The House of Representatives on Thursday confirmed the appointment of Olufemi Oluyede as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS). 

While the constitution does not make provision for confirmation of appointments by the House of Representatives, the lawmakers adopted a report of its ad–hoc committee on the confirmation/screening of the Acting Chief of Army Staff and confirmed the appointment of Lieutenant General Oluyede as the Chief of Army Staff.

Chairman of the committee Babajimi Benson in presenting the report, said Lt. Gen. Oluyede had satisfied all requirements.

President Bola Tinubu appointed Oluyede in an acting capacity in October following former army chief Taoreed Lagbaja’s illness.

Lagbaja later died on 5 November and has since been buried.

The president thereafter wrote to the National Assembly, seeking Oluyede’s confirmation as the substantive army chief, and described him as one committed to the security of the country.

On Wednesday, Oluyede appeared before the House of Representatives Joint Committee on Defence and Army and promised to resolve the country’s security challenges if his appointment is confirmed.

Accompanied by top military officials and the Chief of Defence Staff Christopher Musa, Oluyede told the lawmakers he was “honoured this evening to be considered worthy to play a part in these efforts [to fight insecurity) and I look forward to contributing my utmost best by working with the National Assembly and other stakeholders in bringing lasting peace to the length and breadth of our dear country Nigeria”.

“In the past five years or thereabout, I have operated at the senior operational and management levels of the Nigerian Army and I have somewhat been part of the running of the service in its entirety,” he said.

“Thus, I cannot completely distance myself from the successes or setbacks of our great army in the past couple of years. However, I see my nomination as the Chief of Army Staff as a privileged opportunity to be in the driver’s seat and bring about more positive changes to the Nigerian Army to enable it to fulfil its
constitutional responsibilities.

“Thus, if confirmed by this joint committee and given the common mandate to lead the Nigerian Army during this period, I promise to do my best to justify the confidence imposed in me by the appointing authority which is His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the confirming authority which is you members of the National Assembly and the generality of Nigerians.”

On Thursday, the Nigerian Senate passed President Bola Tinubu’s controversial Tax Reform Bills for second reading.

The Bills are: ‘A Bill for an Act to Establish the Joint Revenue Board, the Tax Appeal Tribunal and the Office of the Tax Ombudsman, for the harmonisation, coordination and settlement of disputes arising from revenue administration in Nigeria and for other related matters, 2024.

‘A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Federal Inland Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, No. 13, 2007 and enact the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act to Establish the Nigeria Revenue Service, charged with powers of assessment, collection of, and accounting for revenue accruable to the Government of the Federation, and for related Matters, 2024.

‘A Bill for an Act to Provide for the assessment, collection of, and accounting for revenue accruing to the Federation, Federal, States and Local Government; prescribe the powers and funtions of tax authorities, and for related matters, 2024.

‘A Bill for an Act to Repeal certain Acts on taxation and consolidate the l;egal frameworks relating to taxation and enact the Nigeria Tax Act to provide for taxation of income, transactions and instruments, and for related matters.

Sponsor of the bills, Senate Majority Leader Bamidele Opeyemi, explained the general principles, saying the proposed legislation, if passed into law, will mark a paradigm shift in tax administration in Nigeria, to the advantage of Nigerians.

Senator Ali Ndume, however, raised concerns on the sanctity of the reforms, saying it contradicts certain provisions of the Constitution.

He insisted that the Constitution 1999 as amended should have been re-amended to reflect the desire of tax reform.

Ndume also cited the bills rejection by Nigerian Governors’ Forum and the National Executive Council, as well as by traditional rulers and other stakeholders.

Noting that he was not against the reforms as some provisions are good for the development of a robust tax administration system in Nigeria, he stressed that necessary steps should have been taken to follow due process in line with parliamentary rules.

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio after listening to Ndume, as well as presentations by Seriake Dickson and Mohammed Ali Monguno, who stoutly supported the bills, passed them for second reading through voice vote.

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.

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on Wednesday night, reversed his approval of free bus services across the state announced earlier in the day.

Initially announced on Wednesday morning as part of the state’s welfare initiatives, the decision to suspend the service was communicated later the same day.

The initial directive, as outlined in a press statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, stated that the free bus service would cover intra-city routes within Benin metropolis and inter-city routes across the three senatorial districts.

It was intended to reflect Okpebholo’s commitment to enhancing the welfare of Edo residents.

However, a subsequent statement from Itua late Wednesday night called for the earlier announcement to be disregarded.

“The earlier statement announcing the approval of free bus services by the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, should be disregarded,” he said.

The CPS explained that the governor was being briefed on operational issues within the Edo City Transport Service, which manages the free bus initiative.

“For now, the free bus services have been placed on hold. A new decision by the governor will be communicated to the general public,” he said.

The reversal has raised questions about the operational and logistical challenges facing the programme, leaving residents awaiting further clarification on the state’s transportation policies

Earlier in an interview with The PUNCH, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Edo State chapter, Bernard Joman, had commended the governor, saying the gesture would help cushion the effect of the harsh economy on Edo commuters.

 “It is a welcome development for the Edo Chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress and to the people of the state. It will help to cushion the harsh economic conditions on the people and workers.

“The higher institution students have resumed and they will all be going to various destinations in the state and the free transportation will surely help them.

“I will urge the governor of the state, Senator Monday Okpehbolo, to ensure that the scheme is enduring so that the people and workers will benefit for a long time.”

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.

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.