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Violence In Kaduna: Govt Imposes 24-Hr Curfew …Scores Killed, Houses Destroyed …Atiku,Saraki, Others Condemn Mayhem …As Boko Haram Kills 38 In Borno

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The Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai has again imposed 24- hours curfew in the state.
“This is a notice of a 24-hour curfew imposed on Kaduna town and its environs, with immediate effect’ the governor said on his Twitter handle yesterday.
He advised residents to comply with this directive, saying “the decision has been taken in the best interest of the state.”
Fifty-five people were killed on October 18 crisis at Kasuwan Magani in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
A similar crisis in February left more than 10 people dead in Kasuwan Magani, while 65 suspects involved in the crisis were arraigned in court but the case is still ongoing.
Acting DCP Jimoh Moshood, the Force Public Relations Officer disclosed this while addressing newsmen on the violence yesterday in Abuja.
He said that the police deployed included four Police Mobile Force (PMF) units, Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), Conventional policemen, Federal Special Anti Robbery Squad (FSARS), Intellegemce Response Team (IRT) and Technical Intelligence (TIU) among others.
Moshood said that the operations would cover the entire Kasuwan Magani and its environs and other flash spots in the state.
“The intervention force will be working in synergy with the Kaduna state police command to ensure that peace and normalcy returns to the area.
“To achieve success, the force will be proactive and strict in the enforcement of its mandate, police standard operations procedures and rules of engament,” he said.
He said that the force would carry out a 24 hours surveillance and patrol, stop and search, continuous raid of identified criminal hideouts and black spots.
The spokesman said that operation would cover communities, towns, villages, vulnerable points, government and private infrastructure.
He enjoined traditional rulers, religious leaders, politicians, parents and guardians to support the police in the discharge of their responsibilities.
Moshood said that 22 suspects directly involved in violence have been arrested and are in police custody assisting the police in the investigation.
The spokesman said that some prominent personalities kidnapped during the violence have also been rescued and reunited with their families.
Meanwhile, the former Vice President and Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar says he is saddened by the loss of 55 lives in a conflict at Kasuwan Magani area of Kaduna State.
Atiku, on his twitter wall, @atiku, said the conflict was avoidable, while he commiserated with the families of the victims.
“I’m saddened by needless loss of scores of lives following avoidable conflict in Kasuwan Magani, Kaduna State, in a pattern that has become too familiar.
“May the souls of the deceased rest even as no efforts should be spared to bring the perpetrators to justice,” he said.
The Kaduna State Police Command, had last Friday, said 55 people were killed in the communal crisis at Kasuwan Magani in Kajuru Local Government Area of the state.
The state Commissioner of Police, Ahmad Abdur-Rahman said that the police had arrested 22 suspects in connection with the mayhem.
Abdul-Rahaman said mobile and conventional policemen, as well as a team of the state joint security operatives, Operation Yaki, despatched to the town had restored normalcy in the area.
According to him, he has also visited the town and engaged youth leaders, traditional and religious leaders in the efforts to stop the crisis and prevent its spread
Similarly, President Muhammadu Buhari has condemned the latest communal violence in Kasuwan Magani in Kaduna State which claimed 55 lives.
Reacting to the violent clashes in a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media & Publicity), Garba Shehu, Buhari said the frequent resort to bloodshed by Nigerians over misunderstandings that can be resolved peacefully, is worrisome.
According to the President, “No culture and religion support the disregard for the sanctity of life,” adding that “peaceful coexistence is necessary for the progress of any society and its wellbeing.”
He noted that without communal harmony, the environment for the conduct of “our everyday businesses would be impossible to achieve.”
Buhari explained that “violence cannot be an alternative to peace. On the contrary, reliance on violence leads to ultimate self-destruction. Violence is an ill wind that blows nobody any good. Embracing peace is a necessity.”
In commending the Kaduna State Government for its rapid response to the crisis, the President appealed to community leaders to engage in regular dialogue to nip imminent crises in the bud, while admonishing the people to develop the spirit of tolerance and patience at all times.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ibrahim Idris has ordered the deployment of Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Zone 7, Taiwo Lakanu to lead Police Special Intervention Force in Kaduna State.
Lakanu is to restore lasting peace to Kasuwar Magani area in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, a statement by Police spokesman DCP, Jimoh Moshood said.
Yesterday afternoon, trouble spilled from the flash point at Kasuwar Magani, where the traditional leader was kidnapped last week, into parts of the city centre.
The Police statement also condemned the attack and killing of innocent people, while calling for calm as the Police Special investigation Team has made significant progress in the investigation into the incident.
The Police said it is concerned over the attack and killings of Fifty-Five people, and the disturbance of peace in Kasuwar Magani on the 18th of October, 2018.
Moshood said the AIG is leading the Police Special Intervention Force comprising Four (4) Units of Police Mobile Force (PMF) specially trained Anti-Riot Policemen, Counter Terrorism Unit, Conventional Policemen and Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS).
Other units in the force include; Intelligence Response Team (IRT), Technical Intelligence Unit (TIU), State Intelligence Bureau (SIB), detachment of EOD and Police K9 (Sniffer Dogs Section) are already on ground at Kasuwar Magani.
He said, “Twenty-two suspects directly involved have been arrested and now in Police custody and some of the prominent personalities kidnapped during the incident have been rescued by the Police.”
He said, “The operations will cover the entire Kasuwar Magani and environs, and other flash/trouble spots in Kaduna State.”
He also added that the Police Special Intervention Forces will be working in synergy with the Kaduna State Police Command to ensure that total peace and normalcy are restored and sustained.
He said the Force will ensure the full enforcement of the curfew imposed on Kasuwar Magani and environs by the Kaduna State Government.
Moshood said the police will carry out twenty four hours surveillance and patrol, stop and search and continuous raids of identified criminal hideouts and black spots.
He said, “Traditional rulers, religious leaders, public office holders, politicians, opinion leaders, parents and guardians are hereby called upon to prevail on their subjects, supporters, children and wards to support the personnel of the Police Special Intervention Force in the discharge of their responsibilities.”
In a similar development, Boko Haram insurgents also stormed some hamlets close to the food reserve silos around Molai, along the Maiduguri-Damboa road, killing about 28 persons.
Details were sketchy at the time this report was filed, but a civilian JTF source, who participated in evacuated the corpses from the scene of the attack, said the insurgents tied their victims to stakes like animals and slaughtered them.
He told newsmen yesterday that many people sustained injuries in an ensuing stampede as the residents fled in all directions.
The source said the corpses and the injured were taken to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.
Also, in two attacks earlier in the day, suspected Boko Haram insurgents killed at least 10 persons while 20 others were injured, according to vigilante and CJTF sources said.
The first incident occurred on the outskirts of Molai village in Jere Local Government Area at about 9:30am yesterday. Daily Trust on Sunday gathered that the gunmen opened fire on famers, killing eight of them.
A vigilante source said the attackers stormed the farmlands where the people were harvesting their farm produce.
“As I am speaking to you, eight persons have been confirmed dead, while 15 sustained serious injuries as a result of gun shots by insurgents who attacked our people this morning on a farm land near Molai.
“Most of the people affected are from Mondugannari area, who went to the farm early morning to harvest their farm produce,” the vigilante source said.
And at about 1 pm yesterday, the insurgents carried out a second attack. They attacked an area called Caterpillar near Ajilari cross, Airport Area in Maiduguri, and killed two persons and injured five others.
They also burnt down three tricycles and a motorbike.
When contacted the North-east Zonal Coordinator, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Bashir Garga, said “something like that happened”, adding that he would get back to our correspondent on the matter.
“I am still working on it but something like that happened.

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INEC To Unveil New Party Registration Portal As Applications Hit 129

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that it has now received a total of 129 applications from associations seeking registration as political parties.

The update was provided during the commission’s regular weekly meeting held in Abuja, yesterday.

According to a statement signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, seven new applications were submitted within the past week, adding to the previous number.

“At its regular weekly meeting held today, Thursday 10th July 2025, the commission received a further update on additional requests from associations seeking registration as political parties.

“Since last week, seven more applications have been received, bringing the total number so far to 129. All the requests are being processed,” the commission stated.

The commission revealed the introduction of a new digital platform for political party registration. The platform is part of the Party Financial Reporting and Auditing System and aims to streamline the registration process.

Olumekun disclosed that final testing of the portal would be completed within the next week.

“INEC also plans to release comprehensive guidelines to help associations file their applications using the new system.

“Unlike the manual method used in previous registration, the Commission is introducing a political party registration portal, which is a module in our Party Financial Reporting and Auditing System.

“This will make the process faster and seamless. In the next week, the commission will conclude the final testing of the portal before deployment.

“Thereafter, the next step for associations that meet the requirements to proceed to the application stage will be announced. The commission will also issue guidelines to facilitate the filing of applications using the PFRAS,” the statement added.

In the meantime, the list of new associations that have submitted applications has been made available to the public on INEC’s website and other official platforms.

 

 

 

 

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Tinubu Signs Four Tax Reform Bills Into Law …Says Nigeria Open For Business 

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President Bola Tinubu yesterday signed into law four tax reform bills aimed at transforming Nigeria’s fiscal and revenue framework.

The four bills include: the Nigeria Tax Bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill.

They were passed by the National Assembly after months of consultations with various interest groups and stakeholders.

The ceremony took place at the Presidential Villa, yesterday.

The ceremony was witnessed by the leadership of the National Assembly and some legislators, governors, ministers, and aides of the President.

The presidency had earlier stated that the laws would transform tax administration in the country, increase revenue generation, improve the business environment, and give a boost to domestic and foreign investments.

“When the new tax laws become operational, they are expected to significantly transform tax administration in the country, leading to increased revenue generation, improved business environment, and a boost in domestic and foreign investments,” Special Adviser to the President on Media, Bayo Onanuga said on Wednesday.

Before the signing of the four bills, President Tinubu had earlier yesterday, said the tax reform bills will reset Nigeria’s economic trajectory and simplify its complex fiscal landscape.

Announcing the development via his official X handle, yesterday, the President declared, “In a few hours, I will sign four landmark tax reform bills into law, ushering in a bold new era of economic governance in our country.”

Tinubu made a call to investors and citizens alike, saying, “Let the world know that Nigeria is open for business, and this time, everyone has a fair shot.”

He described the bills as not just technical adjustments but a direct intervention to ease burdens on struggling Nigerians.

“These reforms go beyond streamlining tax codes. They deliver the first major, pro-people tax cuts in a generation, targeted relief for low-income earners, small businesses, and families working hard to make ends meet,” Tinubu wrote.

According to the President, “They will unify our fragmented tax system, eliminate wasteful duplications, cut red tape, restore investor confidence, and entrench transparency and coordination at every level.”

He added that the long-standing burden of Nigeria’s tax structure had unfairly weighed down the vulnerable while enabling inefficiency.

The tax reforms, first introduced in October 2024, were part of Tinubu’s post-subsidy-removal recovery plan, aimed at expanding revenue without stifling productivity.

However, the bills faced turbulence at the National Assembly and amongst some state governors who rejected its passing in 2024.

At the NASS, the bills sparked heated debate, particularly around the revenue-sharing structure, which governors from the North opposed.

They warned that a shift toward derivation-based allocations, especially with VAT, could tilt fiscal balance in favour of southern states with stronger consumption bases.

After prolonged dialogue, the VAT rate remained at 7.5 per cent, and a new exemption was introduced to shield minimum wage earners from personal income tax.

By May 2025, the National Assembly passed the harmonised versions with broad support, driven in part by pressure from economic stakeholders and international observers who welcomed the clarity and efficiency the reforms promised.

In his tweet, Tinubu stressed that this is just the beginning of Nigeria’s tax evolution.

“We are laying the foundation for a tax regime that is fair, transparent, and fit for a modern, ambitious Nigeria.

“A tax regime that rewards enterprise, protects the vulnerable, and mobilises revenue without punishing productivity,” he stated.

He further acknowledged the contributions of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Committee, the National Assembly, and Nigeria’s subnational governments.

The President added, “We are not just signing tax bills but rewriting the social contract.

“We are not there yet, but we are firmly on the road.”

 

 

 

 

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Senate Issues 10-Day Ultimatum As NNPCL Dodges ?210trn Audit Hearing 

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The Senate has issued a 10-day ultimatum to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) over its failure to appear before the Senate Committee on Public Accounts probing alleged financial discrepancies amounting to over ?210 trillion in its audited reports from 2017 to 2023.

Despite being summoned, no officials or external auditors from NNPCL showed up yesterday.

However, representatives from the representatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and Department of State Services were present.

Angered by the NNPCL’s absence, the committee, yesterday, issued a 10-day ultimatum, demanding the company’s top executives to appear before the panel by July 10 or face constitutional sanctions.

A letter from NNPCL’s Chief Financial Officer, Dapo Segun, dated June 25, was read at the session.

It cited an ongoing management retreat and requested a two-month extension to prepare necessary documents and responses.

The letter partly read, “Having carefully reviewed your request, we hereby request your kind consideration to reschedule the engagement for a period of two months from now to enable us to collate the requested information and documentation.

“Furthermore, members of the Board and the senior management team of NNPC Limited are currently out of the office for a retreat, which makes it difficult to attend the rescheduled session on Thursday, 26th June, 2025.

“While appreciating the opportunity provided and the importance of this engagement, we reassure you of our commitment to the success of this exercise. Please accept the assurances of our highest regards.”

But lawmakers rejected the request.

The Committee Chairman, Senator Aliyu Wadada, said NNPCL was not expected to submit documents, but rather provide verbal responses to 11 key questions previously sent.

“For an institution like NNPCL to ask for two months to respond to questions from its own audited records is unacceptable,” Wadada stated.

“If they fail to show up by July 10, we will invoke our constitutional powers. The Nigerian people deserve answers,” he warned.

Other lawmakers echoed similar frustrations.

Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) insisted that NNPCL’s Group CEO, Bayo Ojulari, must personally lead the delegation at the next hearing.

The Tide reports that Ojulari took over from Mele Kyari on April 2, 2025.

Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi (Ebonyi North) said the two-month request suggested the company had no answers, but the committee would still grant a fair hearing by reconvening on July 10.

Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central) warned the NNPCL against undermining the Senate, saying, “If they fail to appear again, Nigerians will know the Senate is not a toothless bulldog.”

Last week, the Senate panel grilled Segun and other top executives over what they described as “mind-boggling” irregularities in NNPCL’s financial statements.

The Senate flagged ?103 trillion in accrued expenses, including ?600 billion in retention fees, legal, and auditing costs—without supporting documentation.

Also questioned was another ?103 trillion listed under receivables. Just before the hearing, NNPCL submitted a revised report contradicting the previously published figures, raising more concerns.

The committee has demanded detailed answers to 11 specific queries and warned that failure to comply could trigger legislative consequences.

 

 

 

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