Rejection of Cybersecurity Levy by Coalition of Northern Groups
News

Rejection of Cybersecurity Levy by Coalition of Northern Groups

The recently introduced 0.5 per cent cybersecurity levy on all bank transactions has been rejected by the Coalition of Northern Groups, CNG. A circular issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, directed all types of banks to deduct the levy, starting two weeks from Monday, May 6, 2024. In response, the CNG, through its National Coordinator, Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, expressed disapproval, stating that the decision showcased the government's lack of compassion towards Nigerians during economic hardships. According to the group, the levy, akin to the removal of fuel subsidy and the sudden hike in electricity tariffs, reflects a heartless approach of extorting citizens, especially those already burdened by neoliberal exploitations. They demanded the immediate w...
Legal Expert Challenges Nigerian Government: Deems Cyber Security Levy Unlawful and Unconstitutional
News

Legal Expert Challenges Nigerian Government: Deems Cyber Security Levy Unlawful and Unconstitutional

In the eyes of human rights advocate Madubuachi Idam, the cyber security levy recently imposed by the Nigerian government is akin to theft from the people of the nation. Idam has strongly asserted that the act of taxing Nigerians for security purposes is both illegal and in violation of the constitution. As per recent directives from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), all banks in the country are now obliged to collect and forward a 0.5% cyber security levy to the Office of the National Security Adviser. Reports from NewsNow indicate that the CBN officially communicated this instruction through Chibuzor Efobi and Haruna Mustafa, who serve as directors of the Payment System Management and Financial Policy and Regulation Departments. In response to these developments, Idam called on the...
The Nigerian Government’s Commitment to Community Policing in Tackling Insecurity
News

The Nigerian Government’s Commitment to Community Policing in Tackling Insecurity

Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, the Minister of State for Police Affairs, has reaffirmed the Federal Government's dedication to prioritizing initiatives that promote community policing in Nigeria as a means to address the prevailing insecurity issues. Emphasizing the importance of transparency, accountability, and fostering mutual respect and understanding, Sulaiman-Ibrahim also stressed the government's efforts to strengthen the relationship between the Police and the community. Speaking at the 40th-anniversary event of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) with the theme "PCRC @40 Community Policing at its Best" held at Merit House, Maitama, Abuja, she highlighted the significance of the occasion in recognizing the enduring legacy of community policing and the invaluable rol...
House of Representatives halts proposal to halt CBN’s cybersecurity levy
News

House of Representatives halts proposal to halt CBN’s cybersecurity levy

Opting not to proceed with a motion to suspend the cybersecurity levy, the House of Representatives has made a decision. Nigerians have criticized the cybersecurity levy recently introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN. During the session on Wednesday, a lawmaker named Manu Soro expressed concerns, highlighting that the proposed levy is untimely given the current challenging circumstances faced by many Nigerians. The legislators opined that the responsibility of handling accumulated funds should not fall under the purview of the National Security Adviser, NSA, as it is a political role. Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, urged the lawmaker to withdraw the motion, mentioning that the House leadership would need to deliberate on the matter to determine the most appropriate cours...
End of ‘Timeless’ era celebrated by Davido with release of ‘Kante’ music video
Entertainment

End of ‘Timeless’ era celebrated by Davido with release of ‘Kante’ music video

The iconic musician known as Davido is embarking on a new chapter. In a surprising turn of events, he announced the conclusion of the era surrounding his fourth studio album, 'Timeless'. On Wednesday, he shared the music video for 'Kante,' a track featuring Fave that stood out in his Grammy-nominated album. Expressing gratitude towards his family and fans for their steadfast support, Davido acknowledged that their backing has been the cornerstone of this particular era. Anticipating a fresh beginning filled with new music and achievements, the artist looks ahead to the future. In a heartfelt message on his X handle, he expressed his emotions on the release of the 'Kante' video: "Today, as I unveil the 'Kante' video, my heart is overflowing with emotions. This isn't merely a lau...
APC Warned by PDP Regarding Call for Fubara’s Impeachment among Rivers Crisis
Politics

APC Warned by PDP Regarding Call for Fubara’s Impeachment among Rivers Crisis

In reaction to Rivers State APC chairman, Tony Okocha’s urging for the impeachment of Rivers State Governor, Sim Fubara, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) issued a cautionary statement towards the All Progressives Congress (APC). The party spokesperson, Debo Ologunagba, emphasized the inflammatory nature of Okocha’s call in response to Fubara’s refusal to acknowledge the state legislature amidst conflicts with his predecessor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Ologunagba highlighted Okocha's remarks as potentially sparking crisis and disrupting the democratic order of the country, urging the Inspector General of Police to take note of the situation. The PDP's statement by Ologunagba stated: “The PDP leadership is concerned about the recent declaration by APC’s...
Update on Discussions Regarding National Minimum Wage for Workers by Governor Sule
Metro

Update on Discussions Regarding National Minimum Wage for Workers by Governor Sule

In regards to the new national minimum wage for Nigerian workers, Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, mentioned that governors are open to the idea. He mentioned that the implementation of the new wage is contingent upon the resolutions put forth by the tripartite committee appointed by the Presidency. Contrary to claims suggesting a lack of cooperation from state governors in terms of universal payment, Sule dismissed such assertions. Concerns have arisen in certain circles regarding many states' capacities to agree upon and feasibly pay the proposed new minimum wage set by the Tripartite Committee on Minimum Wage. Reports sparked heightened concerns when some governors expressed unease over Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki's decision to raise the minimum wage in his sta...
Metro

Three Arrested in Connection with Kidnapping and Murder of 19-Year-Old Undergraduate in Edo

Authorities in Edo State have apprehended a native doctor, Chukwuyem Jonah, aged 26, along with two accomplices for their suspected involvement in the death of Faith Omodon, a 200-level student from Delta State University. According to the State Commissioner of Police, Funsho Adegboye, who briefed the press in Benin City, the arrests were made as part of a larger operation that led to the detention of 11 individuals. The two other suspects implicated in the tragic incident are Godspower Chukwuedo, 23, and Christopher Nwachukwu, 22. Community members from Iru Egbede expressed concern when Omodon, a business administration student, went missing after she failed to return from a farm visit on March 30, 2024. Law enforcement, supported by a l...
The Anambra Police Deny Reports of Soldiers’ Deaths in the State
News

The Anambra Police Deny Reports of Soldiers’ Deaths in the State

In response to circulating rumors on social media, the Anambra State Police Command has refuted claims that 21 soldiers were killed within the state. An official statement by SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the spokesperson for the Anambra police, was released in Awka and addressed the misinformation. Ikenga dismissed the reports as completely untrue, baseless, and fabricated. He clarified that the alleged hospital where the soldiers’ bodies were said to be located does not exist in Awka, the state's capital. Further investigations conducted by the Command revealed no evidence of such an incident, attributing the false news to individuals aiming to stir unrest. The Police Public Relations Officer cautioned that those responsible for spreading fake reports would face legal consequences under cyber ...
Police in Ekiti Varsity Apprehend Eight Suspected Cultists
Metro

Police in Ekiti Varsity Apprehend Eight Suspected Cultists

On Tuesday, the Police Command in Ekiti took into custody eight individuals believed to be affiliated with four different secret cult groups within the premises of Ekiti State University. A statement released on Wednesday by DSP Sunday Abutu, the Public Relations Officer of the Command, disclosed that the arrests were made in response to reports of cult-related disruptions to the peace on the campus. Abutu mentioned that a distress call was received by the Command on May 7 around 6:00 p.m., reporting the disruptive activities of suspected members of Buccaneer confraternity, Alora confraternity, and Sea Lord groups within the university grounds. "Upon receiving the report, the Command promptly dispatched the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) to the location where eight suspects, comprising tw...