Category: News

There was a mild drama on Thursday at the Federal High Court in Abuja during the ongoing trial of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, as counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, described the proceedings as “a political case.” Pinheiro made the comment during a disagreement over whether defence counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, could cross-examine the fourth prosecution witness (PW-4) immediately after the conclusion of the evidence-in-chief or defer the session to the next hearing. Emphasizing the significance of the matter, Pinheiro said, “This is the trial of a former governor, hence, political.” He further stressed that he was not prosecuting a regular individual but a political figure “who had even aspired to contest for presidency.” Responding, Daudu disagreed, stating that the matter strictly involves allegations of money laundering, not politics. The exchange prompted a light-hearted remark from Justice Emeka Nwite, who said, “Political? If that is the case, then those handling political cases should prepare to take over the matter.” Earlier, Justice Nwite rejected an EFCC application to “cross-examine” its own witness, ruling that such a move is only permissible if the prosecution first declares the witness hostile. The issue arose during the previous hearing when EFCC counsel Olukayode Enitan, SAN, sought to cross-examine the third prosecution witness (PW-3), Mr. Nicholas Ojehomon, an internal auditor with the American International School, Abuja (AISA), over a court judgment admitted as Exhibit 19. The judge ruled that the EFCC could not cross-examine its own witness without proper legal basis, stating, “The argument of the learned counsel to the prosecution is misconceived.” He, however, allowed limited re-examination strictly based on pages 1, 14, and 15 of the document. Following the ruling, the fourth prosecution witness, Mshelia Arhyel Bata, a compliance officer with Zenith Bank, testified. He confirmed the authenticity of seven sets of bank statements provided by the bank, which were subsequently admitted into evidence. During his testimony, Bata detailed various transactions, including a ₦10 million cash withdrawal made under the name Abdulsalami Hudu on May 23, 2016 — the maximum amount allowed per cheque transaction at the time. He also confirmed multiple cash transactions on the same date and identified credit inflows totaling ₦1.092 billion on January 30, 2018. The defence counsel interjected, asserting that some of the withdrawals being referenced were related to security votes, a claim not immediately addressed by the court. The witness reported a total of ₦1.968 billion in withdrawals over different dates, as well as several inflows and outflows between May 2 and May 19, 2018. Following the conclusion of the prosecution’s examination-in-chief, Justice Nwite adjourned the matter to June 27, 2025, for cross-examination.

Nigerians earning less than ₦250,000 per month will be exempt from paying income tax beginning January 2026, according to Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today shortly after President Bola Tinubu signed four new tax bills into law on Thursday, Oyedele explained that the reforms are designed to stimulate economic growth and ensure equity in the tax system, rather than increase tax burdens. He stated that under the new laws, individuals or households earning ₦250,000 or less per month are now classified as poor and, therefore, exempt from income tax obligations. “This tax law will not give you cash in your pocket, but at least it won’t take your cash away if you are poor,” Oyedele said. He clarified that the reforms are structured to eliminate tax obligations for low-income earners, reduce the tax burden for the middle class, and slightly increase taxes for high-income earners. Those earning between ₦1.8 million and ₦2 million monthly — estimated at about 5% of the population — will see their tax rates reduced under the new framework. To determine the exemption threshold, Oyedele explained that the committee evaluated poverty standards beyond global benchmarks, using a Nigerian context that accounts for rural lifestyles and subsistence living. “We drew our own poverty line based on an average Nigerian household of five, with two people working. We estimated that if such a household earns around ₦250,000 monthly, they can meet basic needs, though without luxury. These people should not be taxed,” he said. Oyedele also emphasized the broader goal of the reforms: improving tax efficiency and compliance. He noted that Nigeria currently collects only 30% of its potential tax revenue and that the new laws are aimed at closing the 70% gap without placing undue burden on the poor. He described the reforms as “efficiency-driven, growth-focused, and people-centric,” with the overarching objective of fostering inclusive economic development.

The lingering dispute between the Mayor of Umuahia North Local Government Area, Chief Hon. Smart Iheoma, and the Chairman of the Abia State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Chidi Asonye, has been amicably resolved. According to ABN TV, the resolution was reached following a peace meeting convened to foster mutual respect and collaboration between the local government and the media, in the interest of Abia State’s development. The reconciliation comes after a period of tension triggered by conflicting reports surrounding a sanitation day event in Umuahia. During the meeting, both parties acknowledged the importance of unity and cooperation in advancing good governance and supporting the state’s development agenda. Both leaders expressed their commitment to working together moving forward, with an understanding that open communication and mutual respect are critical for fostering progress in the state.

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested six suspected bandits — three men and three women — at the Kaduna International Airport shortly after their return from the Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. According to SaharaReporters, the suspects were apprehended around 3:40 a.m. on Tuesday by DSS officers stationed at the airport. A top security source confirmed the operation, stating that the individuals were intercepted immediately after disembarking from a flight conveying Nigerian pilgrims from the 2025 Hajj. While the identities of the suspects have not yet been disclosed, intelligence sources have linked them to ongoing banditry activities in northern Nigeria. “Today, at 3:40 a.m, operatives of DSS arrested 6 suspected bandits — 3 men and 3 women — at the Kaduna Airport upon their return from Hajj,” the source stated. This latest development follows an earlier arrest reported on May 19, 2025, in which the DSS apprehended an alleged kidnap kingpin, Sani Galadi, at Sultan Abubakar International Airport in Sokoto. Galadi was detained during a routine screening as he attempted to board a flight to Saudi Arabia for the pilgrimage. According to security sources, Galadi is currently under investigation and is expected to be charged to court upon the conclusion of interrogations. A Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency official, Faruk Umar, confirmed the arrest and clarified that the suspect was not part of the state’s contingent but rather from Zamfara State. Umar emphasized that the arrest was in line with pre-arranged security measures put in place by DSS in collaboration with state pilgrims’ boards to ensure the integrity and safety of the Hajj process.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dismissed ongoing efforts by opposition leaders to form a coalition against him ahead of the 2027 presidential election, describing those involved as “political IDPs” — internally displaced politicians. Speaking during a one-day working visit to Nasarawa State on Wednesday, Tinubu urged his supporters to ignore the coalition plans, claiming that the opposition figures are only plotting their own political downfall. “Just don’t pay them any attention. They are the political IDPs. Don’t give them a home. The hope is here,” the President said while commissioning multiple projects across the state. Tinubu also commended Governor Abdullahi Sule for what he termed impressive development efforts, assuring him of continued federal support to foster growth in the state. During the visit, Governor Sule appealed to the President for accelerated oil and gas exploration in Obi Local Government Area, where over a billion barrels of hydrocarbons were reportedly discovered in 2023. He emphasized the potential of transforming Nigeria into a major refining hub, similar to Saudi Arabia, through integrated oil and gas development. Meanwhile, political realignments are gaining momentum as key opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, are reportedly in talks for a unified front in 2027. Last month, Atiku’s spokesperson, Paul Ibe, confirmed ongoing consultations during a live interview on Politics Today.