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Suspend 2026 Tax Reform – Afenifere Tells Tinubu Govt, Calls For National Economic Audit

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Suspend 2026 Tax Reform – Afenifere Tells Tinubu Govt, Calls For National Economic Audit


The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has called on the Federal Government to suspend the implementation of the 2026 Tax Reform Act, scheduled to take effect from January 1, 2026, citing concerns over content integrity, tax sovereignty and fiscal governance.

The group also urged the Federal Government to withhold the presentation of the 2026 Budget until a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s fiscal framework is carried out.

Naija News reports that Afenifere made the call in a statement jointly signed by its Leader, HRH Oba Oladipo Olaitan, and the National Publicity Secretary, Prince Justice Faloye, on Friday, December 19, 2025.

The organisation raised the alarm over alleged discrepancies between the gazetted version of the Tax Reform Act and the version passed by the National Assembly, referencing claims earlier made by Rep. Abdulsammad Dasuki (PDP-Sokoto).

According to Afenifere, the allegation raises serious constitutional concerns that must be independently investigated.

The group demanded an independent audit involving relevant committees of the National Assembly and external auditors, warning that any proven breach of legislative procedure must attract stiff sanctions.

“The implementation of the Tax Reform Bill should be suspended until proven otherwise by both the National Assembly committee and external auditors. If found to be true, those responsible for this grave constitutional breach must be held accountable and duly punished,” the statement read.

Afenifere also condemned reports that the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) outsourced the development and administration of Nigeria’s tax system to foreign entities, describing the move as a major threat to national security and data sovereignty.

The group warned that relinquishing control of sensitive fiscal and personal data could expose the country to economic exploitation.

“These are extremely important data protection and national security issues, because a foreign nation administering our tax system gives the nation and its business class undue advantage to analyse and exploit our economic system,” Afenifere said.

“Both governmental and consumer data are gold mines to those in control or with unfettered access.”

Describing the outsourcing of tax administration as economic recolonisation, the organisation drew parallels with Nigeria’s pre-independence struggle, stressing that fiscal autonomy was central to the nation’s quest for independence.

Afenifere also faulted what it described as the neglect of local content, insisting that Nigeria has the human capacity to manage its tax system.

“Afenifere is confident that Nigeria has able tax accountants, tax lawyers and information system developers that can build and efficiently manage our tax system, and if need be we can study and replicate any tax system, including that of the French in Nigeria,” the statement added.

The group criticised practices in some Francophone African countries where capital transfers require approval from foreign capitals.

“With the current high unemployment rate, our government should focus on local content and only when necessary, like in rocket science, should we give jobs to foreigners. Taxation is not rocket science but social science,” it said.

On fiscal management, Afenifere called for a National Economic Audit Emergency, citing recent disclosures by the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, that Nigeria recorded a $20bn revenue shortfall in 2025, despite earlier claims that revenue targets had been met.

The organisation noted that only about ₦10.7 trillion was realised from a projected ₦40.8 trillion revenue for 2025, describing the wide gap as evidence of systemic failure in budget planning and fiscal governance.

Afenifere further criticised the country’s rising public debt profile, arguing that deficit financing has failed to improve the living conditions of Nigerians.

According to the group, the mounting debts have coincided with the removal of subsidies, rising energy and communication costs, and policies that continue to deepen poverty across the country.

The organisation reiterated its call for economic sovereignty, increased investment in social welfare such as housing, education and healthcare, and a halt to what it described as prebendalist governance practices.

“Summarily, just as Afenifere has called for concerted efforts to improve national security, it is also calling for our continued economic sovereignty and prosperity,” the statement said.

“Afenifere calls for the review of the 2026 Tax Reform and continues the call for social welfarism in housing, education, health and economic liberating infrastructure, instead of prebendalist contracts to feed the boys.”



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Year in Review: 4 People Who Became Popular Overnight For Viral Incidents in 2025

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Year in Review: 4 People Who Became Popular Overnight For Viral Incidents in 2025


As 2025 winds down, it’s time to reminisce on the Nigerians who gained “overnight” fame this year. Because of their involvement in controversial issues, these Nigerians became instant celebrities on social media

2025 was undeniably a year full of various trends and viral happenings on social media, involving several individuals

However, some Nigerians went viral in different ways as their controversial acts brought recognition to them from far and wide.

Year in Review: 4 People Who Became Popular Overnight For Viral Incidents in 2025Year in Review: 4 People Who Became Popular Overnight For Viral Incidents in 2025
Source: UGC

In this article, Legit.ng highlights four controversial Nigerians who went viral on social media.

1. Timileyin Ajayi, alleged killer of Salome Adaidu

The year began with the sad case of Salome Adaidu, who was allegedly killed by her boyfriend, Timileyin Ajayi.

On Sunday, January 12, police operatives rescued and arrested Ajayi, an up-and-coming gospel singer, after people almost lynched him when his girlfriend’s dismembered body was found in his possession.

Ajayi was then transferred to the Nasarawa State Police Command headquarters from the Karshia development area of Karu LGA in the state on Tuesday, January 14. The police paraded him with the knife and machete he used to kill Adaidu.

Read also

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The incident gained nationwide attention and brought Timileyin Ajayi to the limelight in a controversial manner.

2. Goddy Mbakwe Precious, UNIZIK expelled student

Goddy Mbakwe Precious, a 300-level student of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK went viral in February 2025 after she allegedly slapped and assaulted a male lecturer of the school.

Videos of their altercation went viral in February 2025, as people called for her expulsion after she allegedly attacked a lecturer who obstructed her video.

The student was eventually expelled from the school, a verdict which sparked mixed reactions from Nigerians.

3. Dr Chukwudi Okoye, assaulted UNIZIK lecturer

Dr Chukwudi Okoye, an academic in the department of Theatre Arts and Film Studies, got into the limelight after his faceoff with a 300-level student, Precious.

The incident, which was caught on camera and circulated on social media, has continued to spark conversations among people from all walks of life, and many agreed the female student erred.

Many hailed him for the calmness amid the assault from the student, as seen in videos that circulated online. He shared the side of the story and even appeared on a podcast after the student was eventually expelled.

Read also

Bovi weighs in on Peller’s arrest, shares number of years he could spend in jail

4. Comfort Emmanson, Ibom Air passenger

On Sunday, August 10, Comfort Emmanson, a female passenger of a Uyo-Lagos Ibom air flight, had a physical altercation and slapped an air hostess. She also resisted arrest from the airport officials who confronted her at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.

The incident was caught on video and made the rounds on social media, sparking outrage and mixed feelings. Many people condemned how her top was pulled up and exposed in the clip while she was being dragged off the aircraft and handed a lifetime no-fly ban by the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON).

Critics slammed the airline for its poor handling of the incident and demanded justice be served, even as she was hurriedly arrested, charged in court and remanded.

Days after the ugly incident, the federal government of Nigeria, through the aviation minister, Festus Keyamo (SAN), announced the withdrawal of the criminal complaint against Comfort and directed that she be released and her lifetime ban lifted.

Source: Legit.ng



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Akpabio Reveals Opposition Senators May Soon Join APC

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Akpabio Reveals Opposition Senators May Soon Join APC


Senate President Godswill Akpabio has said the opposition in the National Assembly is close to disappearing, as more senators prepare to move into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Akpabio disclosed that only “four or five” senators are still outside the APC in the Senate, adding that even those remaining opposition lawmakers have indicated interest in defecting to the ruling party.

He said the development reflects the growing dominance of the APC at the federal level.

The Senate President made the remarks while addressing members of the APC National Caucus.

He used the occasion to highlight what he described as the steady collapse of opposition strength in the legislature and the widening influence of the ruling party across the country.

“When we came in, the opposition had almost 50 members, but today, when I counted, there were about five or four left in the opposition,” Akpabio said.

“Even those five members have whispered to me that I should carry them to the President and the leader of the party that they are prepared to join the APC.”

Akpabio praised the leadership of the APC, commending the National Working Committee led by Abdullahi Ganduje. He also acknowledged the role of Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, in strengthening party unity and coordination.

According to him, the Senate has observed the APC’s expansion without major internal crises, noting that prominent political figures have joined the party peacefully, while opposition parties continue to lose members.

Despite celebrating the APC’s dominance, Akpabio said he does not support a National Assembly without opposition voices. He revealed that he deliberately allowed some senators who had defected to the APC at the state level to remain in the minority caucus at the Senate.

He explained that the move was taken to maintain balance and prevent the minority benches from becoming completely empty.

Akpabio specifically mentioned Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, for allowing Senator Osita Ngwu to continue in his role as Minority Chief Whip.

“I do not want to run a Senate without any opposition,” he said. “So because of that, I have intentionally -I’m reporting to the caucus – allowed the APC members who have declared in their states but are yet to declare in the Senate to continue in the minority caucus. Otherwise, that place would have been empty.”

On security, the Senate President expressed deep concern over the rising wave of violence across the country. He described the situation as “very serious, organised, and orchestrated insecurity,” adding that Nigerians were under deliberate attack.

“We are very sad that people have decided to torment Nigeria,” he said, while noting that the APC stands with states and communities mourning victims of attacks by “terrorists, bandits, and insurgents.”

Akpabio praised President Bola Tinubu for the rescue of more than 100 abducted children in recent operations. He called for sustained efforts to secure the release of those still held in captivity and paid tribute to security personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty.

He also spoke on legislative efforts to curb crime, revealing that the Senate had taken strong steps by reclassifying kidnapping as terrorism.

According to him, kidnappers will face the death penalty once the President assents to the bill.

“Kidnappers will now face the death sentence once the President assents to the new bill into law,” he said, urging state governors to enforce the law firmly.

Akpabio warned that weak enforcement would only encourage criminals to escape justice and return to society to commit more crimes.

He further highlighted the APC’s control of state governments, stating that the party now governs 28 out of Nigeria’s 36 states. He said the APC also enjoys a commanding majority in the National Assembly.

“In other words, APC governors are controlling 28 states out of 36 states in Nigeria, with an overwhelming majority in the National Assembly,” he said. “This is national consensus. This is national acceptance.”



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President Tinubu arrives National Assembly to present 2026 Budget

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President Tinubu arrives National Assembly to present 2026 Budget


President Bola Tinubu has arrived at the National Assembly to present the 2026 appropriation bill.

Tinubu walked into the chamber of the house of representatives at exactly 3:00pm.

The president was received by Rt Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Senator Godswill Akpabio, Senate President, and other principal officers of the National Assembly.

Lawmakers from both chambers were seated as the president prepared to lay the 2026 spending proposal before a joint sitting of the Senate and the House.

Security around the National Assembly complex was heightened ahead of the president’s arrival.

The presentation of the 2026 appropriation bill marks the formal commencement of the legislative process for the consideration of the federal government’s spending plan for the fiscal year.

After the presentation, the budget estimates are expected to be referred to the Senate and House committees on appropriations for detailed scrutiny.

The committees are expected to engage ministries, departments, and agencies during budget defence sessions before submitting their reports to the National Assembly.



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NNPC cuts petrol prices nationwide ahead of christmas travels

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NNPC cuts petrol prices nationwide ahead of christmas travels


The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has unveiled revised petrol prices across the country, offering a major reprieve to motorists ahead of the Christmas season.

Abuja now records the lowest pump price among major cities at N835 per litre, slightly higher than Lagos at N820 per litre, according to information from NNPC retail outlets.

The adjustment follows Dangote Refinery’s decision to cut ex-depot prices to N699 per litre, with partner stations implementing a N739 retail price.

NNPC has mirrored the reduction to remain competitive and ensure wider availability of affordable fuel.

Regional price variations

While Abuja and Lagos enjoy lower rates, northern states such as Gombe, Niger, and Zamfara are now among the most expensive, selling petrol at N965, N955, and N945 per litre respectively.

In the South-South and South-East regions, prices generally hover around N900 per litre, with minor variations across states such as Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and Ebonyi.

This new pricing comes at the perfect time as Nigerians prepare for holiday travel,” said market analyst Ifeanyi Okeke. “Lower pump prices in Abuja and Lagos could encourage transporters to adjust fares, easing financial pressure on commuters.”

Relief for motorists and businesses

The updated pricing is expected to benefit millions of Nigerians and businesses dependent on fuel for daily operations.

Several downstream operators, including MRS and Sixxco Oil Ltd, have begun sourcing petroleum products directly from Dangote Refinery, further supporting price stability nationwide.

As festive travel ramps up, the price adjustments provide timely relief and may influence transport costs across the country.



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BONI, Investrust Dispute Raises Questions over Investor Protection in Zambia – THISDAYLIVE

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BONI, Investrust Dispute Raises Questions over Investor Protection in Zambia – THISDAYLIVE


Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

A dispute involving Nigerian investment firm, BONI, and Zambia’s financial authorities is raising fresh concerns about investor protection, regulatory clarity and the credibility of African capital markets, especially at a time when governments across the African continent are urging greater intra-African investment.

Checks by THISDAY showed that the controversy centres on BONI, led by global investor Michael Prest, and its failed investment in Investrust Bank Plc, a company listed on the Lusaka Securities Exchange.

Already, the case has begun to attract attention beyond Zambia, particularly within Nigeria’s investment community, especially due to the  implications it carries for market confidence and institutional reliability.

The matter has gained additional prominence following recent high-profile meetings in Lusaka between President Hakainde Hichilema and prominent Nigerian business leaders, including Aliko Dangote and Tony Elumelu. During those engagements, the Zambian government reiterated its commitment to transparency, predictability and reforms aimed at attracting foreign and regional capital.

According to details of the transaction, BONI acquired a 24.8 per cent stake in Investrust Bank Plc in 2021 through Pangea Securities, a licensed broker, and via the Lusaka Securities Exchange.

The shares were said to have been purchased in line with exchange rules and publicly available procedures, forming part of a strategy that included discussions with multilateral African finance institutions and plans to modernise the bank’s operations through a partnership with a major Asian financial technology firm.

Following the acquisition, BONI, THISDAY learnt, was informed that because Investrust Bank was a regulated financial institution, approval from the Bank of Zambia was required to formally recognise the shareholding.

Consequently, BONI submitted the necessary information and waited for regulatory clearance. However, it was gathered that was expected to be a routine process stretched into a prolonged period of uncertainty.

Over nearly three years, BONI repeatedly sought clarification on the status of its investment. During that time, it was not granted shareholder recognition or board representation. In January 2024, the Bank of Zambia formally informed BONI that it did not recognise the firm as a shareholder in Investrust Bank. Three months later, the central bank placed Investrust Bank into liquidation.

But BONI argues that while it was denied recognition as a shareholder when it sought governance rights, it effectively bore the full loss of a shareholder when the bank was liquidated, resulting in the wiping out of its investment.

While in most established exchanges, the purchase of listed shares automatically confers ownership rights, subject only to clearly defined regulatory thresholds for significant holdings, the BONI case, however, has prompted questions about whether share ownership on the Lusaka Securities Exchange is contingent on subsequent regulatory discretion rather than inherent at the point of purchase.

For instance, if investors believe that share ownership can be retroactively denied, confidence in the exchange’s role as a reliable platform for capital formation may be undermined.

Importantly, it was noted that the Bank of Zambia’s authority to vet and approve significant shareholders in regulated institutions is not in dispute, but the controversy centres on the absence of a clear resolution, including the non-refund of BONI’s investment following the refusal to recognise its shareholding.

Therefore, BONI is seeking the return of its capital and compensation estimated at about $40 million, a figure considered small compared to the potential reputational cost to Zambia’s financial markets.

Although Prest has publicly expressed respect for President Hichilema and his pro-investment agenda, describing him as a strong advocate for Zambia’s economic potential, he has also stressed that governance failures must be confronted transparently if confidence is to be maintained.

In that sense, the BONI affair has become a test case for whether institutional practices can keep pace with political commitments to reform.

The issue has resonated particularly strongly within African investment circles, where information travels quickly and perceptions shape capital flows. While Zambia continues to position itself as a regional gateway to a market of several millions of people, it is believed that unresolved disputes such as this, risk overshadowing those ambitions.

“What alarms them is the refusal, to date, of any Zambian authority — BoZ, LuSE or the Ministry of Finance — to return BONI’s funds. BONI’s claim for the return of its capital and $40 million compensation is modest compared with the reputational damage now hovering over Zambia’s markets,” one source said.

While  Zambia eagerly welcomed Dangote and Elumelu, observers say it’s curious that it did not appreciate how quickly news of BONI’s treatment would reach their peers, and how deeply it could shape perceptions of Zambia’s institutional reliability.



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TETFund hails Tinubu over speedy funding approvals for tertiary education

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TETFund hails Tinubu over speedy funding approvals for tertiary education


The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has commended President Bola Tinubu for his strong funding support and the prompt approval of interventions aimed at advancing tertiary education in Nigeria.

The Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, spoke at the 2025 management retreat held in Yola with the theme, ‘Advancing TETFund Mandate for Efficient Service Delivery in Beneficiary Institutions.’

He said the Tinubu administration had ensured the rapid approval of funds for development projects across beneficiary institutions.

Echono disclosed that even the 2026 intervention guidelines had already received presidential approval, positioning the agency to commence implementation without delay.

“As I am speaking, even the 2026 intervention guidelines have been approved by Mr President, so we are ready to hit the ground running,” he said, adding that the retreat was convened to fine-tune strategies for effective implementation.

Also speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor of Modibbo Adama University (MAU), Yola, Prof. Ibrahim Umar, thanked TETFund for its sustained support to tertiary education, noting that many institutions would struggle to survive without the agency’s interventions.

Umar appealed for additional support, particularly to address internal road networks and security challenges within the university.

Similarly, the Provost of the Federal College of Education (FCE), Yola, Prof. Mohammed Dagereji, said tertiary institutions would perform better with increased infrastructural support, especially in the areas of power supply and Internet connectivity.

A major highlight of the retreat was the inauguration of several TETFund-sponsored projects at the MAU main campus by the Executive Secretary.

The projects included the main building of the College of Medical Sciences, Lecture Theatre I, laboratories and animal houses, a library, a veterinary clinic, and the main building of the Faculty of Law.



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Breaking: Tinubu presents N58 trn 2026 budget

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Breaking: Tinubu presents N58 trn 2026 budget



By Henry Umoru & Gift Chapi Odekina, Abuja

President Bola Tinubu on Friday presented the N58.18 trillion 2026 budget to a joint session of the National Assembly.

He also declared that all armed groups operating outside state authority would henceforth be treated as terrorists, as he vowed tougher security action, stricter budget discipline and deeper economic reforms.

Tagged the “Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity”, the proposal seeks to lock in recent macroeconomic gains, restore investor confidence and translate recovery into jobs and improved living standards for Nigerians.

Tinubu, who began his speech at 3.31pm and was still reading as of 4.02pm, said, “I appear before this Joint Session of the National Assembly, in fulfilment of my constitutional duty, to present the 2026 Appropriation Bill.” Tinubu described the moment as “defining” in Nigeria’s reform journey. He acknowledged the pains of reforms over the last two and a half years but assured citizens that “their sacrifices are not in vain.”

Economy stabilising

The President said Nigeria’s economy was showing clear signs of stabilisation, citing 3.98 per cent GDP growth in Q3 2025, moderation in inflation for eight consecutive months to 14.45 per cent in November 2025, improved oil production, stronger non-oil revenues and rising investor confidence.

External reserves, he disclosed, climbed to a seven-year high of about $47 billion as of mid-November 2025, providing over 10 months of import cover.

“These outcomes are not accidental. They reflect difficult but deliberate policy choices,” Tinubu said, adding that the task ahead was to ensure that “stability becomes prosperity, and prosperity becomes shared prosperity.”

2026 fiscal framework

Under the proposal, total revenue is projected at ₦34.33 trillion, while total expenditure stands at ₦58.18 trillion, including ₦15.52 trillion for debt servicing. Recurrent (non-debt) spending is put at ₦15.25 trillion, while capital expenditure totals ₦26.08 trillion. The budget deficit of ₦23.85 trillion represents 4.28 per cent of GDP.

The assumptions underpinning the budget include a crude oil benchmark of $64.85 per barrel, production of 1.84 million barrels per day, and an exchange rate of ₦1,400/$.

“These numbers are not just accounting lines. They are a statement of national priorities,” Tinubu said, stressing commitments to fiscal sustainability, debt transparency and value-for-money spending.

Security gets ₦5.41trn.

Security tops sectoral allocations with ₦5.41 trillion, followed by infrastructure (₦3.56 trillion), education (₦3.52 trillion) and health (₦2.48 trillion).

Unveiling a sweeping security doctrine, Tinubu said Nigeria was resetting its national security architecture with a unified counter-terrorism approach. “Henceforth, any armed group or gun-wielding non-state actors operating outside state authority will be regarded as terrorists,” he declared.

He listed bandits, militias, armed gangs, kidnappers, violent cult groups, forest-based armed collectives and foreign-linked mercenaries, warning that financiers, ransom facilitators, arms suppliers, political protectors and even community or religious leaders who aid violence would also be designated terrorists.

Discipline, revenue reforms

On budget execution, Tinubu admitted that 2025 implementation faced transition challenges, noting that as of Q3 2025, ₦18.6 trillion in revenue (61% of target) and ₦24.66 trillion in expenditure (60% of target) had been recorded. Only ₦3.10 trillion, about 17.7 per cent of the 2025 capital budget, had been released by Q3.

He pledged stricter discipline in 2026, directing the finance and budget authorities to implement the budget “strictly in line with appropriated details and timelines.” Heads of Government-Owned Enterprises (GOEs) were ordered to meet revenue targets, backed by end-to-end digitisation to seal leakages.

“Nigeria can no longer afford inefficiencies or underperformance in strategic agencies. Every institution must play its part,” he warned.

Education, health, agriculture

Tinubu said investments in human capital would be deepened, revealing that over 418,000 students have benefitted from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund in partnership with 229 tertiary institutions. Health spending, he added, represents six per cent of the total budget, excluding liabilities, with over $500 million in prospective U.S. grant funding for targeted health interventions.

On food security, he said agriculture would be prioritised through mechanisation, irrigation, climate-resilient farming, storage and agro-value chains to curb post-harvest losses and boost smallholder incomes.

A budget to deliver

“The greatest budget is not the one we announce. It is the one we deliver,” Tinubu said, outlining commitments to better revenue mobilisation, smarter spending and stronger accountability.

Laying the bill before lawmakers, he said the 2026 budgetbenefited “belongs to all of us”, expressing confidence that cooperation between the executive and legislature would deliver the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“It is with great pleasure that I lay before this distinguished Joint Session of the National Assembly the 2026 Appropriation Bill of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Tinubu concluded. “May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Details later…

The post Breaking: Tinubu presents N58 trn 2026 budget appeared first on Vanguard News.



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Police arrest notorious cult leader, serial rapist in Sokoto

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Police arrest notorious cult leader, serial rapist in Sokoto


Police in Sokoto State have arrested an alleged leader of the notorious cult group known as the ‘Sai Mallam’ group and a suspected serial rapist accused of abusing dozens of young girls.

Briefing journalists on Friday, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Musa, said the arrests were part of ongoing operations to restore peace and dismantle organised criminal groups terrorising communities across the state.

The CP said the Sai Mallam group has, in recent months, generated widespread fear in several parts of Sokoto through alleged fraud, intimidation, and fetish practices.

In November 2025, the police announced the arrest of three suspects in connection with the Sai Mallam gang in the state.

Acting on credible intelligence, police operatives arrested the group’s alleged leader and chief priest, Mohammed Mukhtar, popularly known as Sai Mallam.

A search of his residence, which reportedly also served as a shrine, led to the recovery of fetish materials, banners bearing the group’s name, and other items allegedly used to hypnotise victims.

CP Musa said his arrest marks a significant breakthrough in our efforts to dismantle this dangerous group completely.
He added that investigations were ongoing to track down other members.

The CP expressed concern that most members of the cult were youths aged between 19 and 30, describing the trend as disturbing.

In a separate operation, the command also confirmed the arrest of a suspected serial rapist, Annas Sani, of the Gidan Igwai area of Sokoto, over allegations of conspiracy, abduction, impersonation, and rape.

Police said the suspect was arrested on December 9, 2025, following a report involving the abduction and sexual assault of two teenage girls aged 17 and 18.

During interrogation, the police said the suspect confessed to committing these crimes with the assistance of three accomplices who are currently at large.

The suspects allegedly operated under the guise of an organisation known as the Sokoto State Masterpiece Brigade, using it to lure unsuspecting girls to an office near Gidan Igwai, where victims were intimidated and abused.
Police said at least 28 victims have so far been identified, adding that some of the affected girls were traumatised and fled their homes out of fear.

Items recovered during the operation include a camouflage-style uniform allegedly used to intimidate victims and an identification card bearing the suspect’s name.

The Police assured residents that efforts were ongoing to arrest the remaining suspects and urged members of the public to provide useful information.



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PSC Elevates Senior Officers To Various Ranks

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PSC Elevates Senior Officers To Various Ranks


The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the elevation of some senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force to various higher ranks.

Their elevations, according to a statement issued by the Head, Protocol and Public Affairs, Torty Enjoy Kalu, followed vigorous written examinations and oral interviews concluded on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at their corporate headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, which was presided over by the Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu (Rtd) mni.

Among the Commissioners of Police promoted to the rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) are CP Agene Emmanuel FCID, Kaduna, Ihebom Chukwuma , CP, Force Criminal Investigation Department, Abuja , and five others.

In his remarks to the newly promoted officers, the Chairman of the Commission, DIG Argungu congratulated and urged them to brace up to their new responsibilities with greater commitment to the service of the nation.

AIG Argungu emphasised that promotion comes with higher expectations and urged beneficiaries to rededicate themselves to effective policing, protection of lives and prosperity, and maintenance of law and order.

He reiterated the commissions resolve to ensure regular, merit-based promotion and in line with best practices.

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Ajadi Hits Ibadan North East PDP Meetings, Unveils ‘Omituntun 3.0’ Vision

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Ajadi Hits Ibadan North East PDP Meetings, Unveils ‘Omituntun 3.0’ Vision


A leading People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, on Thursday, December 18, 2025, took his 2027 ambition to the heart of Ibadan politics as he attended a stakeholders’ meeting of party leaders, Local Government Executives, and Ward Chairmen.

After the meeting held at the Ibadan North East PDP Secretariat, Ajadi proceeded to the Local Government General Meeting, where he received a rousing welcome from thousands of party faithful.

Addressing party leaders and members, Ajadi said his visit was part of his ongoing consultation across the state, stressing that his ambition is anchored on continuity and deepening the developmental strides of Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration.

“I have come to formally introduce myself to our leaders, ward executives, local government executives and the general members of the PDP in Ibadan North East,” Ajadi said.

“My governorship ambition is to succeed His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, and to consolidate on his record of good governance.”

The aspirant described his engagement with party structures as a fulfilment of his personal commitment to remain accessible to party members even before assuming any public office.

“I made a promise to myself that before becoming governor, I would always be present with the leaders and members of my party. This visit is part of that promise I made,” he stated.

Ajadi specifically appealed to women and youths to rally behind his aspiration, while calling on party men to remain politically mobilised to sustain the developmental momentum in the state.

“I plead with our women to support me wholeheartedly, and I urge our men to remain politically agile behind this project. Together, we will continue the development Governor Makinde has brought to Oyo State,” he said.

Drawing a direct link between his vision and the Makinde administration, Ajadi declared himself the next phase of the state’s development journey.

“Governor Seyi Makinde delivered Omituntun 1.0 and is successfully implementing Omituntun 2.0. I stand before you today as Omituntun 3.0, and I ask for your support to move Oyo State forward,” he added.

Responding to questions raised by the PDP Local Government Chairman, Alhaji Isiaka Fatokun Abuye, regarding the ongoing empowerment registration by the Ajadi Movement, the aspirant confirmed the initiative, explaining that it was designed to properly identify beneficiaries.

“Yes, the empowerment registration is genuine. I directed the Ajadi Movement to carry out the registration so that we can have accurate records of those to be empowered,” Ajadi explained.

He further announced plans to support education and party infrastructure, revealing that scholarships would commence for secondary school students from January, while pledging to provide solar power for the Ibadan North East PDP Secretariat.

“I have promised that secondary school students will benefit from scholarships starting January, and I will also provide solar system to power the Ibadan North East PDP Secretariat for,” he said.

In his response, Alhaji Abuye acknowledged earlier concerns about the empowerment registration process but expressed satisfaction after engaging directly with Ajadi.

“I had earlier cautioned members of the Ajadi Movement for registering people without informing the party leadership. But now that I have seen and interacted with the man behind the movement, I am convinced the initiative is genuine,” Abuye said.

The PDP chairman noted that Ajadi was the first governorship aspirant to personally visit party leaders in Ibadan North East, contrasting him with others who merely announce ambitions online.

“Some aspirants are governors on Facebook, but Ambassador Ajadi is on the ground, moving from one local government to another, meeting leaders and members face to face,” he said.

Abuye added that although party leaders are politically experienced, ultimate success rests with divine intervention.

“With God’s intervention, I believe Ajadi will secure the ticket. He should continue with his good deeds,” he added.

Speaking at the meeting, Alausa Dauda, Chairman of Ward 4, described Ibadan North East as the strongest PDP stronghold in the state and expressed confidence in Ajadi’s leadership qualities.

“Ajadi has the capacity and charisma to succeed Governor Makinde. Ibadan North East has never been won by any other party except PDP, as even late Governor Abiola Ajimobi once acknowledged,” Dauda said.

Similarly, Wasiu Tijani, Chairman of Ward 12, emphasised the importance of voter participation and urged Ajadi to assist elderly party members in obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) when INEC reopens its portal.

Former two-term Woman Leader of the local government, Alhaja Nike, offered prayers for Ajadi, describing his consultation style as evidence of readiness for leadership.

“May Almighty God guide and protect him. His approach shows he is worthy of becoming the next governor,” she prayed.

Also speaking, Hon. Mumin Yekin, Treasurer of the Ibadan North East PDP, advised Ajadi to deepen engagement with party executives at ward, local government and state levels to strengthen internal cohesion.

The visit marked another milestone in Ajadi’s statewide consultations as he continues to build grassroots support ahead of the 2027 Oyo State governorship race.

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