation Hot Wheels, a targeted enforcement initiative aimed at disrupting the flow of stolen vehicles into Nigeria through our ports and borders. Launched as a collaborative effort between the Nigeria Customs Service, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and Canadian authorities, the operation focused on intelligence sharing, coordinated surveillance, and strategic interdiction.
“The operation’s primary objectives included identifying and intercepting stolen vehicles, dismantling trafficking networks, and strengthening international cooperation in combating transnational vehicle theft. This multi-agency approach was designed to leverage the unique capabilities and jurisdictional advantages of each participating organization,” he stated.
Adeniyi further emphasized that by improving intelligence gathering and strategically allocating resources, officers across various commands have successfully enhanced surveillance operations while maintaining minimal disruption to legitimate trade activities.
He disclosed that a recent intelligence-driven operation at the Area II Command, Onne Port, resulted in the interception of a 1X40ft container (MRSU-5028706), which was declared to contain used vehicles and auto spare parts.
He stated that a physical inspection of the container uncovered three undeclared 2021 Toyota Highlander vehicles. In collaboration with Operation Screen West Africa (OSWA) and Interpol, it was confirmed that two of these vehicles had been reported stolen from Canada.
“Simultaneously, the Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ demonstrated exceptional vigilance with strategic interdictions at various locations in Lagos, including One Mercedes-Benz G550 with Range Rover Sport, valued at N506.8 million, intercepted along Trinity Axis in Lagos. One Mercedes-AMG GT with Lamborghini Huracan, valued at N630.8 million.
“One Rolls Royce intercepted at Victoria Island, valued at N231.8 million, one Lamborghini 2019 Model recovered at Victoria Island, valued at N239.1 million, two Range Rovers (2023 & 2018 Models) intercepted along Lekki, valued at N267.1 million, at Tincan Island Command Operations. Additional luxury vehicles intercepted through intelligence-led operations include three Toyota Highlander 2021 Models,” Adeniyi explained.
He emphasized that these recoveries underscore the advanced techniques employed by transnational vehicle theft organizations and their increasingly sophisticated concealment methods.
He noted that criminals are now utilizing a range of strategies, such as fraudulent declarations and containerized shipments, in an effort to evade customs detection systems.
He remarked that the operation revealed how stolen vehicles are being trafficked through the nation’s ports, disguised as legitimate cargo.
The Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID) Annex, said it arrested a “serial fraudster” who allegedly scammed about ₦2 billion from some citizens in Lagos.
The FCID Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Mayegun Aminat, disclosed this in a statement, on Wednesday.
According to the statement, the suspect, Chinedu Ernest Ngwaka, allegedly scammed ₦320,000,000 from one Tochukwu Unachukwu. She added that the command also received petitions from one Moses Chizoba Enechukwu who claimed Chinedu allegedly scammed him of ₦1 billion. Another petition against Chinedu was from Chinedu Nwaforcha who also claimed the suspect scammed him of ₦840,000,000.
ASP Mayegun explained that the command recovered a 2024 Toyota Hilux with a Presidency plate number from the suspect. Also recovered was an identity card belonging to the Ministry of Labour from the suspect. She added that a claim by the suspect that he was a licensed Bureau De Change (BDC) operator was false.
It read: “On the 9th of September 2024, the Nigerian Police Force received a petition addressed to the Assistant Inspector General of Police, FCID Annex, Lagos, from Chinedu Laz and Partners (Deo Gratia Chambers) on behalf of Mr. Tochukwu Unachukwu, the Managing Director of Casco Electronics Company Limited, against Chinedu Ernest Ngwaka and his wife, Janet Onyekachi Ngwaka, of being involved in a fraudulent scheme amounting to ₦320,000,000.00.
“Upon receipt of the petition, detectives from the Special Investigations Team of the Anti-Fraud Section attached to Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID) Annex, Lagos, swiftly swung into intelligence led investigation. The team reviewed relevant banking records and secured a Warrant of Arrest, which led to the apprehension of Chinedu Ernest Ngwaka, a self-acclaimed Licensed Bureau De Change (BDC) operator.
“Further investigation revealed that between March and May, 2024, Mr. Unachukwu made payments totaling ₦320,000,000.00 to Ngwaka and his wife through their company accounts, Edunaco Multiple Resources Limited and Bright Janes World for the procurement of $200,000 USD to facilitate the supply of goods from China. However, additional intelligence uncovered fraudulent documents, including a telex confirmation from Zenith Bank, which purportedly shows the completion of the transactions in two $100,000 USD tranches. The Chinese suppliers confirmed that no such funds were received.
Reactions have continued to trail the arrest of the self-acclaimed Prime Minister of Biafra, Simon Ekpa, with some South-East indigenes calling for his sentencing in Finland.
On Thursday last week, the Finnish authorities arrested Ekpa alongside four others and they were subsequently detained by the Päijät-Häme district court for “spreading terrorist propaganda on social media.”
The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation, NBI, disclosed that Ekpa, a dual citizen of Finland and Nigeria, is suspected of public exhortation to commit offences with terrorist intent. The charges also include suspicions of financing terrorism.
Leading the investigation, the detective, Chief Inspector Otto Hiltunen, said Ekpa is suspected of using his social media platforms to incite violence against civilians and public authorities in Southeastern Nigeria.
“The suspect has furthered his efforts from Finland, resulting in violence and other crimes in Southeast Nigeria,” Hiltunen said in a statement.
Ekpa’s arrest comes amid the worsening insecurity situation in the Southeastern part of Nigeria, which has seen armed men terrorising the region under the guise of pushing for the actualization of the sovereign state of Biafra.
DAILY POST reports that the armed men have been causing mayhem in the Southeast while claiming to be enforcing the Monday sit-at-home order that was first initiated by the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, as a measure to get the Nigerian Government to release Nnamdi Kanu.
But IPOB, which suspended the sit-at-home, had severally distanced itself from Ekpa, stressing that he’s not their member.
Commenting on the arrest, Abia South Senator, Eyinnaya Abaribe said Kanu’s release remained the solution to tackling insecurity in the Southeast and not Ekpa’s arrest.
Abaribe said Kanu’s release would reveal the genuine Biafra agitators from the criminals masquerading as gunmen.
He said: “You want Biafra fine, but do you get Biafra by killing the same Biafrans you want? How does murdering people, killing people, going around killing policemen, spreading mayhem, and burning police stations help you?
“Everyone of them claims that it’s because Nnamdi Kanu is incarcerated that’s why the Southeast is experiencing insecurity but it will end when Nnamdi Kanu comes out, then we now know who is a genuine agitator and a criminal.
“When Kanu comes out, then he will know his followers. Nobody will have a reason to say we are burning down this police station or killing this person.”
On his part, a retired captain of the United States, US, Army, National Defence and Military Strategist, Bishop Johnson said the proper handling of Ekpa’s arrest by the Finnish government might have an impact on his incitement of violence and bloodletting in the Southeast.
Speaking with DAILY POST, Ambrose said those funding Ekpa’s operations in the Southeast will also stop if he’s held accountable in Finland.
He said: “Simon Ekpa’s arrest will have an impact on the Southeast depending on how it’s handled by the Finnish government.
“If the Finnish government holds Ekpa and his accomplices – those sponsoring his operations, if they hold him accountable in Finland not here in Nigeria, it will have an impact.
“The incitement coming from him will no longer be viable and those sponsoring him will stop, the incitement will end; that is if he’s held accountable in Finland.”
He, however, observed that Ekpa’s arrest might take a negative turn in the Southeast if extradited to Nigeria and detained like Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.
Johnson said: “If he’s extradited to Nigeria, there is the possibility that instead of his arrest having a positive impact, it might even lead to more violence because Nigeria as a country is very notorious for its abysmal human rights records.
“If you have a situation where Ekpa is extradited to Nigeria and is kept in the same condition Nnamdi Kanu is kept in, there would be those offended that two Igbo sons are dumped in DSS dungeon and are inhumanely treated.
“So, if you have that situation, then his arrest will lead to a negative impact instead of having a positive impact. It may also lead to bloodletting and destruction in the Southeast.”
Johnson noted that Ekpa’s arrest could further inflame the Southeast if his loyalists noticed that he was not subjected to due process.
“If there is due process and he is found guilty and held accountable for all the incitement in the Southeast, but anything contrary to that, if there is jungle justice, if the judicial process is bungled, it will inflame some of the people he has here on ground, because Ekpa does not operate in a vacuum, there are loyalists who follow him.
“It all depends on how his arrest is handled and if he’s properly prosecuted, if he’s held accountable for all the loss of lives and damage to properties as a result of his actions,” he said.
He maintained that the combination of Kanu’s release and Ekpa’s arrest would go a long way in restoring peace in the Southeast.
“I think a combination of both would work because if Ekpa is held accountable for all the incitement in Finland that he created, which led to loss of lives in the Southeast and Kanu is released, then peace can be restored.
“Most of the time, these people that perpetrate criminal activities in the Southeast, not all of them are real agitators, there are criminals who have capitalized on Kanu’s incarceration and absence to commit all sorts of criminal activities.
“So, if Kanu is freed we would have denied those people the excuse they used in committing crimes.
“With Kanu’s release, we will be able to separate the real agitators for self-determination from the criminal elements that have used the opportunity for their selfish interests,” he said.
Ekpa should be sentenced – Osita Okechukwu
Meanwhile, a former Director General of Voice of Nigeria, VON, Osita Okechukwu, said Ekpa should be sentenced either in Finland or Nigeria for his crimes in the Southeast.
According to the chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Ekpa’s arrest was long overdue.
He told DAILY POST: “His arrest was long overdue. About two years ago, I met the Director General of NIA and he said they were making efforts but there were no bilateral diplomatic efforts with Finland.
“I urged him to intensify their efforts because Ekpa is a criminal and a murderer, because of him a lot of people have lost their lives in the Southeast.
“He has grounded the economy of the Southeast for no just cause, so I commend the diplomatic efforts of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar and our security agencies for the long hunt for fugitive Simon Ekpa.”
“I totally disagree with Ekpa’s strategy of committing heinous crimes against Ndigbo and grounding the Southeast geopolitical zone.
“There are better strategies to halt the marginalisation of our people, which is not by killings and maiming. I call for his sentence whether in Finland or in Nigeria,” he Okechukwu declared.
The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency has shut several establishments, including churches, hotels, bars, and other businesses, for failing to comply with the state’s environmental laws.
The operation which covered areas such as Mushin, Amuwo Odofin, and Okota Isolo, was part of ongoing efforts to address noise pollution and other environmental violations across Lagos.
This was made known in a statement shared on LASEPA’s verified X handle on Thursday.
According to LASEPA, the establishments were shut down for failing to comply with environmental standards, despite prior notices from the agency.
The statement said, “In a decisive move to combat noise pollution and other environmental violations, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) sealed several establishments across the state.
“The enforcement operation, which covered areas such as Mushin, Amuwo Odofin, and Okota Isolo, underscores LASEPA’s commitment to fostering a healthier and more sustainable environment for all Lagosians.
“The sealed establishments include: Daily Bakery, Redeemed Christian Church of God, Gak Universal Allied Limited, Ideal Standard, Franjane Royal Suites, Golden Haven Resort & Suites, Festival Hotel Conference Centre & SPA, FS Service Centre, Moulin Rouge Ventures at Olivia Mall.
The General Manager of LASEPA, Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, reiterated the agency’s zero-tolerance policy for violations that threaten public health and community harmony.
“Environmental protection is a shared responsibility,” Ajayi stated.
“As a government agency, we are dedicated to enforcing all necessary measures to ensure compliance with environmental laws.
“Noise pollution, improper siting of hazardous facilities, and other infractions significantly impact public health and quality of life. We urge businesses and individuals to prioritise compliance and adopt sustainable practices,” he added.
Dr. Ajayi also urged Lagos residents to report environmental violations through LASEPA’s official channels, emphasizing the need for collective action to protect the environment.
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Edo State’s Vehicle Recovery Committee has successfully reclaimed 30 vehicles previously owned by the government from officials of the former administration, as announced by the committee’s Chairman, Kelly Okungbowa.
The announcement was made public on Thursday through a statement released by Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo.
Okungbowa acknowledged the significant role played by whistleblowers in the recovery process, with several vital tips leading to the retrieval of the vehicles.
Among the vehicles recovered were four from the residence of a former senior official, and another from a separate individual.
“We have recovered two Land Cruiser Jeeps and two Toyota Hilux vehicles from a former high-ranking official of the immediate past government. One of the vehicles contained campaign posters and umbrellas.
“Another Hilux vehicle was also recovered, bringing the total number of vehicles retrieved since our operation began to 30,” Okungbowa said.
He reassured the public that the committee would continue its efforts to recover more vehicles before the two-week deadline set for the completion of the operation.
“We appeal to the public for more information to aid our operations. Whistleblowers have been instrumental to our success, and we are committed to rewarding anyone who provides helpful tips,” he added.
Okungbowa also highlighted that the committee is ready to extend its efforts across the country, tracking down state-owned vehicles wherever they may be.
In a previous operation, the committee recovered three vehicles: one Hilux van and two Toyota Hiace buses. One of the buses contained bags of rice meant for palliative distribution to Edo residents.
The chairman reaffirmed the committee’s dedication to ensuring that all government properties are properly accounted for and returned to the state.
Former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, was alleged to have spent ₦20 million lodging in a resort.
This was disclosed during cross-examination by the third prosecution witness, Colonel Adebisi Adesanya (rtd), on Wednesday, in a Federal High Court, Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho.
The cross-examination followed the testimony of the witness on Tuesday, November 26, in which he disclosed that the former minister spent the sum of ₦20 million from the fund earmarked for Mambilla Hydro Power project on payment for lodging in a resort over a period of one year.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Mamman on a 12-count charge bordering on an alleged conspiracy to commit money laundering to the tune of ₦33,804,830,503.73 (Thirty-three Billion, Eight Hundred and Four Million, Eight Hundred and Thirty Thousand, Five Hundred and Three Naira, Seventy-three Kobo).
The witness, the Chief Security Officer and owner of Sami Court Resort Limited, where Mamman allegedly paid for a one-year lodging to the tune of ₦20 million, disclosed while being led in evidence on Tuesday by prosecution counsel, A.O. Mohammed that “Sami Court Resort Limited is a service apartment where people come to lodge and stay for a long time, one month, two months, a year,” adding that “You only book in with your clothes, then any other thing is serviced by the apartment“.
He also revealed that he was invited for questioning by the EFCC on September 6, 2023 regarding inflows from accommodation and lodging into the United Bank for Africa, (UBA) account of the resort over the period spanning from 2019 to 2021 and identified Exhibit PWC as the invoice issued to Mamman by the resort after his payment of ₦20 million for lodging, covering the period between August 30, 2021 and August 30, 2022.
“This is our company’s invoice. We issued it after the payment of N20 million with respect to lodging and accommodation for Engineer Saleh Mamman,” he said.
Giving a breakdown of the lodging inflows from Mamman as contained in “Exhibit PWC,” he explained that “On September 6, 2021, the inflow was N5million, deposited by Golden Bond Nigeria Limited for the period covering 30th August 2021 to 30th August 2022 and the name of the lodger is Engineer Saleh Mamman.
“The second column is on January 23, 2022, being ₦5 million payment deposited by Mintedge Nigeria Limited to cover from 30th August 2021 to 30th August 2022.
“The third column is March 9, 2022, and the amount is ₦2, 500, 000 (Two Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira), payment by Abdullahi Suleiman and it is to cover the period of 30th August 2021 to 30th August, 2022 for Engineer Saleh Mamman.
“And the last one is on May 10, 2022, and the amount is ₦7, 500,000 (Seven Million Five Hundred Thousand Naira), deposited by A.I.J Global Tools Limited over the period covering 30th August 2021 to 30th August 2022 and the name of the lodger is Engineer Saleh Mamman,” he stated.
The witness further alleged that the payments by Mamman were just for one-bedroom rental, all made through the resort’s UBA account.
“The documents are our invoice in respect to payment for one-bedroom rental from 30th August 2019 and 30th August 2020 and the amount is ₦20 million,” he added.
Justice Omotosho afterwards adjourned the case till 13 January 2025 for a continuation of trial.
The Senate is set to pass the contentious Tax Reform Bills today, with provisions exempting Nigerians earning below ₦1 million annually from personal income tax.
Naija News gathered that after initial resistance, most senators have shifted their stance following explanations from key government officials, including the Director-General of the Budget Office, Tanimu Yakubu; FIRS Executive Chairman, Zacch Adedeji; and the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele.
The officials clarified that the reforms aim to tax wealth, not poverty, ensuring that Nigerians earning less than ₦1 million annually are excluded. They also proposed a review of the VAT sharing formula to make it more equitable, addressing imbalances favoring certain states.
Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, confirmed during yesterday’s session that the debate on the bills would continue today, with the first and second readings to follow promptly.
Yesterday’s plenary was marked by heated arguments as the Tax Reform Bills, not listed on the Order Paper, were suddenly introduced.
This sparked outrage among lawmakers, particularly former Deputy Senate Leader Abdul Ningi and Senator Ali Ndume, who argued that established procedures were not followed.
Ndume insisted the matter was too significant to be rushed, emphasizing the need to respect Senate rules.
He said: “This is a very important matter. We should not in any way try to use the position of the Senate because the Order Paper is clear. I have no problem having them to come to explain whatsoever but we must follow known procedures.
“That is, if today it has to be taken, then there must be a supplementary Order Paper that will reflect this. It is not a matter that you will just come and tell us after we are doing business of the day.
“Mr President, you can have your way, but I will have my say. You can use your gavel and I will use my voice. Tax Reform Bill is very sensitive, our people have been agitated over this matter, When you say it is a matter of urgent national importance, yes, but even those matters are normally referred to another legislative day if there are so inconvenient.
“Please I beg you in the name of God, this matter is very important to not only us but also Nigerians that we represent and we swore by Bible and Holy Quran that we will represent the interest of the people. Nigerians have spoken, the Governors, the National Economic Council.”
Despite objections, Deputy Senate President Barau ruled them out of order, allowing the invited economic experts to address the chamber.
Experts’ Presentation
During their presentation, the experts clarified that the reforms aim to modernize Nigeria’s tax system, simplify processes, and protect low-income earners.
Highlights of the proposals include:
– Exempting Nigerians earning less than ₦1 million annually from personal income tax.
– Removing VAT on essential goods and services.
– Establishing a 15% effective tax rate for large corporations.
– Proposing a more balanced VAT revenue-sharing model based on state consumption.
Taiwo Oyedele emphasized that the reforms are pro-poor and designed to harmonize taxes while improving efficiency. He added that the proposed tax threshold is still lower than what is obtainable in many African countries.
He said : “The committee proposes four major bills aimed at overhauling the tax system. The Nigerian Tax Bill seeks to harmonize major taxes into one legislation, simplifies tax processes, and proposes exemptions for low-income earners.
“The Tax Administration Bill aims at establishing standards for tax administration, promotes the use of technology, and aims to streamline tax collection.
“Nigerian Revenue Service Establishment Bill proposes the establishment of a new revenue service to improve tax collection and coordination among agencies while the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill aims to enhance collaboration among tax authorities and create a Tax Ombudsman to protect small businesses.
“Key proposals of the tax reform bills are elimination of minimum tax for loss-making companies; Introduction of a 15% effective tax rate on profits for large companies; removal of VAT on essential goods and services; and increased tax thresholds for personal income tax to exempt low-income earners.”
On the contentious revenue sharing formula from VAT, Oyedele explained: “The current VAT sharing formula is deemed unfair, favouring states with major corporate headquarters. The proposal includes a more equitable distribution based on consumption within states as against current sharing formula which lopsidedly favours Lagos State, being host to headquarters of corporate organizations.”
Oyedele explained that the proposed tax reform bills aim to exempt Nigerians earning less than ₦1 million annually from paying personal income tax.
He noted, “Today, we are taxing people that earn ₦30,000 a month. That’s ₦1,000 a day. How can anybody survive earning ₦30,000 a month? Even if they live alone, they will do transport, they will buy food, they will pay rent, they will pay for electricity. They cannot survive. So we are proposing in the bill before you that anybody earning ₦800,000 naira a year, including an extra ₦200,000 for rent, about ₦1 million a year, should not pay personal income tax. By the way, this threshold is not even the highest in Africa. It’s still lower than many small African countries.”
The team informed federal lawmakers that the tax reform bills consist of four distinct pieces of legislation aimed at consolidating and streamlining all aspects of taxation and tax administration in Nigeria.
The proposed bills include the Nigeria Tax Bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill.
They clarified that these bills encompass all major taxes levied on individuals and businesses, effectively serving as a comprehensive guide to taxation in Nigeria.
Contrary to misinformation, the team emphasized that the reforms are designed to modernize outdated tax laws, simplify Nigeria’s complex tax system, and significantly enhance efficiency.
Furthermore, the reforms are tailored to benefit low-income earners and small businesses by exempting them from income taxes, making the bills pro-poor, pro-growth, and efficiency-driven.
The senators were urged to support the reforms, which are positioned as crucial for Nigeria’s economic growth.
This reform, initiated by President Bola Tinubu and guided by the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, aims to simplify Nigeria’s complex tax system while addressing inequities and fostering economic development.
Workers in the Rivers State civil service have praised Governor Siminalayi Fubara for fulfilling his promise to implement a new minimum wage of ₦85,000, which commenced with November salaries.
Governor Fubara had announced the increment in October, assuring workers that the adjustment would be funded through the state’s improved Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
The move exceeds the ₦70,000 minimum wage approved nationally by President Bola Tinubu in July to address economic challenges.
Highlighting the state’s financial strides, Fubara disclosed that the Rivers State IGR has grown significantly under his administration, rising from ₦11 billion under the previous administration to ₦27 billion.
In an interview with newsmen on Tuesday, the Chairman of the Nigeria Civil Service Union, Rivers State Chapter, Chukwuma Osunna, confirmed the payment of the revised salary structure.
He said: “The governor has fulfilled his promise. As at today , November 27, 2024, I can confirm that he has paid the N85,000 new minimum page to workers and the workers are happy.
“We met under the joint council, sat with the Head of Service, saw the salary chart and confirmed that the N85,000 is well calculated and implemented in the November salary of workers, so, payment started today and by tomorrow, other banks will start to pay too.”