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Author: Toyibat Ajose

  • Nigerian Army reacts to COAS’ death rumours

    Nigerian Army reacts to COAS’ death rumours

    The Nigerian Army on Sunday dismissed rumours circulating about the death of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.

    The reports, which originated from a social media post by a Nigerian journalist, quickly went viral, claiming that the Army chief had passed away from cancer 48 hours earlier.

    The journalist’s post stated: “Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff, has died. He passed away in an undisclosed hospital overseas nearly 48 hours ago due to stage three cancer, according to a senior government official. The announcement of his death has been delayed due to intense lobbying by some generals aiming for his position. Lagbaja, born on 28th February 1968 in Ilobu, Osun State, was appointed as the 27th Chief of Army Staff by President Bola Tinubu in June 2023.”

    In response, the Nigerian Army, through a post on X, categorically debunked the report, labelling it as fake news.

    However, sources at the Army Headquarters confirmed that Lt. Gen. Lagbaja was critically ill. One source said, “The COAS is not dead. He is currently in a critical condition. At this time, we should be praying for his recovery instead of spreading false reports.”

    Another insider disclosed that the Army chief had travelled abroad for medical treatment, adding, “He is receiving treatment overseas. I have not heard any confirmed news of his death. Such information could not easily be kept secret.”

    Attempts to reach Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, were unsuccessful as his phone was switched off, and he had not yet responded to a message seeking comment on the matter.

  • Four years after #EndSARS, police abuses still rampant – Amnesty

    Four years after #EndSARS, police abuses still rampant – Amnesty

    Amnesty International Nigeria has raised concerns over ongoing human rights abuses by the Nigeria Police, including unlawful detention, extortion, torture, and sexual violence, four years after the October 2020 #EndSARS protests.

    The nationwide #EndSARS movement, which occurred between 1st and 20th October 2020, called for an end to police brutality, particularly from the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). The protests ended abruptly on 20th October 2020 following the loss of lives at the Lekki Tollgate in Lagos, after an alleged military shooting.

    In a statement on Sunday, the human rights organisation urged the Nigerian government to address ongoing violations by the police, stating that such abuses continue to fuel impunity and leave citizens vulnerable to the same injustices that sparked the #EndSARS protests.

    Isa Sanusi, Country Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, said, “We continue to receive, almost daily, reports of human rights violations by the police across Nigeria, including unlawful detention, extortion, torture, sexual violence, and, in some cases, extrajudicial killings.”

    He added, “The Nigerian authorities still have the opportunity to reform the police into an institution with zero tolerance for human rights violations. This chance must not be squandered by failing to hold the police accountable for these abuses. We are gradually returning to the horrific pre-EndSARS era where police officers act with impunity.”

    Sanusi called on the government to fulfil its promises of addressing police brutality to comply with both Nigerian and international law, emphasising that all atrocities linked to #EndSARS, both before and after, must be investigated and those responsible brought to justice.

    Amnesty International also highlighted several cases of extrajudicial killings by police officers since the protests. Among the incidents was the killing of 25-year-old salesgirl Jumoke Oyeleke during the Yoruba Nation rally in Lagos in July 2021, and the deaths of other victims such as Mosurat Ojuade (18), Paul Durowaiye, and lawyer Bolanle Raheem, among others.

    The organisation also criticised the lack of transparency regarding a leaked memo from July 2023, which indicated Lagos State’s approval for the mass burial of 103 victims from the #EndSARS protests, whose identities remain undisclosed, with no progress made in bringing those responsible to justice.

    Of the 36 states, only Lagos has made public the findings of its #EndSARS judicial panel, while just two states—Ekiti and Osun—along with the FCT, are known to have fully compensated survivors and families of victims. Meanwhile, seven states, including Borno, Jigawa, Kano, Kebbi, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara, have yet to establish any form of judicial panel.

  • IG criticises rise in jungle justice, orders probe into police officers’ killings

    IG criticises rise in jungle justice, orders probe into police officers’ killings

    The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on Sunday, condemned the increasing cases of mob justice across the country.

    He has instructed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department to investigate these incidents and ensure that all those responsible are held accountable.

    Expressing concern over the growing menace, the police, through a statement issued by Force Spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, highlighted a recent case in Edo State where a mob attacked a police station and burned some suspects to death on 13th October.

    Adejobi stated, “In light of the recent surge in mob justice in various parts of the country, the Nigeria Police Force strongly condemns this dangerous and abhorrent trend, warning the public about the consequences it poses for our criminal justice system, the rule of law, and Nigeria’s international reputation.

    “The Police particularly condemns the act of arson, which resulted in the burning to death of suspects in police custody, along with the destruction of police barracks, patrol vehicles, and the Divisional Police Station in Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, on Sunday, 13th October 2024.

    “In this instance, members of the public claimed that the police were attempting to obstruct justice by detaining suspects accused of kidnapping and armed robbery, who were said to have been terrorising the community in Edo State. The primary suspect was apprehended and nearly lynched before being rescued by the police.

    “His arrest led to the capture of three additional suspects. However, the community members, dissatisfied with the police’s actions, mobilised in large numbers, attacked the police station, and burned both the suspects and the station.”

    Adejobi added, “The community’s false perception that the police would release the suspects was unjust and unfounded, as the police had no intention of obstructing justice, particularly after arresting three other individuals linked to the criminal activity through thorough investigation.”

    Another incident referenced by Adejobi took place in Agege, Lagos, where on 19th October, a mob attacked a driver involved in a road accident.

    Adejobi explained that a police officer who attempted to intervene and save the driver was tragically killed by the mob.

    “In another incident, a police team trying to prevent mob justice was violently attacked, resulting in the death of a police officer, ASP Augustine Osupayi, attached to the Lagos State Command, at the hands of a violent mob on Saturday, 19th October 2024, in Agege, Lagos State.

    “The police team had responded to rescue a driver accused of accidentally knocking down a motorcycle rider, who was assaulted by the group of riders before being saved by the police.

    “The rescue, however, angered the riders, who turned on the police team and tragically killed ASP Osupayi. These are just a few of many similar incidents reported across the country.”

    Adejobi noted that the Inspector General extended his condolences to the families of the victims and directed the DIG FCID to apprehend those involved in the heinous acts.

    He said, “The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, expresses his sympathy to the bereaved families and has directed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, FCID, to thoroughly investigate these cases and bring all offenders to justice.”

  • WHO certifies Egypt as malaria-free

    WHO certifies Egypt as malaria-free

    The World Health Organisation has certified Egypt as malaria-free.

    The achievement follows a nearly 100-year effort by the Egyptian government and people to end a disease that has been present in the country since ancient times, according to a statement issued by the global health body on Sunday.

    “Malaria is as old as Egyptian civilization itself, but the disease that plagued pharaohs now belongs to its history and not its future,” said WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus. “This certification of Egypt as malaria-free is truly historic, and a testament to the commitment of the people and government of Egypt to rid themselves of this ancient scourge. I congratulate Egypt on this achievement, which is an inspiration to other countries in the region, and shows what’s possible with the right resources and the right tools.”

    Egypt is the third country to be awarded a malaria-free certification in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region following the United Arab Emirates and Morocco, and the first since 2010. Globally, a total of 44 countries and one territory have reached this milestone.

    “Receiving the malaria elimination certificate today is not the end of the journey but the beginning of a new phase. We must now work tirelessly and vigilantly to sustain our achievement through maintaining the highest standards for surveillance, diagnosis, and treatment, integrated vector management, and sustaining our effective and rapid response to imported cases. Our continued multisectoral efforts will be critical to preserving Egypt’s malaria-free status,” said the Deputy Prime Minister of Egypt, Dr Khaled Ghaffar.

    “I reaffirm that we will continue with determination and strong will to safeguard the health of all people in Egypt under the wise leadership’s guidance and proceed with enhancing our healthcare system, this will remain a cornerstone in protecting the lives of all people living in and visiting Egypt.”

    Certification of malaria elimination is granted by WHO when a country has proven, beyond reasonable doubt, that the chain of indigenous malaria transmission by Anopheles mosquitoes has been interrupted nationwide for at least the previous three consecutive years.

    A country must also demonstrate the capacity to prevent the re-establishment of transmission.

    “The final decision on awarding malaria-free certification rests with the WHO Director-General, based on a recommendation by the independent Technical Advisory Group on Malaria Elimination and Certification,” WHO added.

  • Nigerians suffering, Let the middle class breathe, LP Senator to FG

    Nigerians suffering, Let the middle class breathe, LP Senator to FG

    Senator Neda Imasuen, who represents Edo South in the National Assembly under the Labour Party (LP), has criticised the twin policies of fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange unification implemented by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

    Imasuen, who also serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, voiced his concerns during an appearance on the Channels Television programme *Inside Sources* with Laolu Akande.

    He argued that Nigerians, particularly the middle class, are bearing an excessive burden as a result of the reforms introduced by the All Progressives Congress (APC) government under Tinubu’s leadership.

    “The legislature can only support the executive and hope their plans will take us in the right direction,” Imasuen stated. He emphasised that instead of assigning blame, the focus should be on finding solutions to the current challenges facing the nation.

    Imasuen continued, “The suffering that Nigerians are enduring right now is far too high a price for these measures. We are a country that imports everything, yet we are devaluing the naira. I don’t see how that helps us when everything is linked to the dollar, and its value keeps rising.”

    He highlighted the need to strengthen local industries and provide support to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as a way to alleviate pressure on the middle class. Imasuen also stressed the importance of subsidies in certain sectors, particularly agriculture, to ensure farmers can produce enough food for the country. He pointed out that the rising cost of essentials, such as a bag of rice now costing nearly ₦100,000, is making life increasingly difficult for ordinary citizens.

    Imasuen further criticised state governments for not doing enough to ease the hardships faced by Nigerians, stating they should be playing a more active role in addressing the economic challenges.

    Nigeria is currently grappling with one of its most severe economic crises in decades, with inflation soaring due to rising energy and food costs. The middle class has been hit particularly hard, with many abandoning their cars to cope with the economic strain.

    Critics have attributed the worsening situation to Tinubu’s policies, which they believe have led to the sharp rise in inflation and the cost of living. In response, thousands of Nigerians have taken to the streets in protest.

    In his Independence Day broadcast on October 1, 2024, President Tinubu acknowledged the difficulties caused by his reforms, expressing sympathy for the public’s suffering. He urged Nigerians to be patient and assured them that his government is working on measures to reduce the cost of living and improve the economy.

  • 20Million Out-Of-School children recruitment opportunity for Boko Haram – Obasanjo

    20Million Out-Of-School children recruitment opportunity for Boko Haram – Obasanjo

    Former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, has expressed concern that the rising number of out-of-school children in the country presents a significant security risk for the future.

    He stated that the over 20 million children currently out of school in Nigeria could be prime targets for recruitment into Boko Haram and banditry within the next 10 to 15 years.

    Obasanjo made these remarks in Bauchi on Sunday during the commissioning of several projects initiated by Governor Bala Mohammed.

    He emphasised the importance of investing in human capacity and education, stating, “According to the World Bank, there are over 20 million children who should be in school but aren’t, which is a worrying 10 per cent of our 230 million population. This situation is creating a recruitment pool for future Boko Haram members, and we must acknowledge it.”

    Obasanjo warned that failing to equip these children with education and the necessary skills leaves them vulnerable to exploitation by extremist groups.

    “Not only are we neglecting 10 per cent of our population by not helping them develop their abilities to contribute to their families and communities, but we are also setting them up to be recruited by Boko Haram or bandits in the next decade or so,” he added.

  • Israel escalates Beirut bombing; accused of killing 73 in Gaza strike

    Israel escalates Beirut bombing; accused of killing 73 in Gaza strike

    Fighting continued on two fronts on Sunday as Israel targeted what it described as a Hezbollah “command centre” in Beirut, while in Gaza, rescuers reported 73 people killed in a single airstrike.

    The strikes on Hezbollah’s stronghold in southern Beirut followed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s accusation that the Iran-backed group had attempted to assassinate him by targeting his residence. The strikes also coincided with the Jewish festival of Sukkot.

    Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA) reported that the strikes hit a residential building in Haret Hreik, near a mosque and a hospital in southern Beirut. The Israeli military stated it targeted Hezbollah’s intelligence headquarters and an underground weapons facility, killing three Hezbollah militants in separate strikes.

    On Saturday night, Israel had similarly reported attacks on weapons stores and a Hezbollah intelligence centre in southern Beirut. About 70 projectiles were fired from Lebanon into Israel on Sunday, with the Israeli military intercepting some of them.

    The intensity of the fighting was highlighted by NNA, which later reported 14 Israeli airstrikes on the village of Khiam in just 15 minutes.

    Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant informed troops that Israel was increasing its attacks on Hezbollah in Lebanon, aiming to destroy positions the group had intended to use for launching assaults on Israel.

    The Lebanese army, which is not involved in the conflict, reported that three of its soldiers were killed by an Israeli strike on their vehicle in southern Lebanon.

    In Gaza, the civil defence agency reported that an Israeli airstrike killed at least 73 Palestinians in Beit Lahia, located in the north of the territory. According to a spokesman for the agency, Mahmud Bassal, “Our civil defence teams recovered 73 bodies and numerous injured after the Israeli air force targeted a residential area in Beit Lahia.”

    At Kamal Adwan Hospital, overwhelmed with casualties, many patients had to be treated on the floor, while the deceased were wrapped in white burial shrouds and laid in rows as their relatives gathered to mourn.

    The Israeli military claimed it had targeted a “Hamas terror site” in Beit Lahia, adding that the casualty figures provided by Gaza authorities did not align with its own information.

    The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, based in Jeddah, strongly condemned the airstrike, calling Israel’s actions in Gaza a “stain on the conscience of humanity.”

    In southern Lebanon, NNA reported Israeli strikes on dozens of locations, including the city of Nabatiyeh, for the third time that week. An Israeli airstrike also partially destroyed a rescue worker centre affiliated with Hezbollah in Deir Al-Zahrani.

    The Israeli military said it had killed over 65 Hezbollah fighters and hit dozens of Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah confirmed that it had launched multiple rocket barrages at Israel, including at the city of Haifa and three Israeli military bases.

    The group also fired rockets at Israeli soldiers near the border villages of Markaba and Adaisseh, while NNA claimed Israeli forces used explosives to demolish buildings in these areas, as well as in Rab El Thalathine.

    On Saturday, Netanyahu’s office reported that a drone was launched towards his residence in Caesarea, although neither he nor his wife were present, and no injuries occurred. Netanyahu described the attempted attack as a “grave mistake” by Hezbollah, although the group did not claim responsibility. Iran’s mission to the UN later stated that the action was carried out by Hezbollah.

    Since the conflict began last month, at least 1,454 people in Lebanon have died, according to an AFP tally based on figures from Lebanon’s health ministry.

    Hamas, Hezbollah, and their allies in the region have vowed to continue fighting after Israeli forces killed Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in Gaza on Wednesday.

    The war was triggered by an unprecedented Hamas attack last year, which killed 1,206 people, mostly civilians, according to official Israeli figures.

    Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza, aimed at dismantling Hamas and rescuing hostages, has resulted in the deaths of 42,603 people, mostly civilians, according to Gaza’s health ministry. The UN considers these figures to be reliable.

    On 6 October, Israel launched a major ground and air assault to prevent Hamas militants from regrouping in northern Gaza, tightening its siege on the region and causing tens of thousands to flee.

    Civil defence spokesman Mahmud Bassal said more than 400 bodies had been recovered from northern Gaza, including in Jabalia and its refugee camp, since the operation began.

    Ahmad Saleh, a 36-year-old resident of Al-Tawbah in northern Gaza, described the dire situation: “We are trapped with no food, water, or medicine, facing starvation amid the destruction.”

    Last week, Washington warned that it might reconsider part of its military aid to Israel unless humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza improve within 30 days.

  • CBN authorises N1.73 trillion for food imports in six months

    CBN authorises N1.73 trillion for food imports in six months

    The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) disbursed $547.7 million (equivalent to N823.19 billion at the official exchange rate of N1,503.3/$1 as of June 30, 2024) for food imports during the second quarter of 2024.

    This amount marked a reduction of $142.48 million or 20.6 per cent compared to the $689.88 million released in the first quarter. In naira terms, it represented an 8.93 per cent decrease from N903.95 billion in Q1.

    In total, the CBN allocated N1.73 trillion for food imports in the first half of 2024, based on the bank’s quarterly statistics bulletin. A breakdown showed Nigerians spent $164.43 million in January, $303.91 million in February, and $221.54 million in March. Meanwhile, $153.27 million was allocated in April, $197.21 million in May, and $197.22 million in June.

    Despite the Federal Government’s efforts to reduce food prices through a zero-duty policy on selected basic food items, the initiative has faced delays. Announced on July 8, 2024, the 150-day duty-free import window was intended to lower food inflation by reducing duties on items such as maize, rice, wheat, and cowpeas. However, the program has struggled to launch due to bureaucratic hurdles, including the failure of the Ministry of Finance to release a list of qualified importers, as required by customs guidelines issued in August.

    As the government delays implementation, the cost of imported food has continued to rise. The average price index for imported food items reached 878.3 in September 2024, reflecting ongoing economic pressures. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, this was a 30.6-point or 3.61 per cent increase from August, and an 8.97 per cent rise from July when the policy was announced. Since January, the price index has surged by 185.7 points, marking a 26.81 per cent increase year-to-date.

    Month-by-month, Nigeria’s imported food inflation rate saw consistent growth in 2024. It rose from 26.29 per cent in January to 29.81 per cent in February, and further climbed to 32.89 per cent in March. By April, it reached 34.01 per cent, and by May, the rate stood at 34.83 per cent. The price index continued to rise, hitting 826.2 in July, 847.7 in August, and 878.3 in September.

    Despite efforts to stabilise the food market, the increase in imported food prices highlights the challenges of addressing inflation amidst persistent supply shortages in Nigeria.

  • State House food budget grows by 20% in three years

    The budget allocations for food and catering supplies for the offices of the President, Vice-President, and State House headquarters have increased by 20 per cent between 2022 and 2024. While the budget remained at N702.95 million for both 2022 and 2023, it rose to N845.07 million in 2024.

    Over the three-year period, the President’s office allocated a total of N856.57 million, while N650.84 million was set aside for the Vice-President’s office. The State House headquarters earmarked N743.55 million for the same period.

    On November 29, 2023, President Bola Tinubu presented the 2024 appropriations bill to a joint session of the 10th National Assembly. He later signed the N28.7 trillion budget into law on January 1, 2024, after the Senate’s approval, which increased the budget by N1.2 trillion from his original proposal of N27.5 trillion.

    A breakdown of the food and catering budget reveals that N245.14 million was allocated to the State House administration, N301.14 million to the President’s office, and N156.66 million to the Vice-President’s office for both 2022 and 2023. In 2024, the allocations increased to N253.27 million for the State House headquarters, N254.27 million for the President’s office, and N337.52 million for the Vice-President’s office.

    According to GovSpend, a civic tech platform that tracks government spending, the State House disbursed approximately N566.22 million on food supplies, including rice, between March and September 2024. This included payments of N275.63 million to Samdan Global Construction and Resources Limited for the supply of 1,095 bags of 50kg rice and 4,095 cartons of seasoning cubes, and N280.59 million to Victor Adeks Nigeria Limited for an additional 3,000 bags of rice.

    During an October 8, 2024 presentation, the Permanent Secretary of the State House, Olufunso Adebiyi, reported a 43 per cent implementation of capital projects and 99 per cent for overhead expenditure for the year. He welcomed the increased budgetary allocation for 2024, highlighting the demand for resources due to various capital projects, including renovations, digitalisation efforts, and vehicle replacements.

    Adebiyi also disclosed that in 2023, N1.65 billion was allocated for personnel costs, all of which was spent, while N8.29 billion was budgeted for overheads, with N8.27 billion expended—representing a 99.82 per cent implementation. Capital expenditure saw a 98 per cent performance, with N10.9 billion spent out of the N11.2 billion budgeted.

    Debo Adeniran, Chairman of the Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership, has urged for stricter regulations on government spending to align with Nigeria’s challenging economic conditions, citing the need for a constitutional overhaul to prevent government excesses.

    Meanwhile, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, clarified that these budgetary provisions are not solely for the President and Vice-President but also cover state events, meetings, and visits from foreign dignitaries. Ajayi argued that the figures include hosting of VIPs, Heads of State, and other official functions.

  • Nigeria plans 5% tax on telecoms services, others

    Nigeria plans 5% tax on telecoms services, others

    The Nigerian Government has proposed a five per cent excise duty on telecommunications services, gaming, and betting activities as part of a new bill aimed at overhauling Nigeria’s tax framework.

    The bill, titled “A Bill for an Act to Repeal Certain Acts on Taxation and Consolidate the Legal Frameworks Relating to Taxation and Enact the Nigeria Tax Act to Provide for Taxation of Income, Transactions, and Instruments, and Related Matters,” was dated October 4, 2024, and obtained from the National Assembly.

    A review of the proposed legislation on Friday revealed plans to impose excise duties on services such as telecoms, gaming, gambling, lotteries, and betting offered in Nigeria.

    One section of the bill states, “The amount of an excisable transaction is the amount chargeable for the service by the service provider, both in money or money’s worth.

    “Services, including telecommunications, gaming, gambling, betting, and lotteries, however described, provided in Nigeria shall be charged with duties of excise at the rates specified under the Tenth Schedule to this Act in a manner as may be prescribed by the Service.”

    The bill outlines that telecom services, including both postpaid and prepaid services regulated by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), will attract a five per cent duty. The same rate will apply to gaming, gambling, betting, and lottery services.

    Additionally, the bill introduces guidelines for currency transactions, stipulating that any difference between the Central Bank of Nigeria’s official exchange rate and the actual transaction rate will be subject to excise duty.

    This new tax regime is part of the government’s efforts to increase non-oil revenue amid growing fiscal pressures. With the rapid expansion of the telecoms and betting sectors, authorities aim to broaden the revenue base. The bill also seeks to ensure that currency exchange transactions align with official CBN rates, with any surplus subject to excise duty under a self-assessment model.