Author: Akintayo Adams

The Nigerian government has explained that it is yet to take action on 60 private jets that operate in the country without payment of import duties amounting to several billions due to various court cases. The Nigeria Customs Service spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, disclosed this on Tuesday while filing questions on the verification exercise for private jet owners. Recall that in October, NCS had announced an extension of the exercise by a month to November 14, 2024. However, despite the expiration of the deadline, NCS is yet to take action against the private jet owners. Reacting to the development on why…

Human rights lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi, has been remanded in prison for allegedly defaming Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, the founder of Afe Babalola University. Farotimi was arraigned before a Magistrate Court in Ado Ekiti on Monday, accused of maligning and defaming Afe Babalola in his recently published book, ‘Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.’ He pleaded not guilty to all sixteen charges. Police prosecutor Samson Osun called for Farotimi’s remand in prison custody pending further investigation and its outcome for the maintenance of security in the country. However, counsel to the defendant, Dayo Akeredolu, opposed this, pleading with the…

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed interest in partnering with Nigeria to tap into its extensive lithium reserves. This collaboration aims to facilitate the green energy transition and support the growth of electric vehicle (EV) batteries. During the Nigeria-South Africa Business Roundtable in Cape Town, Ramaphosa highlighted the potential of Nigeria’s lithium as a key resource for industrialization in the EV sector. He also announced South Africa’s support for Nigeria’s bid to join the G20, describing Nigeria as a “valued sister country.” The two presidents co-chaired the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission, where they discussed leveraging…

Banks in Nigeria have recently increased their maximum over-the-counter withdrawal limits to N50,000 per day. This is a significant rise from the previous limit of N5,000. The change was implemented by several banks, including Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) and Zenith Bank, due to an increase in available cash. An official from GTBank mentioned that the higher limit was possible because the bank now has more cash on hand. However, the withdrawal limit at Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) remains at N20,000. Point of Sales (POS) operators have stated that this increase in withdrawal limits will not reduce their service charges. Currently,…

The Nigeria Police Force has announced a strict ban on the use of tinted glass and covered number plates in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), citing security concerns and the need to curb criminal activities. This decision was made by the FCT Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, during a recent press conference. According to Commissioner Disu, the indiscriminate use of tinted glass has significantly contributed to lawlessness within the territory. He explained that several rescued kidnapping victims reported that tinted windows hindered potential helpers from recognizing their distress. Additionally, criminals have exploited vehicles with covered or missing number plates to…

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol recently declared martial law in a surprise late-night address, citing the need to protect the country from “North Korea’s communist forces” and to eliminate “anti-state elements.” This decision led to immediate backlash and unrest, with the National Assembly voting to defy the president’s order. “We’ve submitted an impeachment motion prepared urgently,” representatives for six opposition parties including the main Democratic party said on Wednesday, adding they would discuss when to put it to a vote, but it could come as soon as Friday. “President Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law declaration was a clear violation…

Nigerian pastor Tobi Adegboyega, whose church was shut down over an alleged £1.87 million fraud, has lost his legal battle against deportation, despite asserting that it would violate his human rights. The immigration tribunal ruled that Adegboyega, 44, a cousin of Star Wars actor John Boyega, should be deported to Nigeria following investigations, including one by The Telegraph, which exposed financial misconduct within his church. Adegboyega was the leader of SPAC Nation, a controversial organisation closed down due to financial mismanagement and a lack of transparency. According to the tribunal, the church failed to account for more than £1.87 million…

President-elect Donald Trump has formally requested the dismissal of his criminal case involving hush money payments. Trump’s legal team filed a motion arguing that the case disrupts the presidential transition process and poses unconstitutional disruptions to the presidency. The case, initiated by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, involves allegations that Trump made illegal payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels during the 2016 election to suppress her claims of an affair. Trump was convicted in May 2024 on 34 felony counts related to falsifying business records. Trump’s lawyers argue that the case should be dismissed due to his recent election…

Tensions have indeed escalated between India and Bangladesh over the treatment of Hindu minorities. Diplomatic relations between the neighboring countries, once close allies, have been strained since August. This tension arose when former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled Bangladesh following a public uprising. She is currently residing in India. The situation further intensified following the arrest of Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das in Bangladesh. Das, who led large rallies demanding better security for minority groups, was detained on charges of sedition. In response, protests erupted in both countries. In India, a group of Hindus in Agartala stormed the Bangladesh consulate,…

The Nigerian Senate has confirmed the appointment of Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede as the new Chief of Army Staff (COAS). The confirmation followed the adoption of the Committee on Army’s report on the Oluyede screening. The committee, chaired by Sen. Abdulaziz Yar’adua, praised Oluyede’s competence, experience, and educational qualifications. President Bola Tinubu had previously appointed Oluyede as the Acting COAS on October 30, following the illness of the former COAS, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja. The Senate’s approval now makes Oluyede the substantive COAS. Get instant and latest news updates via our WhatsApp Community, X/Twitter, or Google News online channel.