Nigerians face yet another controversy surrounding the country’s tax laws amid Lagos Internal Revenue Service’s notice on the tax law implementation. LIRS, in a notice seen by THENEWSCREDIT at the weekend, disclosed that the tax institution has power enshrined to it by Section 60 of the Nigeria Tax Act Administration to recoup unpaid tax through direct bank debit. The Nigeria Revenue Service and the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee have not debunked the report. The chairman of the committee, Taiwo Oyedele, referred THENEWSCREDIT to his X statement, which noted that the move is the last resort for the tax authority. “The power of substitution is a tax recovery mechanism that permits the tax authority to issue a directive to a third party (a ‘substitute’) to remit funds belonging to a defaulting taxpayer to settle a final, established, and unpaid tax liability. “This power is only exercised after all legal and administrative processes, including appeals to the courts, have been exhausted,” he said in a reply to a frequently asked question on X. He further explained that the power of arbitrary substitution is neither arbitrary nor discretionary, stressing that its use is strictly governed by due process. Meanwhile, the latest clarification falls short of his earlier position, which states that the new tax laws did not empower anybody, federal, state, or local government councils, to debit personal accounts. Meanwhile, economists and financial experts poured out their thoughts on the development. Speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise, Dr Muda Yusuf noted that there is a need to reconcile the conflicting positions. Reacting to the development, Yusuf said while tax reforms were necessary, the issue of tax authorities directly accessing bank accounts required clearer explanations to avoid creating fear and confusion among Nigerians. He noted that apprehension over the policy has already triggered panic in some quarters, with reports of individuals withdrawing funds from banks due to fears of arbitrary debits. According to him, such reactions underscored the need for better communication by authorities championing the reforms. Yusuf warned that debiting bank accounts over tax liabilities raises critical questions about ownership of funds in such accounts. He explained that money held in an individual’s account may not necessarily belong to that person, as it could be funds from contractors, suppliers, or third parties. He stressed that these concerns, if not properly addressed, could undermine public confidence in the tax reform agenda and negatively affect financial inclusion. According to him, fear of account debits could drive people to keep cash at home or convert their savings into foreign currencies, thereby weakening trust in the banking system. Dr. Yusuf added that from his understanding, such drastic enforcement measures should only occur with a clear court order authorizing the action, describing judicial oversight as essential in managing such sensitive matters. He said, “I think it’s important that we reconcile those two positions. Because I know that, because of the apprehension that people have, one of the apprehensions was about the fact that the tax authorities can have access and begin to tamper with people’s accounts. “You know that fear was expressed by a lot of people. It was so bad that some people were even taking their money away from the bank. “But I’m not sure he did not address this aspect of the fact that if there is a liability, the tax authorities can go and be, you know, debiting people’s accounts. That, of course, requires a lot more clarification, especially from those who are championing tax reform. “Because these are the kinds of things that are making people apprehensive about tax reform. Because if you say you want to debit people’s accounts, what is the guarantee that the amount in the person’s account is the person’s money? “You know? It could be other people’s money. It could be a contractor. It could be a supplier. “Somebody put money in your account, and you now have a tax authority saying because you are owing money, you have an asset. “It is not your asset. It may not be your asset. That’s the point I’m making. “So these are some of the challenges. Because when people begin to accept fiat and are concerned about it, these are part of the issue. “It’s not helping the whole idea of promoting tax reform. I mean, this is not the kind of thing to be amplifying. It’s not good for what the federal government is trying to do, trying to push the reform. “Otherwise, you scare people away. People could begin now to take their money out. “People could begin now to convert their money into other currencies and take it, keeping it at home. And you know, all these financial inclusion issues could lead to it. “It could create a financial inclusion problem. So this is why some of us feel that we have to manage this process very, very carefully. Because these are very sensitive issues. “And I think I heard one time that this kind of action cannot take place unless there is a clear court order that gives that kind of approval. That is what I heard them say. That it is to be authorized by the court. “We have to go to court, and the court will take a position that this is it. And that is when some of these extreme actions can be taken,” he told THENEWSCREDIT in an interview on Monday. On his part, the former president of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Mazi Okechukwu, described the move as dangerous, warning that it could create long-term instability in the financial system. Unegbu also questioned the legal basis for the action, stating that, from his interpretation of existing laws, government agencies are not empowered to arbitrarily debit bank accounts without due process. He warned that if unchecked, such practices could damage the credibility of both the tax system and the financial sector. Both experts urged authorities to manage the tax reform process carefully, emphasizing that enforcement strategies must balance revenue generation with the need to protect public confidence and financial stability. “We are creating a monster here. “I think they are doing the wrong thing. They are doing it, and that’s why I think the law has to stop them,” he told THENEWSCREDIT. THENEWSCREDIT recalls the new tax laws have been trailed with controversies, including claims that their gazetted version was altered.

Two prominent traditional rulers in Oyo State—the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Olaoye Ghandi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade—were conspicuously absent as Governor Seyi Makinde inaugurated the 50th anniversary of the state on Monday. Family members of former governors, traditional and religious leaders, top government functionaries, and political stakeholders gathered at the International Conference Centre, Ibadan, to celebrate the state, which was created on February 3, 1976, from the former Western Region of Nigeria, with Ibadan as its administrative capital. The state government had unveiled a week-long programme for the anniversary on January 21, 2026. The events include religious services, cultural exhibitions, an awards and dinner night, and a public lecture titled, “Consolidating The Legacy, Navigating The Present And Reimagining The Future.” Governor Makinde had appointed Saheed Fijabi, a former member of the House of Representatives, as chairman of the 11-member planning committee for the anniversary. While the Olubadan of Ibadan and Chairman of Oyo Council of Obas, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, attended the ceremony along with other traditional rulers, the absence of the Alaafin and the Soun drew attention, especially following Makinde’s recent decision to make the chairmanship of the Oyo Council of Obas rotational among the Alaafin, Soun, and Olubadan. Previously, the position had been permanently reserved for the Alaafin. At Oba Ladoja’s recent inauguration, Makinde stated that the new arrangement had the buy-in of all three monarchs. However, the Alaafin quickly issued a rebuttal, claiming he was never part of any meeting where such an agreement was reached. Monday’s event was the first state function since the governor’s decision and the Alaafin’s rebuttal. Efforts by our correspondent to get the reactions of spokesmen for the Alaafin and Soun, Bode Durojaye and Peter Olaleye, respectively, were not successful as their telephone numbers could not be reached. Meanwhile, during the event, Governor Makinde cut the anniversary cake and highlighted his administration’s commitment to building a stronger, competitive economy that creates jobs, attracts investments, and expands opportunities for residents. ‘He emphasised that the next 50 years should deliver greater prosperity, fairness, dignity, and hope for all citizens. Makinde also reflected on the legacy of former Governor Bola Ige, particularly his provision of free textbooks, furniture, and learning materials, which he said helped shape Oyo State’s governance ethos and belief in equal opportunity. The governor further highlighted the digital tribute platform established for the anniversary, which has collected hundreds of citizen stories illustrating resilience, enterprise, and a sense of belonging. “Today, one resident runs a business employing eight young people. Another tribute reflects the quiet pride of citizens whose lives have been nurtured and educated in Oyo State. These stories are not just tributes; they are evidence of opportunity, enterprise, hope, and belonging,” he said. He commended service commanders and security agencies in the state for maintaining peace and security, assuring them of continued government support. Makinde urged residents to actively participate in anniversary activities, with the grand finale scheduled for Tuesday, January 27, 2026. Earlier, Fijabi, chairman of the planning committee, outlined the historical significance, leadership, and development milestones of the state, emphasizing that the celebration represents both a reflection on the past and a declaration of intent for sustained progress. Olubadan Oba Rashidi Ladoja, in his remarks, called for recognition of past political leaders and unsung heroes whose contributions laid the foundation for Oyo State’s growth. He reflected on political leadership in the Third Republic, including Chief Kolapo Adewuyi Ishola and his deputy Ahmed Gbadamosi, as well as subsequent administrations of former Governors Rashidi Ladoja and Otunba Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala, highlighting their impact on the state’s development trajectory. Among the citizen stories highlighted was that of Toluwaloju Foluso, a National Youth Service Corps member in 2021, who invested his allowance in learning fashion design during his service year. The story exemplifies the opportunities and enterprise nurtured by the state, reflecting Makinde’s message of resilience, progress, and citizen empowerment. The absence of the Alaafin and Soun, coupled with their earlier objections to the rotational chairmanship of the Oyo Council of Obas, suggests underlying tensions within the state’s traditional institutions, even as the government pushes forward with anniversary celebrations and governance initiatives. Governor Makinde, however, stressed that the administration remains committed to inclusive governance, economic growth, and public engagement, asserting that Oyo State’s next 50 years must be defined by prosperity, innovation, and opportunity for all residents.

The Defence Headquarters on Monday said investigations into alleged misconduct by some officers revealed claims of a plot to overthrow the government. In October 2025, the DHQ announced the arrest of 16 officers over acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations. Sahara Reporters reported on October 18 that the officers — ranging in rank from Captain to Brigadier General — were arrested by the Defence Intelligence Agency for allegedly holding secret meetings to topple the government. The platform also linked the cancellation of the October 1 Independence Day parade to the alleged plot. Reacting at the time, the former Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, said the publication was intended to create tension and distrust among Nigerians, adding that the matter was strictly a disciplinary issue handled internally. “The ongoing investigation involving the sixteen officers is a routine internal process aimed at ensuring discipline and professionalism are maintained within the ranks. An investigative panel has been duly constituted, and its findings will be made public,” the statement said. Providing an update on Monday, the new Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said a comprehensive investigation had been conducted in line with established military procedures. He said the findings showed that some of the officers had cases to answer over allegations of plotting to overthrow the government and that the investigation report has now been forwarded to the appropriate superior authority. The statement partly read, “The Defence Headquarters issued a press statement in October 2025 regarding the arrest of sixteen officers over acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations. “The Armed Forces of Nigeria wishes to inform the general public that investigations into the matter have been concluded and the report forwarded to appropriate superior authority in line with extant regulations. “The comprehensive investigation process, conducted in accordance with established military procedures, has carefully examined all circumstances surrounding the conduct of the affected personnel. “The findings have identified a number of the officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government, which is inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards required of members of the AFN.” Uba said those indicted would be formally arraigned before relevant military judicial panels to face trial in line with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations. He stressed that the process would ensure accountability while upholding fairness and due process. He emphasised that the measures being taken were purely disciplinary and formed part of institutional mechanisms aimed at preserving order, discipline, and operational effectiveness within the ranks. Uba added, “Accordingly, those with cases to answer will be formally arraigned before appropriate military judicial panels to face trial in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations. This ensures accountability while upholding the principles of fairness and due process. “The AFN reiterates that measures being taken are purely disciplinary and part of ongoing institutional mechanisms to preserve order, discipline, and operational effectiveness within the ranks. “The Armed Forces remain resolute in maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, loyalty, and respect for constitutional authority.”

Olayomi Koiki, spokesman for embattled Yoruba nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, also known as Sunday Igboho, says all arrangements have been concluded for his principal’s return to Nigeria after prominent monarchs persuaded President Bola Tinubu to remove Igboho’s name from the list of wanted persons. According to Koiki, the traditional rulers who intervened include the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; and the Olugbon of Orile Igbon, Oba Francis Alao, among others. Igboho fled Nigeria on July 1, 2021, following a raid on his Ibadan residence by a combined team of the Department of State Services and the Nigerian Army over allegations of stockpiling arms and ammunition. The raid came amid Igboho’s campaign to evict armed Fulani herdsmen from the South-West in response to attacks on farmers. During the raid, three of his aides were killed and 13 others were arrested. Igboho fled to Benin Republic, intending to fly to Germany, but was arrested at Cotonou Airport on July 19, 2021, and detained for over a year before being released in March 2022. Under the previous administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari, Igboho was declared wanted, denied a Nigerian passport, and had his bank accounts frozen despite favourable court rulings. In 2025, during a visit to the Olugbon Palace in Orile Igbon, Surulere Local Government of Oyo State, Igboho expressed frustration at living in exile and appealed to President Tinubu’s administration to remove his name from the wanted list. He also made the appeal to the Olubadan, Oba Ladoja. Koiki said in a Sunday statement that Igboho has now been cleared by the Presidency and “may return to the country at any moment and will be fully reintegrated after his clearance has been granted.” The announcement followed a visit by the Olubadan to President Tinubu at Aso Rock, Abuja. “This is a moment of joy for Ibadanland and Yorubaland as a whole. Chief Adeyemo is now cleared to return to Nigeria and is no longer being sought by government authorities,” Koiki said. “With the support of our royal fathers—the Olubadan of Ibadanland, the Ooni of Ife, the Olugbon of Orile Igbon, and others—Chief Sunday Adeyemo is now free to return home. He is a free man and will soon be back in Ibadan,” he added. The statement also conveyed Igboho’s gratitude to President Tinubu, the South-West monarchs, and Yoruba sons and daughters worldwide for their support throughout his ordeal.

The Presiding Bishop of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, also known as Winners Chapel, Bishop David Oyedepo, has warned pastors against lying in a bid to sustain or promote their ministries. Speaking at the third service held at the church’s international headquarters, Canaanland, Ota, Ogun State, on Sunday during the final day of the 21-day fasting and prayer programme, Oyedepo said liars do not last in ministries. “You won’t last in the ministry telling lies. I stand before God, I will never tell lies about what God did not do just to impress anyone,” he said. The cleric emphasised the importance of holding firmly to the truth of the Scriptures and giving glory to God alone, noting that such commitment is what enables ministers to attain enviable heights. He equally advised believers to keep their love for Jesus alive, saying total dependence on God guarantees victory over life’s challenges. The bishop further shared a personal testimony, recalling how a close associate in Ile-Ife who was afflicted with insanity was restored after Scripture was read to him. He affirmed his confidence in divine protection, declaring that no evil plan against him would succeed.

The President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration has dismissed claims that it is demanding Nigerian students repay loans. This comes amid reports that Tinubu had asked Nigerian students to repay their debt to the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). Reacting to the development, a presidential media aide, Olusegun Dada, urged Nigerians to disregard the rumours. In a statement on his X account on Saturday, Olusegun said, “As reported from inception, repayment of the student loan will not commence until a moratorium period of two years (after NYSC completion) has been reached by the applicants. “As it stands, the scheme will clock two years in March 2026 from the day when the first applications were made, and not a single one of the applicants would have reached the repayment stage. “Kindly discard any other information contrary to these,” he wrote. THENEWSCREDIT reports that the acting managing director of NELFUND, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, said the agency disbursed N174bn to over 800,000 beneficiaries from about 263 tertiary institutions

Members of the distillers’ association, under the aegis of the Food, Beverages and Tobacco Senior Staff Association and the National Union of Food, Beverages and Tobacco Employees, have warned that the enforcement being carried out by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control will displace no fewer than 5.5 million Nigerians from their jobs. The unions, which are affiliates of the Trade Union Congress and the Nigeria Labour Congress, disclosed this on Friday when they besieged the Lagos office of NAFDAC to protest the order stopping them from distributing their products. THENEWSCREDIT reports that NAFDAC said it had begun enforcing the ban on the production and sale of alcohol in sachets and PET bottles below 200ml. NAFDAC had, on November 11, 2025, announced plans to enforce a total ban on such products by December 2025, in line with a directive from the Senate. However, enforcement was initially halted after the Federal Government, through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, called for an immediate suspension of all actions and measures related to the proposed ban, pending consultations and a final directive. The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, during a media briefing on Wednesday, said the agency had received a matching order from the Senate to proceed and that enforcement had already commenced. Speaking at the protest ground on Friday, the Executive Secretary of FOBTOB, Solomon Adebosin, said the enforcement would displace no fewer than 5.5 million direct and indirect jobs. He noted that the policy undermined the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which seeks to attract investment into the country. The executive secretary added that NAFDAC’s claim that sachet alcohol and PET drinks were accessible to minors and children could not be backed by empirical facts. Adebosin said, “We are here today to protest the sudden seizure of our companies in the distillery sector by NAFDAC concerning the issue of sachet drinks and PET bottles that are less than 200ml. “We have 500,000 Nigerians working directly in this sector and over five million working indirectly, and they are going to be affected. “Access and control are what we should be talking about. Let us be able to put control on these things such that children and minors do not have access to them.” He stressed that the distillers had continued to invest in advocacy and sensitisation to prevent unqualified persons from consuming their products. Also speaking, the Head of Department, Brewery and Tobacco, of the NUFBTE, Azeez Razaq, alleged that the actions of NAFDAC depicted sabotage of the growth of indigenous manufacturers. He condemned the decision of the agency to violate the directive of the SGF, which ordered a stay of action on the ban. Razaq added that shutting down the companies would result in job losses that could further worsen insecurity in Nigeria. While reading the demands of the unions, a member of FOBTOB, Anthony Oyagha, added, “We call on the Presidency to urgently intervene to ensure that NAFDAC aligns its actions with government policy, legislative oversight, and the broader national interest. “Local manufacturers deserve honour, protection, and partnership, not punitive measures that destroy investments, livelihoods, and confidence in Nigeria’s business environment. “We respectfully urge Mr President to act decisively to safeguard indigenous industries, protect jobs, and ensure that regulatory agencies serve the Nigerian people and not external interests.

President Bola Tinubu on Friday received the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The visit came less than four months after Ladoja’s formal installation as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland in September 2025 and just a day after Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, also paid a visit to the President. Although details of their discussions were not disclosed, the meeting marked the monarch’s first official visit to Tinubu since his ascension to the throne. Before becoming Olubadan, Ladoja served as Governor of Oyo State between May 2003 and January 2006 under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party. He succeeded Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who died in July 2025 after a brief reign of about one year. Ladoja emerged as Olubadan in line with Ibadan’s rotational chieftaincy system, which alternates between the civil (Egbe Agba) and military (Balogun) ruling lines. The late Olakulehin hailed from the Balogun line. Prior to his emergence as monarch, Ladoja had been the Otun Olubadan since August 2024, a position that placed him at the top of the line of succession. Governor Makinde had formally approved his appointment as Olubadan last September.

Founder of the Living Faith Church, Winners Chapel Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo has revealed an encounter he had with an alleged fraudster. While delivering a sermon during the mild-week service, Oyedepo said he was impersonated by an alleged fraudster sometime ago. He said the alleged impersonator attempted to extort money from the victims but was later exposed. He said, “We had an experience some time back when someone was claiming to be me and that I was asking for something. “My assistant called and the person said ‘can I speak to Bishop Oyedepo’? My assistant said yes, you can talk to him. “He (victim) could not wait to make findings and said the Lord curse you,” he said. Oyedepo admitted that there are fraudsters even within the church, stressing that his images are being used for fraudulent activities. “That is the world we live in today. 419 plenty in church, plenty in market, school and everywhere. “Walk in the truth and you will never be trapped”, Oyedepo added

The palace of the Arujale-Ojime of Okeluse Kingdom, Ondo State, has issued a stern warning to the general public against what it described as disrespectful modes of address directed at the 22-year-old traditional ruler, Oba Oloyede Adekoya Akinghare II. In a statement issued on behalf of the palace on Friday, the Chief of Staff to the monarch, Prince Adefemi Olorunfemi, stressed that the king must be addressed strictly as His Royal Majesty at all times, noting that any deviation from this would no longer be tolerated. According to him, some people are hiding under the guise of addressing the monarch as “bro or blood” particularly to disrespect him. The statement read, “I write in my capacity as Amb. Prince Adefemi Michael Olorunfemi, Chief of Staff to the Arujale-Ojima of Okeluse Kingdom, Ondo State, to address an important matter that requires the attention of the general public. Kindly note that Alayeluwa Oba Oloyede Adekoya Akinghare II is to be addressed strictly as His Royal Majesty at all times. “Any other form of address is unacceptable. The fact that His Royal Majesty is the youngest king in Yoruba land does not give room for disrespect in any form. “Addressing our revered monarch with terms such as ‘bro,’ ‘blood,’ or any casual or demeaning expressions is highly inappropriate and will no longer be tolerated. Such actions will be met with strong and decisive measures. His Majesty’s leniency and calm disposition should not be mistaken for weakness, nor should it be taken as permission to do the wrong thing. Especially for those who call themselves Yoruba, we should know better. Culture, tradition, and respect for constituted authority are values we must uphold at all times. “Regardless of your status, age, or position in society, the king must be respected. This is non-negotiable. His Royal Majesty is not just our father; he is Igbakeji awon orisa, the representative of the gods on earth. The throne he occupies is sacred, and respect for the throne is respect for our heritage and identity as a people.” The palace called on residents of Okeluse Kingdom and the general public to always uphold the dignity of the throne, stressing that respect for the monarch remained central to the preservation of Yoruba culture and tradition. “We urge everyone, within and outside Okeluse Kingdom, to conduct themselves accordingly and uphold the dignity of the palace and the person of His Royal Majesty. Respect for the throne is non-negotiable,” the statement added. Oba Akinghare ascended the throne of his forefathers at age 16 as a secondary school student. The kingship fell on him as the only son out of four children of his late father who was the monarch of the town. Since the tradition of the ancient town demands that the first son of the monarch who passed on should automatically ascend the throne, the teenager was left with no option other than to become the traditional ruler of the town. The kingmakers of the town wasted no time in pronouncing the teenager as the new traditional ruler of Okeluse, while the state government expressly approved the choice of the people of the town.