Author: Naija Daily News

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested a Lagos businessman, Alhaji Olakazeem Tijani, over an alleged land scam involving more than N67 million. Tijani was picked recently snapped up in Igando by EFCC operatives after months of investigation triggered by a formal petition filed by a complainant, Oluseyi Adekoya, in July last year. Investigators said the suspect had been under watch for several months after allegedly ignoring repeated invitations from the EFCC and other security agencies. In the petition submitted at the EFCC’s Awolowo Road, Ikoyi office, Adekoya accused Tijani and his company, Latokatz Limited, of…

The Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Taiwo Oyedele, has confirmed that land, buildings, and rent are now fully exempt from Value Added Tax (VAT) under the Nigeria Tax Act 2025. The clarification is a not-so-veiled rebuttal to a misleading claim by former Rivers State Governor, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, that the Federal Government would automatically deduct N25m if a builder receives N100m for building. Oyedele said the reform, already in effect, is designed to lower housing costs, attract investment in real estate, and ease financial pressure on tenants and small businesses. Key Provisions of the Law:…

Former Anambra State governor Peter Obi has confirmed he will contest the 2027 presidential election under the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), formally aligning his political future with the party at a supporters’ conference in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The declaration came at a gathering of the Obidient Movement focused on integrating Obi’s support base into ADC structures ahead of the next election cycle. Speakers at the event described the move as the start of a broader mobilisation drive targeting young voters and reform-minded constituencies. Explaining his departure from the Labour Party, Obi claimed the party faced institutional…

The Benue State Government has confirmed the rescue of nine worshippers abducted during a midnight prayer session at Saint John Catholic Church in the Ojije area of Utonkon community, Ado Local Government Area. In a statement issued by the Governor’s Technical Adviser on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communication, Solomon Iorpev, Governor Hyacinth Alia commended security operatives for their swift response, describing the rescue as a significant breakthrough. The governor assured residents that security agencies and local vigilante groups would continue to collaborate to combat kidnapping and prevent future occurrences. He also urged members of the public to provide timely and…

The first wave of United States military personnel has arrived in Nigeria, marking the commencement of a planned deployment of about 200 American intelligence analysts, advisers and trainers to support Nigerian forces in targeted counterterrorism operations. A U.S. military aircraft touched down in Maiduguri on Thursday night, bringing in the initial contingent of approximately 100 personnel. Officials disclosed that additional troops and equipment would arrive steadily over the weekend and in the coming weeks as part of the phased deployment. Speaking on Friday, Maj. Gen. Samaila Uba, a spokesman for the Nigerian defence authorities, clarified that the American personnel would…

The Nigeria Police Force, Zone 6 Headquarters in Calabar, has dismantled a major kidnapping, job scam and “Japa” syndicate operating in Cross River State, rescuing more than 100 victims and rejecting an alleged N50 million bribe meant to obstruct the investigation. In a statement issued on February 14, 2026, the Zonal Public Relations Officer, DSP Jefferson Osupe Anisma, said the operation was executed by the Zonal Criminal Investigation Department following credible intelligence on the criminal network’s activities. According to the police, the syndicate preyed on unsuspecting Nigerians, particularly young people seeking opportunities abroad, using deception and psychological coercion. Victims were…

By Imarievwe Osakwe, Guest Writer A frightening number can win more attention than a thousand correct words. That is why former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi’s claim, that Nigeria’s new tax law will automatically seize 25 percent of private payments, gained instant traction. It is simple, alarming, and politically useful. It is also wrong. Not slightly wrong, but structurally and factually wrong. To understand why, you have to look at what the new tax framework actually contains. When you do, the claim collapses. Amaechi said that if someone pays ₦100 million for materials, ₦25 million will automatically leave the recipient’s account…

Former U.S. President Barack Obama has criticised the immigration enforcement approach associated with President Donald Trump, warning that sweeping crackdowns and expanded executive powers risk pushing governance toward what he described as autocratic-style practices. Obama made the remarks during an interview with a liberal podcaster, Brian Tyler Cohen, on Saturday. The former US President argued that border enforcement must be balanced with constitutional safeguards and due process protections. He said democracies are tested by their ability to maintain civil liberties while addressing security concerns, cautioning against policies that rely heavily on executive force and institutional pressure. His comments came amid…

Photo: Chinese President, Xi Jinping Chinese President Xi Jinping said China will eliminate tariffs on imports from nearly all African countries starting May 1, expanding zero-duty access to the Chinese market in a move aimed at deepening trade ties with the continent. Xi announced the measure during remarks linked to the African Union summit in Ethiopia, describing it as a step toward a new stage of China–Africa economic cooperation and market integration. Under the new policy, zero-tariff treatment will apply to all African countries that maintain diplomatic relations with Beijing, according to Chinese state media. The only exception is Eswatini,…

Suspected bandits killed at least six people and abducted several others in attacks on communities in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger state, police said on Saturday, as residents reported a higher toll and the burning of public buildings including a police outpost. The Niger State Police Command said the assailants struck Tunga-Makeri village in the early hours of Saturday, Valentine’s Day, setting houses on fire and taking an unspecified number of residents away. “On 14/2/2026 at about 6 a.m., a report was received indicating that at about 3 a.m., suspected bandits invaded Tunga-Makeri village via Shafachi district, Borgu LGA,”…