• A young Nigerian man has spoken out online after discovering what his barber announced about the 2026 tax law
• The man shared a photo of the notice, which showed his barber had added a VAT on services, including the percentage
• Many people who saw the post have been talking about both the barber’s announcement and the new 2026 tax law

A Nigerian man has spoken out after his barber put up a notice announcing how much would be added to customers’ bills as the federal government prepares to implement a new tax law on January 1, 2026.

The man’s statement is coming several weeks after the federal government announced a new tax bill, promising that it would take effect from January 1, 2026.

Barber posts notice on haircut prices as federal tax law takes effect. Photos for illustration purposes only. Photo Credit: Getty Images/Luca Sage/Bill Uko
Source: Getty Images

Man reacts after barber announces VAT

Since the announcement, there have been several reactions and reports about individuals and businesses that would be exempted from paying the tax.

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A Nigerian man, identified as @HonShield, got people talking on social media after he stumbled on a notice his barber put up, detailing the extra amount that would be added to haircut bills starting from January 1, 2026, due to the new tax law.

On his page, he wrote:

“At my barber’s shop this evening.”

The post contained a photo of the notice his barber put up, which read:

“IMPORTANT NOTICE TO OUR VALUED CLIENTS.””Please be informed that effective from January 1, 2026, a 7.5% VAT will be added to your bill at the point of payment. This change is in line with the new mandatory FIRS regulations.””We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and truly appreciate your understanding.”Nigerian man reacts after barber announces VAT under new tax law. Photos for illustration purposes only. Photo Credit: Getty Images/Luca Sage/Bill Uko, Twitter/HonShield
Source: Getty Images”Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to serving you better.”

Reactions as barber introduces VAT

@FolushoxFolarin added:

“But Henry, I told you now. Whether you like it or not. You will pay that tax.”

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@abiodunSho74728 stated:

“This guy needs to be educated. Except his barbing business generates over 100m before he can be subject to VAT. For now I see him as an entrepreneur.”

@Jide_Olusola said:

“Your barber is trying to cheat you all and you should know better. You ought to educate him on this instead of pushing a wrong narrative. Except your barber makes 100m annually as a business owner, he will pay tax but your barber isn’t making that so where is the tax coming from? And if he pursues his agenda, he isn’t going to remit to the government at all.”

@Nwalie20001 wrote:

“Evidence that no one is exempted in the new #taxlaw. Do not be deceived, Every living thing on Nigerian soil will feel the heat.”

@Bukkypec noted:

“Some people just lack full understanding of this new tax reform. How much is the Barber annual turnover. How much his is total fixed assets. Na Nigerian dey do themselves. Just collecting the VAT for his own personal consumption, that the government won’t collect from him.”

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@onifadeleo said:

“This appears to be driven by greed. My major concern is the high tax percentage, which I consider excessive. small-scale businesses are exempted.”

Read the post below:

In a similar story, Legit.ng reported that a Nigerian accountant warned individuals and business owners about the penalties attached to the new tax law, explaining that those who fail to file their taxes could face fines starting from N50,000, with additional charges for every extra month of default.

Man cries after checking new tax

Meanwhile, Legit.ng recently reported that a Nigerian man cried out online after checking how much would be deducted from his salary once the new tax law starts in January 2026.

The man said he burst into tears after seeing the amount and added that President Bola Tinubu’s tax would affect all Nigerians, no matter their tribe or religion.

Source: Legit.ng

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A distraught Nigerian woman has cried out for help as she pleaded for the rescue of her three brothers still trapped beneath the rubble of the Great Nigeria House on Lagos Island.

On Christmas Eve, the building reportedly caught fire and collapsed, sparking widespread fear and concern among residents and passersby.

In a viral video circulating on social media, the woman revealed that her brothers were among several people inside the building when the fire broke out, urging authorities to act quickly to rescue them.

In the aftermath of the collapse, she said they have remained buried under the rubble, with no rescue operation carried out so far.

Sharing one of her pictures with one of her brothers, she wrote:

“Uncle Steve, my ever-smart brother. I believe you will come back alive. Your kids miss you.”

Eyewitnesses said the fire raged for hours before the structure eventually gave way, leaving parts of the building completely flattened.

Following the collapse, families of those believed to be trapped have continued to cry out for help, lamenting the slow pace of rescue efforts.

The woman expressed deep frustration and pain over the situation, lamenting that days after the incident, emergency responders are yet to begin a proper search-and-rescue operation to locate survivors or recover bodies.

She appealed to the government and relevant authorities to intervene urgently, stressing that families of those trapped are living in agony and uncertainty as time continues to pass.

The incident has sparked renewed concern over emergency response systems and building safety in Nigeria.

Listen below…

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* Ex-Anambra governor vow to rescue Nigeria from ‘poor governance’ of APC

The Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Mr Peter Obi, has formally defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), alongside several prominent political leaders from the South-East geopolitical zone.

The declaration was made on Wednesday in Enugu, the Enugu State capital, where the leaders converged to announce their collective decision after months of consultations.

According to them, the move to the ADC was part of a broader effort to forge a united opposition platform capable of working with like-minded leaders across the country to “rescue Nigeria from the poor governance of the All Progressives Congress (APC).”

Dignitaries at the event included former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha; Senators Ben Obi, Victor Umeh, Tony Nwoye and Gilbert Nnaji; Chief Onyema Ugochukwu; Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe; Senator Sam Egwu, as well as several serving and former members of the National Assembly.

Also in attendance were leaders from other parts of the country, including former Senate President and national chairman of the ADC, Senator David Mark; former governor of Sokoto State, Senator Aminu Tambuwal; former governors from the South-East, and other political heavyweights.

Speaking at the gathering, Obi described the decision to join the ADC as the beginning of a new political journey aimed at reclaiming Nigeria from what he termed the misrule of the APC.

“Today is an important day. As the last day of 2025, we are ending this year with hope that in 2026, we will begin a genuine journey to rescue our country for proper socio-economic development that is unifying and inclusive,” he said.

He lamented what he described as the erosion of democratic values, accusing some beneficiaries of democracy of aiding its destruction through intimidation and suppression of opposition voices.

“We have watched those who benefited from our democracy become accessories to its destruction through coercion and gangsterism against the opposition. We cannot allow this to continue. We will resist it,” Obi declared.

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Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano has held a closed-door meeting with All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state ahead of his defection.

Among those at the meeting are APC chiarman in Kano, Abdullahi Abbas, and House of Representatives member, Alhassan Ado Doguwa.

The meeting, which also had other APC stakeholders in attendance, took place in Kano and was confirmed by sources familiar with the engagement.

Although details of the discussions were not officially disclosed, the meeting has intensified speculation over Yusuf’s political future.

The development comes amid persistent rumours that the governor may be considering a defection from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the APC.

In recent months, Kano’s political space has been awash with reports of backchannel talks between the governor and senior APC figures at both state and national levels.

The rumours gained momentum following Yusuf’s repeated public appearances with APC leaders and his increasingly conciliatory tone toward the ruling party.

Yusuf, who emerged governor on the platform of the NNPP in 2023 with the backing of former governor, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, has faced speculation over strained relations within the party’s national leadership.

The meeting marks the highest-level public engagement so far between the Kano governor and APC leadership, further fuelling debate over a possible realignment ahead of 2027.

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Armed bandits have attacked Nasarawa Mainika ward in Gwarzo local government area of Kano state, abducting Alhaji Dan-Baba Nasarawa, father of a former ward councillor.

The incident occurred on Monday night when the attackers raided a private residence in the community.

Dan-Baba Nasarawa is the father of Anas Abdu, former councillor representing the ward.

In nearby Kwantara community, the gunmen shot one resident and abducted another person, as attacks become more frequent in the state.

Residents say the cases of abductions and shootings are increasingly becoming routine in the area.

The residents called on security agencies and the Kano state government to urgently step up efforts to protect lives and restore security in Gwarzo.

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An All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Adamawa State, Mr. Abdulrahman Haske, has warned youths against allowing themselves to be used to cause violence.

He said that such actions only destroy communities and delay development.

Haske gave the warning while addressing residents of Lamurde Local Government Area during the distribution of relief materials to victims affected by recent unrest in parts of the area.

According to him, young people have the strength, energy and creativity needed to build their communities, but these same qualities can become dangerous when youths are manipulated by individuals pursuing selfish interests.

“Youth must not allow themselves to be used for violence. Violence only sets communities backward. Those who instigate crises often disappear when trouble comes, leaving the youth and innocent people to bear the consequences.”

He stressed that peace is the foundation of development, noting that no community can attract meaningful social or economic progress in an atmosphere of fear, tension and insecurity.

Haske encouraged youths to embrace dialogue, tolerance and mutual understanding as better ways of resolving disputes, adding that peaceful engagement remains the most effective tool for addressing differences.

He explained that the distribution of relief materials was not only meant to support victims of the unrest but also to show solidarity and reassure affected residents that they had not been abandoned.

“This support is to let you know that you are not alone in this difficult time,” he said.

Haske also called on parents, traditional rulers and community leaders to play a stronger role in guiding young people, urging them to instil values such as patience, respect and peaceful coexistence.

Addressing residents, he appealed for calm and unity across Lamurde, saying peace would allow the area to unlock its full potential.

“To the people of Lamurde, let us remain peaceful and united. Only in an atmosphere of harmony can we build a future of opportunity, development and shared prosperity for our children.”

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…rakes in N4.358tr revenue in November 

…as profit after tax hits N502b

…vows to complete AKK pipeline in 2026

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) on Wednesday said its Profit After Tax soared to N502billion in November 2025 from the N447billion recorded in October 2025.

This was contained in its November 2025 report, which also noted that in the period under review, the state-owned oil company raked in N4.358 trillion. It was a decline from the N5.08 trillion it earned in the previous month.

From January to October, according to the report, NNPCL made N12.117trillion statutory payment.

In the month under review, NNPCL crude oil and condensate output was N1.60million barrels per day while natural gas production was 6.968 million standard cubic feet/day.

The report however explained that the 

November production performance was largely due to planned maintenance activities across key assets (Esso-Erha,

Stardeep-Agbami, and Renaissance-Estuary Area) nearing completion, with production recovery expected at the end

of December 2025 and continued delays with West African Exploration and Production Company Limited (WAEP) first oil.

While Ajaokuta Kaduna Kano Pipeline (AKK) was 90 per cent completed, the 127 kilometers Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) Gas Pipeline project (OB3) recorded 96 per cent completion in the period under review.

NNPC stressed, “AKK (Mainline): Significant progress recorded with completion of the mainline welding works and pressure-testing. Project is on course to be completed in 2026.

“OB3 River Niger Crossing: All required equipment, materials and personnel mobilized to site; geotechnical data acquisition completed and early construction works ongoing in preparation for commencement of drilling.”

According to NNPCL, as at November there was 100 per upstream availability.

On Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) availability, the report said NNPCL Retail Limited  stations recorded 61 per cent.

The report revealed that NNPCL has completed the the 2025 scheduled facilities turn around maintenance (TAM), and production initiatives from JV, PSC, and NNPC Exploration & Production Limited (NEPL) assets in readiness for delivering the 2026 production plan.

In the period under review, NNPCL said it intensified collaboration with its partners through year-end and into 2026 to ensure improved production performance,

maximise infrastructure uptime, and maintain high facility

maintenance standards across all our assets.”

The report said the rehabilitation of three wards at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi Lagos, has reached

90.1 percent completion as of November 30, 2025.

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Wednesday, arraigned Yakubu Adamu, Commissioner of Finance, Bauchi State, and his co-defendants on alleged $9.7 million terrorism financing.

They were arraigned on a 10-count charge before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Adamu, the 1st defendant, was arraigned alongside Balarabe Abdullahi Ilelah, Aminu Mohammed Bose and Kabiru Yahaya Mohammed, who are the 2nd to 4th defendants, respectively.

The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to all the counts preferred against them by the anti-graft agency.

Following their not-guilty plea, EFCC’s lawyer, Samuel Chime, sought a trial date to enable them to present their witnesses and evidence in the case.

The defence counsel, Gordy Uche, SAN, however, informed the court of separate motions for bail filed on behalf of the defendants.

He said the motions, filed on Dec. 30, had been served on the prosecution.

Chime, who acknowledged the receipt of the bail applications, said a joint counter affidavit had been filed to oppose the request.

When the judge asked if the facts in the motions were the same, the defence lawyer explained that all the facts were the same except the averment that the 2nd, 3rd and 4th defendants came voluntarily on their own accord to honour the EFCC’s invitation.

“The 1st defendant was arrested,” he added.

Justice Nwite then directed Uche to move his motions.

Moving the motion, the lawyer said the application sought an order of the court admitting the defendants to bail pending the trial.

He said it was attached with four exhibits.

He said after the prosecution served them with a counter affidavit, a further affidavit was also filed.

Uche said in their reply on points of law to the counter affidavit, there was nowhere in the proof of evidence that aligned with those conditions stated in Section 162 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.

He said the prosecution’s proof of evidence did not specifically link his clients to the offence of terrorism financing as alleged.

He urged the court to appreciate the circumstances and exercise its discretion in favour of the defendants.

“My lord, do not be carried away by the nature of the charge.

“I urge you to give it a liberal view and grant them bail on liberal terms,” he said.

The lawyer restated that the continued detention of Adamu had affected about 60,000 Bauchi State workers who were yet to be paid their salaries.

Responding, the EFCC’s counsel said a counter affidavit was filed to oppose the application for bail.

Chime prayed the court to refuse their bail applications, bearing in mind Paragraphs 15 and 16 of the commission’s counter affidavit.

In Paragraph 15 of the counter affidavit, the EFCC argued that it was firmly opposed to the grant of bail to the defendants, having regard to the terrorism-related allegations, the money laundering counts, and the magnitude of the sums stated on the face of the charge.

“That the 1st defendant/applicant (Adamu) is also facing another pending criminal charge bordering on money laundering at the Federal High Court, Abuja, in Charge No: FHC/ABJ/CR/694/2025.”

Justice Nwite, who adjourned the matter until Jan. 5 for ruling, ordered that the defendants be remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre pending the decision.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/705/2025, was dated and filed on Dec. 30 by Chime.

They were alleged to have conspired to provide funds in the aggregate sum of 2,300,000,000 U.S. dollars in cash for the benefit of Bello Bodejo and persons associated with him, pursuant to approvals granted by Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State.

The said funds were alleged to be used, in whole or in part, to finance a terrorist or terrorist group.

The offence is contrary to Section 26(1) and punishable under Section 21(2)(a) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

They were accused of being involved in an arrangement which resulted in the sum of about 500,000.00 U.S. dollars being delivered in cash to Bodejo and persons associated with him for the purpose of terrorism and for the benefit of a proscribed terrorist group pursuant to approvals granted by Gov. Bala Mohammed.

The offence is contrary to Section 21(3)(b) and punishable under Section 21(4)(a) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Count four accused the defendants, including Jaja and Liman (who are at large), of having conspired to disguise the origin of the 2,300,000.00 U.S. dollars, being Bauchi State Government’s funds, routed through Bureau de Change (BDC) operators and other nominees and converting the same to U.S. dollars, for the benefit of Bello Bodejo and persons associated with him.

It said this was pursuant to approvals granted by Gov. Mohammed, having reasonable grounds to know that the said funds formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act.

The offence is contrary to Section 21(a) and punishable under Section 18(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

In count eight, the defendants, including Jaja and Liman (who are at large), were alleged to have, sometime in the year 2024, conspired to disguise the origin of the sum of about 6,950,000.00 US dollars for the benefit of Yakubu Adamu, the Finance Commissioner, being proceeds of unlawful activity routed from Bauchi State Government’s funds through the BDC operators.

The offence is contrary to Section 21(a) and punishable under Section 18(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, among other counts.

NAN reports that Alhaji Bello Bodejo is the president of the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore.

Adamu, the 1st defendant, alongside a firm, Ayab Agro Products and Freight Company Ltd, is also facing another money laundering charge involving N4.6 billion before Justice Nwite.

In the six-count charge, Adamu was alleged to have committed the offence while acting as the Branch Manager of Polaris Bank Ltd, Bauchi, sometime between June 2023 and December 2023.

The defendants, alongside others, were alleged to have facilitated and agreed to the conversion, concealment and use of funds in the sum of about N4,650,000,000.00 availed by Polaris Bank under the guise of financing the supply of motorcycles to Bauchi State Government through Emmanuel Asomugha General Enterprises.

However, they were accused of not having supplied the motorcycles. (NAN)

The post Alleged $9.7m terrorism financing: Court remands Bauchi Finance commissioner, others appeared first on Vanguard News.

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Gunmen on Tuesday attacked Akunza Ashige community in Lafia Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, killing three persons.

LEADERSHIP gathered that nine persons also sustained varying degrees of injuries during the attack.

Nasarawa State Police Command confirmed the development to journalists through its Police Public Relations officer, SP Ramhan Nansel, saying two corpses were recovered on the day of the attack, while the third person died in the hospital where he was rushed for treatment on Wednesday.

SP Nansel explained that following a distress call over the attack, the Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, immediately deployed a detachment of Mobile Police personnel and other tactical teams to the area to bring the situation under control.

“During the response operation, two corpses were recovered, while nine injured persons were rescued and rushed to nearby hospitals, where they are currently receiving medical attention, but one later died in the early hours of today,” he stated.

According to him, the Commissioner of Police has also directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) and Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of operations to proceed to the area and conduct a comprehensive investigation to unravel the perpetrators of the dastardly act, with a view to ensuring their immediate arrest and prosecution.

“CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed has assured residents of Akunza Ashige and environs that the Command remains resolute and will not relent in its efforts until all those responsible for this heinous crime are brought to justice.

“He urged members of the public to remain calm and continue to support the Police with timely and useful information,” Nansel said.

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The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has sealed the Sunseed Oil production facility in Zaria, Kaduna State, following persistent air pollution caused by excessive industrial emissions.

The enforcement action was confirmed in a statement issued on Tuesday by NESREA’s Assistant Director of Press, Nwamaka Ejiofor. According to the agency, the closure followed multiple reports of continuous air pollution traced to the facility, which was found to be operating in violation of the National Environmental (Air Quality Control) Regulations.

NESREA said the scale and intensity of the emissions posed an immediate threat to the environment and the health of residents in surrounding communities, necessitating the immediate shutdown of the plant.

“The severity of the emissions, which posed an immediate threat to the surrounding ecosystem and the health of nearby residents, led to the immediate closure of the facility,” the agency stated.

It added that the action aligns with NESREA’s mandate to enforce environmental compliance and protect the public from the harmful effects of unregulated industrial discharges, including air pollutants and effluents.

The Director-General of NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor, warned industrial operators across the country to adhere strictly to national environmental regulations and desist from practices that endanger public health and the environment.

Excessive industrial air emissions, particularly from facilities located near residential areas, have become a growing concern, contributing to respiratory diseases, environmental degradation and a decline in overall quality of life.

Under the National Environmental (Air Quality Control) Regulations, industries are required to install functional pollution control equipment, adopt cleaner production technologies and conduct regular emissions monitoring to ensure compliance with permissible limits.

NESREA cautioned that failure to comply with these regulations would attract stiff sanctions, including the sealing of facilities, financial penalties and possible prosecution.

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Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Mr Peter Obi, alongside several prominent political leaders from the South-East geopolitical zone, has formally declared for the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The declaration was made on Wednesday in Enugu, the Enugu State capital, where the leaders converged after what they described as months of wide-ranging consultations.

According to them, the decision to align with the ADC was taken as part of a broader strategy to work with opposition leaders across the country to “rescue Nigeria from the poor governance of the All Progressives Congress (APC).”

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Speaking at the event, Peter Obi said the move to the ADC marks the beginning of a collective journey aimed at repositioning the country and offering Nigerians a credible alternative to the ruling party.

“This is the start of a journey to rescue Nigeria,” Obi said, stressing the need for unity among opposition forces to address the country’s governance challenges.

Several notable political figures from the South-East were present at the declaration, including former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha; Senators Ben Obi, Victor Umeh, Tony Nwoye and Gilbert Nnaji; Chief Onyema Ugochukwu; Enyinnya Abaribe; and former Ebonyi State Governor, Senator Sam Egwu, alongside other serving and former senators and members of the House of Representatives.

Also in attendance were national leaders of the ADC and other opposition figures from across the country, including former Senate President and National Chairman of the ADC, Senator David Mark; former Sokoto State Governor, Senator Aminu Tambuwal; former governors from the South-East; and other party chieftains.

The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to building a strong opposition platform capable of providing effective leadership and good governance for Nigeria.

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The Kaduna State Police Command has arrested two men suspected to be involved in the abduction of two married women in the state.

The arrest was disclosed in a post shared on X on Wednesday by security analyst Zagazola Makama.

According to the post, the suspects allegedly kidnapped the women and held them captive for some time before releasing them. 

After regaining their freedom, the women reportedly remained in contact with the suspects as part of a plan to help security agencies track them.

The post explained that the women later agreed to meet the suspects at a location in Kaduna, presenting it as a normal meeting. 

Acting on intelligence received ahead of time, police officers moved in and arrested the suspects at the meeting point.

The suspects are currently in police custody, while investigations are ongoing to determine the full details of the case and whether other people were involved.

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When President Bola Tinubu appointed Rotimi Oyedepo as Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation (DPPF) on Tuesday, he moved a long-time Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) prosecutor to one of Nigeria’s most consequential legal offices.

Mr Oyedepo’s appointment marked a significant transition from the frontlines of anti-corruption litigation to the apex of federal criminal prosecution, a role that places him at the heart of decisions shaping how the Nigerian state enforces its criminal laws.

At 42, Mr Oyedepo, who has done nothing else other than prosecution all his career, assumed the role at a critical moment for Nigeria’s criminal justice system.

He replaced Abubakar Babadoko, who retired after completing the mandatory eight-year tenure as a director.

As DPP, Mr Oyedepo now serves as the federal government’s chief prosecuting officer, working directly under the Attorney-General of the Federation and overseeing all federal criminal prosecutions.

His elevation marked a shift from frontline litigation to institutional leadership.

The DPP’s office supervises prosecutions initiated by federal agencies, advises on prosecutorial decisions, represents the government in criminal appeals, coordinates with state Directors of Public Prosecution, and supports international criminal cooperation.

Before his appointment, Mr Oyedepo spent more than 15 years at the EFCC, where he built his career as a specialist prosecutor of complex economic and financial crimes.

Until his new appointment, Mr Oyedepo had also served as the Special Assistant on Financial Crimes and Public Prosecution Compliance in the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) since his appointment by President Bola Tinubu in October 2023.

His core mandate in that capacity was working with AGF to bring about effective change in the anti-corruption ecosystem in Nigeria. To achieve the goal, he spearheaded and coordinated critical anti-corruption initiatives and inter-agency compliance measures.

Rising through the ranks to become a director, he handled politically sensitive cases involving money laundering, abuse of office, oil theft and large-scale asset recovery.

A defining aspect of his work at the EFCC was asset forfeiture litigation, particularly the deployment of Non-Conviction-Based Forfeiture (NCBF), a civil mechanism that allows the state to recover assets suspected to be proceeds of crime without first securing criminal convictions.

The approach, grounded in the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, has become one of the most consequential—and contested—tools in Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework.

Mr Oyedepo was part of the prosecutorial efforts that led to a Supreme Court affirmation of the constitutionality of non-conviction based forfeiture, notably in the case involving $8.4 million linked to former First Lady Patience Jonathan.

The ruling strengthened the EFCC’s asset recovery mandate and provided judicial backing for a method increasingly relied upon by investigators.

Following that decision, courts ordered the forfeiture of assets worth billions of naira and millions of dollars in cases prosecuted or coordinated by teams he belonged to.

These included exotic jewellery valued at about $40 million linked to former petroleum minister Diezani Alison-Madueke, funds traced to Mrs Jonathan, $43.4 million and luxury properties in Ikoyi, and a 753-unit housing estate in Abuja linked to former Central Bank governor Godwin Emefiele.

Some of these forfeiture cases sparked legal disputes, with affected parties challenging the processes on grounds of fair hearing and service of court documents.

The EFCC has consistently maintained that the forfeitures were carried out pursuant to valid court orders, placing the cases at the centre of broader debates over due process and asset recovery.

Beyond forfeiture proceedings, Mr Oyedepo prosecuted several high-profile corruption cases involving senior public officials and corporate executives, including cases against Mr Emefiele.

His work also extended beyond Nigeria’s borders. Mr Oyedepo was a key member of the federal government’s legal team in the Process and Industrial Developments (P&ID) arbitration dispute, a case that initially exposed Nigeria to an arbitral award of about $11 billion.

In October 2023, the English High Court set aside the award after finding it was procured through fraud, a decision the Tinubu administration said spared Nigeria a potentially crippling financial liability.

In 2022, the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee elevated Mr Oyedepo to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, citing sustained courtroom performance and impact in financial crimes litigation.

Born in 1983, Mr Oyedepo studied law at the University of Ilorin, graduating in 2007, and attended the Nigerian Law School in 2008, where he was called to the Bar.

His professional recognitions include EFCC Outstanding Staff of the Year (2014) and Best Financial Crimes Prosecutor (2019).

READ ALSO: 2025: Army rescues 1,023 kidnap victims, recovers 189 guns in northwest Nigeria

He is a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, International Bar Association, African Bar Association, and the International Association of Prosecutors.

Outside his official duties, Mr Oyedepo serves as an Assistant Pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God.

He is married to Victoria Rotimi-Oyedepo, and they have four children.

Mr Oyedepo’s new appointment positions him at a strategic point in shaping how the federal government pursues criminal accountability.

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• A Nigerian man drew people’s attention to what he observed about the road where Anthony Joshua was involved in an accident
• He mentioned what he noticed after watching a video of the aftermath of the incident showing the road and truck
• What he said caught people’s attention as conversations around the accident continues to trend on social media

A Nigerian man shared what he observed concerning the accident involving British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua.

Two close associates of the renowned Nigerian-born boxer lost their lives in the accident that happened on a major road in Ogun State.

A man shares his observation about road where accident took place. Photo: @MasterBolaji, @anthonyjoshua
Source: UGC

The car carrying the three men and the driver hit a stationary truck on the road. Joshua sustained minor injuries and was taken to a hospital in a police van, as no ambulance was immediately available at the scene.

A video showing where the truck was packed during the accident surfaced online, and an X user, @MasterBolaji shared his observations.

Read also

Man survives accident at exact spot Anthony Joshua’s friends died, emotional story trends

He stated what he noticed about the road where the accident took place.

He tweeted:

“This is the truck Anthony Joshua’s vehicle ran into. It was properly parked and positioned off the road. The road was in good condition, as clearly seen in the video.“Apparently, the driver veered off the road. Overspeeding kills, drive carefully.”

See his X post below:

Anthony Joshua’s accident: Reactions trail man’s observation

@Dannymasterp

“Just imagine, It’s very obvious that it’s over speeding, or the driver slept off the steering or probably high on something because this truck is well packed and no way near the road. That was exactly what happened yet Nigerians has already used it for clout chasing.”

@bosunoyeleke said:

“Should a trailer also be parked on the side of the road? where are the road signs to say the speed limits, Bolaji stop this nonsense of being a data boy and face reality, Nigeria isn’t doing its best to make sure these things are in place, and come to think of it, its a bit sad that the leader that was forced upon us is just doing whatever, what if this wasn’t AJ would those Nigerian souls have this sort of audience? use your head niqqa.”

Read also

Anthony Joshua: Man who had an accident on same road in 2022 shares tragic story, post trends

@Ladan_wachiko said:

“No worries. Nigerians mindset Dy don position against the country. Since childhood Na bad things we Dy hear about Nigeria since we small. Our mindset go hardly change about Nigeria.”

@skood009 said:

“This video keeps showing how poorly our roads are constructed. Yes, overspeeding may contribute, but we also need parking bays for trucks on major highways and an enforcement team monitored via cameras to ensure they do their jobs of ensuring no truck or car parks on the road.”An accident involving British boxer Anthony Joshua sparks conversations online. Photo: Anthony Joshua
Source: Getty Images

Anthony Joshua’s accident: Journalist Rufai Oseni reacts

Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that journalist Rufai Oseni reacted to the accident involving Anthony Joshua, which claimed the lives of two people.

The journalist raised two thought-provoking questions regarding how the boxer was rescued from the scene of the accident.

What he said generated buzz on social media, as many shared their thoughts on the viral accident trending online.

Source: Legit.ng

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Former Kano State governor and national leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has warned that anyone who betrays an ideology will ultimately fail, stressing that political betrayal does not lead to lasting success.

The comments come at a time of visible internal tensions within the NNPP in Kano State chapter, as debates over the party’s future and its relationship with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at the centre continued to deepen.

Kwankwaso made the remarks while addressing beneficiaries of his postgraduate scholarship programme. However, political observers believed the comments were veiled message to his political protege and Kano State governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, and some of his loyalists, who have been pushing for a possible defection to the ruling APC.

Speaking at the event, Kwankwaso said betrayal, described in Hausa language as “Butulci”, has never brought enduring success to anyone in Nigeria or elsewhere.

“Nobody in this country, or anywhere else, has ever succeeded with ‘Butulci’. It doesn’t work that way,” he said. “If you are in doubt, look at our history from 1999 to date. All those who betrayed this group, like other groups, have never succeeded. I don’t even know one.”

He acknowledged that some individuals who abandoned their political base appeared successful for a time, but said their gains were always short-lived.

“They may succeed temporarily—day one, day two, day three. Some even looked like they were succeeding for 10 years. But if you ask them today, where are they now? They are on the floor, flat on the ground,” Kwankwaso added.

The NNPP leader urged the adherents and supporters of the ‘Kwankwasiyya Movement’ to learn from history and remain loyal to the NNPP ideology rather than making costly mistakes.

“I’m telling you this so you can learn from other people’s experience. Don’t try to learn from your own experience, sometimes it can be very, very expensive,” he said.
“Work together as a family. Support the ideology.”

LEADERSHIP reports Kwankwaso has not officially addressed the growing calls by some NNPP members within the Governor Yusuf administration in the state, local government and ward levels for the governor and the party leadership to move to the APC. Governor Yusuf has also remained silent on the development amid sustained speculation over his possible defection.

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