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  • News
    ECOWAS Court of Justice elects new leadership

    The ECOWAS Court of Justice has appointed Cape Verde’s Justice Ricardo Gonçalves as its new president, alongside Sierra Leone’s Justice Sengu Koroma, who has been elected as the vice-president for a non-renewable four-year term.

    The elections took place during a session attended by the court’s college of five judges and were officiated by Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Embalo, the former chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.

    Justice Gonçalves succeeds Justice Edward Asante, who held the presidency for six years, while Justice Koroma takes over from Ivory Coast’s Gberi-bè Ouattara in the vice-presidential role.

    Asante has been recommended for a position on Ghana’s Supreme Court but will remain a judge of the court until the end of his extended tenure in 2026.

    During his presidency, Justice Asante oversaw significant advancements in the court’s operations, including improvements in jurisprudence, case management, and infrastructure.

    He relocated the court from its previous overcrowded location to a new complex in Gudu District, Abuja, in 2023.

    His tenure also saw the introduction of an electronic case management system, which streamlined court processes and allowed for virtual hearings, thereby easing the financial burden on applicants from ECOWAS member states.

    Reflecting on his time in office, Justice Asante described it as a “worthwhile experience” that provided him valuable insights into the ECOWAS integration process and underscored the importance of human rights, accountability, and transparency.

    In his inaugural address, Justice Gonçalves outlined his vision for the court, emphasizing two key pillars: responsibility and dialogue.

    He expressed a commitment to upholding the court’s mission as an independent, efficient, and accessible institution.

    Gonçalves highlighted the necessity for ongoing dialogue with other ECOWAS institutions, member states, and civil society, along with a focus on the prudent management of ECOWAS funds.

  • News
    Tragedy as Nigerian woman dies weeks after relocating to UK with kids

    A Nigerian woman, Olubunmi Okeniyi, has tragically passed away nearly a month after relocating to the United Kingdom with her two children.

    Mrs. Okeniyi arrived in Sunderland on September 16, 2024, and her death occurred on Sunday, October 13.

    The Nigerian community in the UK confirmed the news of her passing through a statement posted on the social media platform X on Monday.

    In their message, they expressed heartfelt condolences to the family and announced the launch of a GoFundMe campaign aimed at covering burial expenses for the deceased.

    The statement read, “With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Mrs. Olubunmi Okeniyi, who tragically passed away on the 13/10/24, at 4:30pm in Sunderland, UK.

    “Mrs. Olubunmi, who arrived from Nigeria with her two sons on 16/09/24, is survived by her husband, Mr. Jacob Okeniyi.

    “We are urgently seeking donations to assist with her immediate burial, as her husband cannot afford the costs.

    “Please support by donating through the link below.

    “Every contribution, no matter how small, will be deeply appreciated during this difficult time,” the statement said.


    (SaharaReporters)

  • Celebrity Gist Entertainment
    Adesua, Banky W expecting second child

    Nigerian actress Adesua Etomi-Wellington has joyfully announced that she and her husband, musician Banky W, are expecting their second child.

    The exciting news was shared on Thursday through Adesua’s Instagram account, where she posted stunning pictures from her maternity photoshoot, delighting fans and followers.

    The couple, who welcomed their first child in 2021, has been open about their family journey, and this latest announcement has sparked celebrations among their fans and the entertainment community.

    With her signature style and grace, Adesua’s maternity shoot showcases her radiant beauty as she embraces this new chapter in her life.

    The post read: “First, we had each other, then we had your brother, then God sent you and now? NOW, we have everything.”

    Her husband, Banky W, commented on the post, saying, “May our lives forever be a series of indisputable evidence and unquestionable proof that Jesus is alive and that He answers prayers. Thank you, God. #SeeWhatTheLordHasDone.”

  • News
    Adesanya speaks on financial struggles after kickboxing loss to Pereira

    UFC fighter Israel Adesanya has candidly discussed a challenging chapter in his career, revealing how he faced significant financial hardship after losing to Alex Pereira during his kickboxing days in China.

    The Nigerian-born Kiwi, renowned for his dynamic fighting style and confidence in the octagon, shared his story during an appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience (JRE) podcast.

    Adesanya recounted how, after his loss to Pereira, the promotion he was fighting for abruptly ceased to provide him with match opportunities, leaving him in a precarious financial situation.

    Despite his success and fame as a fighter, he found himself struggling to make ends meet during this period, highlighting the unpredictable nature of a career in combat sports.

    “When I was fighting in China and I lost to Alex, they stopped giving me fights. I think, at the time, I was the highest-paid foreign fighter in China, but then they stopped giving me fights,” Adesanya revealed.

    He pleaded with the promotion, saying, “Look, I have seven more fights on my contract. Can I at least just get three? I just need three,” as his funds were rapidly depleting.

    The situation became so desperate that Adesanya was down to his last $500, barely enough to cover a week’s groceries. It was at this low point that his coach, Eugene Bareman, stepped in as a financial lifeline.

    Adesanya recounted the emotional moment when Bareman instructed him to check his bank account, leaving the fighter in tears of gratitude.

    This revelation sheds light on the unpredictable nature of a fighter’s career and the importance of having a supportive team. It also contrasts sharply with Adesanya’s recent high-profile UFC career, which has seen him win and lose the middleweight title multiple times.

    Despite recent setbacks, including losses to Sean Strickland and Dricus du Plessis, ‘The Last Stylebender’ is not ready to throw in the towel.

    In a recent interview on The Adam Carolla Show, Adesanya expressed his desire to fight once more before the year’s end or early next year.

    “At the moment, I want to fight one more time before the end of this year, or early next year. But I don’t know yet. I’m just training, building off where we left off,” Adesanya stated.

    The fighter also candidly addressed his recent loss to du Plessis, admitting to a tactical error when he pointed at the ground after slipping.

    As Adesanya plots his comeback, fans and pundits alike are eager to see what the next chapter holds for the dynamic fighter who has proven his resilience both in and out of the octagon.

  • News
    Kwara : Police dismiss 3 officers over student’s death

    The Kwara State Police Command has officially dismissed three officers implicated in the tragic death of Qoyum Abdulyekeen Ishola, a student at Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, on September 4, 2024.

    In a statement released on Monday night, the Police Command identified the officers—Inspector Abiodun Kayode, Inspector James Samuel, and Sergeant Oni Philip—as having committed serious misconduct.

    They were found guilty of abandoning their duties, engaging in corrupt practices, and unlawfully exercising their authority in relation to the incident.

    The statement, signed by Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, confirmed that the dismissed officers would face legal proceedings soon.

    The statement read: “The Kwara State Police Command wishes to provide an important update regarding the investigation into the tragic incident involving the loss of Qoyum Abdulyekeen Ishola on 4th September, 2024. After a thorough investigation and an internal disciplinary trial, the three officers involved –AP/No 233828 INSPR. Abiodun Kayode, AP/No 287410 INSPR. James Emmanuel, and F/No 497868 SGT. Oni Philip; have been found guilty of the following offences: 1. Leaving Beat, 2. Corrupt Practices, 3. Unlawful or Unnecessary exercise of authority.

    “Consequently, they have been dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force, with effect from 4th October, 2024. They will be arraigned in court soonest.

    “This decisive action highlights the unwavering commitment of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, NPM, PhD to upholding justice, professionalism, and accountability across the Nigeria Police Force. Under his leadership, we are resolute in ensuring that officers conduct themselves with integrity, and any breach of ethical standards, particularly in cases leading to loss of life, will be met with stiff response.

    “The Kwara State Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police, CP Victor Olaiya psc(+), extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Qoyum Abdulyekeen Ishola. We share in their grief and remain committed to providing them with support during this difficult period.

    “We urge the public to always exercise patience and trust in the legal process, as we remain dedicated to maintaining law and order within Kwara State. The Command appreciates the cooperation of all citizens and assures them that justice has been served.”

  • News Politics
    Appeal Court fixes date to hear Kano Emirship dispute

    The Court of Appeal in Abuja has scheduled a hearing for Thursday, October 17, regarding the ongoing emirship dispute in Kano State.

    A three-member panel of justices, led by Justice Mohammed Mustapha, reserved judgment on Monday after lawyers involved in the appeals presented their arguments.

    The appeals being considered by the appellate court include Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero vs. the Attorney General of Kano State and 10 others (Appeal Number CA/KN/166/M/2014) and a related case involving the Kano State House of Assembly and others vs. Alhaji Aminu Babba Dan Agundi and six others (Appeal Number CA/KN/126/M/2024).

    Additionally, there is a motion seeking to stay the execution of the judgment issued on July 25 concerning fundamental rights enforcement.

    A Federal High Court in Kano presided over by Justice Abdullahi Liman, nullified Governor Abba Yusuf’s action of deposing Emir Ado Bayero and appointing Muhammadu Sanusi II on May 23.

    The court also held as “null and void” the Kano Emirate Council (Repeal) Bill, 2024, passed by the Kano State House of Assembly, which voided Bayero’s seat.

    The judge said, “The above action violates the order of this court earlier stated,” adding “The balance of convenience is on the applicant herein (Alhaji Aminu Babba Dan Agundi).”

    This was as another Kano State High Court had barred Ado Bayero from parading himself as emir.

  • News
    Wealthy Nigerians may face 25% income tax rate – FG

    Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, has announced that high-earning Nigerians, specifically those making N100 million or more per month, could soon face a 25 per cent personal income tax rate if a proposed tax bill is passed by the National Assembly.

    This move is part of broader efforts to reform the nation’s tax system and ensure a fairer distribution of the tax burden.

    Speaking during a breakout session at the 30th Nigeria Economic Summit, jointly organized by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group and the Ministry of Budget and National Planning, Oyedele highlighted a significant issue in the current tax system.

    He noted that 90 per cent of the country’s taxpayers are individuals who, in reality, should not be taxed. The committee is advocating for a more streamlined and equitable approach, where lower-income earners are relieved of undue tax pressures while the wealthiest Nigerians contribute more to government revenue.

    Oyedele emphasized the importance of finding a balance between reducing the tax burden on those with limited incomes and ensuring that wealthy individuals and corporations play their part in supporting the economy through taxation.

    “If you earn N100m a month, we are taking up to 25 per cent from the rich people. That’s because we need to balance the books,” Oyedele stated.

    The fiscal policy expert said the government is prepared and determined to ensure that the right individuals pay taxes, noting that his committee is actively working to achieve the goal.

    He added that the proposed changes are expected to take effect from January 2025, based on the passage of the bill by lawmakers.

    For middle-income earners making N1.5m or less per month, Oyedele disclosed that their personal income tax obligations would decrease while those earning higher amounts would see incremental increases in their tax rates, eventually reaching 25 percent. Lower-income earners would be fully exempt from personal income tax.

    The reforms also aim to ease the tax burden on businesses.

    Oyedele noted: “Today, whatever VAT you (businesses) pay on assets—whether you’re building a factory, buying a laptop, or vehicles—you bear it. This increases your cost, and therefore, your pricing will go up. Once our reforms are implemented, you get the credit back 100 percent on services and assets.”

    “People will pay tax once we decide that they have to pay. What we realize is that almost 90 per cent of people who are paying taxes are those who should not have been paying in the first place,” he said.

    “So that’s where we came up with the data that 97 per cent of the informal sector should be formally exempted from taxes. People do not understand where we are coming from. They’re not the ones to pay taxes. They’re just trying to survive.”

    Regarding how his committee is working to ensure the right individuals pay taxes, Oyedele said the team would utilise primary data identification channels to accurately bring the appropriate group of taxpayers into the tax bracket.

    Additionally, the corporate income tax rate is set to drop from 30 per cent to 25 per cent which Oyedele described as “huge” for businesses. Other significant tax adjustments include a reduction or elimination of VAT on essential goods and services such as food, health, education, accommodation, and transportation.

    These essential services make up a large portion of household expenditure for the lower-income population, and the proposed reforms aim to lessen their financial burden.

    However, Oyedele acknowledged that not all sectors would benefit from reduced tax rates. For other goods and services, the VAT rate would increase to ensure the government’s revenue book balance.

    He also pointed out that inflation had already acted as a “disorderly” tax on the population, eroding the value of their money without the need for legislation.

    In addressing concerns over tax incentives and waivers, Oyedele argued that indiscriminate incentives harm the economy and that removing unnecessary incentives could relieve the business sector without costing the government revenue.

    “We cannot give all the incentives you are asking for. We think the biggest low-hanging fruit is removing these incentives, and that’s exactly what we are doing,” Oyedele concluded.