Non-service of charge stalls Binance, executives arraignment by FIRS, EFCC

The arraignment of Binance Holdings Limited and two of its executives; Tigran Gambaryan and Nadeem Anjarwalla, Thursday, stalled over non-service of charge by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). FIRS is prosecuting the defendants on a four-count charge bordering on alleged tax evasion. Similarly, the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) arraignment of the defendants on a five-count charge bordering on money laundering couldn’t be held because of the non-service of charge on the first defendant. The EFCC, in the charge, dated and filed on March 28, the defendants are being accused of money laundering to the tune of $35,400,000. When the matter was called for the defendants to take their plea before Justice Emeka Nwite of a Federal High Court, Abuja, only Gambaryan was represented by a lawyer. The company and Anjarwalla, who recently escaped from lawful custody, were not represented by any lawyer. However, Gambaryan’s lawyer, Chukwuka Ikwuazo, SAN, told the court that his client had not been served with the charge. Hence, his arraignment can not proceed. In his response, counsel to FIRS, Moses Ideho, though acknowledged that the agency had not served Gambaryan’s with the charge, he said all efforts to do so proved abortive because the defendant could not be reached at the EFCC’s detention. Ideho then prayed the court to serve Gambaryan in the open court, and the judge directed that the charge be served on him in the dock. He orally applied for a stand-down of the matter or an adjournment to enable Gambaryan to consult with his lawyer. Ikwuazo did not object to an oral application for adjournment, and the matter was adjourned until April 19 for him to take his plea. In the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/115/2024, dated and filed March 22 by the FIRS, the defendants were alleged to have committed the offence on or about Feb. 1. Count one alleged that while involved in carrying and offering services to subscribers on their platform, known as Binance, failed to register with the FIRS, for the purpose of paying all relevant taxes administered by the service. The offences are said to be punishable under Sections 8 and 29 of the VAT Act of 1993 (as Amended), Section 40 of the FIRS Establishment Act, 2007 (as amended) and under provisions of Section 94 of the Companies Income Tax Act (as amended) respectively. Meanwhile, the EFCC, in the first count, claimed that the defendants were charged with operating a specialised business of another financial institution in Abuja without a valid license between January 2023 and January 2024. The offence is alleged to violate Sections 57(1) and (2) of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act, 2020, and is punishable under Section 57(5) of the same Act.

FIRS Issues Apology to CAN and Christians Over Controversial Easter Message

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has extended an apology to Christians, particularly the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), following the dissemination of a controversial Easter message that sparked widespread condemnation. The contentious message, depicted in a flier featuring a Point of Sale (PoS) machine with the caption, “Jesus paid your debt, not your taxes,” elicited significant backlash from members of the Christian community. In response to the outcry, the FIRS issued a statement late on Tuesday, expressing regret for the misinterpretation of its message. The agency emphasized that the dissemination of the flier was not intended to denigrate Jesus Christ or undermine his significant sacrifice for humanity. “The unintended meaning/insinuation being read into the post was not what we were out to communicate as an agency,” the statement clarified. Furthermore, the FIRS reiterated its commitment to impartiality and respect for all religious beliefs, affirming that its primary objective is the assessment, collection, and proper accounting of revenue for the nation’s welfare. “We believe it is an investment in the progress of the country when citizens pay their taxes,” the agency stated. The FIRS concluded its apology by expressing remorse to CAN and all Christians who were offended by the unintended implications of its Easter message. This conciliatory gesture from the FIRS aims to address the concerns raised by the Christian community and foster harmony and understanding between the agency and religious groups in the country.

Despite Unreliable Power Supply, FG Approves Electricity Tariff Hike

In a controversial move, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has given the green light to increase electricity rates for customers classified under Band A, despite widespread complaints about epileptic power supply. Band A customers, who currently benefit from 20 hours of electricity supply daily, will now face a substantial hike in their tariffs. Mr. Musliu Oseni, the vice chairman of NERC, announced that these customers will be charged N225 per kilowatt-hour, a significant jump from the previous rate of N66. Addressing reporters during a press briefing in Abuja, Oseni revealed that Band A customers constitute 15 percent of the 12 million electricity users nationwide. He further explained that some customers previously classified under Band A have been downgraded to Band B due to their failure to receive the required hours of electricity from distribution companies. Oseni stated, “We currently have 800 feeders categorized as Band A, but this number will now be reduced to under 500. This means that 17 percent now qualify as Band A feeders, serving only 15 percent of total electricity customers connected to the feeders.” The commission also issued an order, titled April Supplementary Order, allowing for a tariff increase to 235 kilowatt-hours per hour. Despite the uproar over the tariff hike, Oseni assured that customers in other bands would not be affected by the review. The decision comes amid ongoing concerns about the reliability and consistency of electricity supply across Nigeria.

Tinubu Signs Students Loan Bill Into Law

President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, signed the Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill, 2024, into law. This development follows individual reviews by both the Senate and the House of Representatives of the report from the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund. The Bill sponsored by Senator representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District of Ekiti State, Bamidele Opeyemi aims to improve the execution of the Higher Education Student Loan Scheme in Nigeria by tackling issues related to the management structure of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, applicant eligibility criteria, loan purposes, funding sources, and procedures for disbursement and repayment. Under this Bill, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) would be established as a legal entity with the authority to litigate and be litigated in its own name, and it would possess the power to acquire, hold, and dispose of both movable and immovable property to fulfill its functions. In essence, the Bill enables the Fund to offer loans to eligible Nigerians for their tuition, fees, charges, and living expenses while studying in approved tertiary institutions and vocational training centers in Nigeria. In contrast to the previous 2023 Act, which placed the Fund’s administration under a Special Committee chaired by the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, this Bill proposes changes in the management structure. Furthermore, the Bill eliminates the income-based eligibility criterion set by the existing law, which required an annual income of less than N500,000 for applicants or their families. The Bill also broadens the scope of eligibility, allowing students from federally or state-established tertiary institutions and government-approved vocational institutions to apply, with specific criteria to be determined by the Fund. Additionally, unlike the 2023 Act, which limited loan applications solely to tuition fees, the new Bill permits applicants to request loans to cover various institutional charges and maintenance allowances.

Detained Employee Not Part of Binance Management – Crypto Firm

Binance has refuted claims linking its detained employee, Tigran Gambaryan, to its management team, asserting that Gambaryan is solely a law enforcement officer without decision-making authority within the company. In a statement, the cryptocurrency exchange clarified Gambaryan’s role and emphasized his commitment to law enforcement despite his arrest in Nigeria on suspicion of involvement in money laundering activities alongside colleague Nadeem Anjarwalla. While Gambaryan remains in custody, Anjarwalla has fled the country, prompting inquiries about his whereabouts, to which Binance has yet to respond. Binance outlined Gambaryan’s contributions to compliance efforts since his hiring in 2021, including assisting in freezing and seizing assets worth billions of dollars globally. Part of Binance’s statement reads, “Tigran is a strict law enforcement professional and is not part of Binance management. While he has left the official service of the U.S. government, he has remained fully committed to the role of law enforcement officer ever since, operating as a global advocate for good governance and transparent regulatory financial practices. “Binance respectfully requests that Tigran Gambaryan, who has no decision-making power in the company, is not held responsible while current discussions are ongoing between Binance and Nigerian government officials. “In 2022 and 2023, Tigran’s Financial Crime Compliance team assisted global law enforcement in freezing and seizing more than $2.2b worth of assets, including more than $285m in cooperation with United States agencies like the FBI, DOJ, DEA, and others,” it said.

Suspected membership of ISIS: Court grants DSS order to detain Nigerian, Osase Emmanuel

The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted order for the detention of a Nigerian, Emmanuel Osase accused of being a member of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria for 60 days. Justice Inyang Ekwo gave the order on Wednesday while ruling in a motion ex-parte filed by the State Security Service (SSS) marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/409/2024. The matter was brought before the court pursuant to section 66(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022. In his prayers, counsel to the SSS, Mr A. A Ugee asked the court for an order enabling the agency to detain Osase for 60 days pending the conclusion of investigation. Granting the order, the court held, “Upon studying the averments in the affidavit, I hereby grant the relief as prayed.” The judge subsequently adjourned the matter June 3, 2024. Osase who was arrested on March 11, was accused of propagating the messages of the terrorist group, opposing the Democratic system of government in Nigeria, and calling for terrorist attacks on Nigeria and its symbols of sovereignty. In an affidavit dated March 27, 2024, and deposed to by the personnel of the State Security Service attached to the Legal Service Department, National Headquarters, Abuja, Ahmad Abubakar, the service sought an order to detain the suspect for 60 days, adding that the release of the suspect could jeopardize its investigation. He said, “That it is necessary for the Applicant in the case to apply to this Honourable Court for an Order to detain the Applicant for a period of sixty (60) days, pending the conclusion of an ongoing investigation in a case of terrorism; ” That the Respondent was arrested by a team of personnel from the applicant’s office for alleged membership and propagation of Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist messages, including opposition to the Democratic System of Government and the call for staging terrorist attacks against Nigeria State and its symbols of sovereignty;” Abubakar stated that Osase was jailed for five years for terrorism-related offences in France and was deported after the completion of his sentence. He noted that from the service’s preliminary investigation, Osase was still involved in terrorist activities. Abubakar said the respondent still engaged with a proscribed pro-ISIS online media group known as “al-Alawn Media Foundation.” “That Preliminary investigation revealed that the Respondent, who is an ex-convict, still engages in terrorist activities which previously led to his conviction in France; ” That the Respondent appeared not to have renounced his terrorist ideologies, as he continues to engage with the proscribed pro-ISIS online media group known as “al-Alawn Media Foundation” whose main objectives is the creation and dissemination of terrorist content and the promotion of terrorist attacks against Democratic Systems of Government such as Nigeria and the Western Governments including their interests across the globe; “That the Respondent who was born in the Federal Capital Territory left Nigeria for France and never returned to Nigeria until his deportation after completion of a five-year jail term in France for acts of terrorism and attempt to join the Islamic State (IS) linked terrorist group, Friqat Al-Ghuraba (Group of Foreigners) in Syria.” Abubakar stated that the respondent, upon sighting operatives of the service, formatted his phone. He said, ” That the Respondent at the point of arrest, formatted his mobile device to factory settings upon sighting security agents ostensibly to wipe out any suspicious contents on the device and cover up his nefarious activities; “That the activities of the Respondent constitute a potent threat to National Security and corporate existence of Nigeria;” He, however, urged the court to grant the request of the service, adding there was a need to painstakingly probe the respondent to ensure he does not constitute a security treat to the country and world at large. ” That the release of the Respondent at this time would jeopardize the investigation, as investigation has assumed a wider dimension; “That there is a need for a thorough investigation of the suspect to ensure that he does not pose any security threat to Nigeria or the world at large. “That the Respondent is helping with vital information that will lead to the arrest of other members who are still at large,” Abubakar stated.

Malabu OPL: EFCC Dismisses Prosecutor Amid Bribery Allegations

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has taken decisive action against one of its prominent prosecutors, Offem Uket, in response to allegations of bribery and misconduct linked to the Malabu OPL 245 oil block scam case. Following the dismissal of the case by Justice Abubakar Kutigi due to insufficient evidence, the EFCC opted to terminate Uket’s appointment. It’s alleged that Uket yielded to pressure from former Attorney General Bello Adoke and defense attorney Wole Olanipekun to undermine the trial. Despite the setback in court, the EFCC remains committed to challenging the ruling, citing substantial evidence against the accused parties. Expressing dismay over Uket’s purported actions, EFCC Chairman Mr. Ola Olukoyede reaffirmed the agency’s dedication to pursuing justice in the Malabu case. Uket, who has previously handled high-profile cases involving notable figures such as Stella Oduah and Sambo Dasuki, vehemently denies the bribery allegations. Nonetheless, his contract was not renewed amidst the controversy surrounding the Malabu proceedings. An internal investigation reportedly uncovered evidence suggesting Uket’s misconduct, prompting the decision to terminate his appointment. In response to the developments, Wole Olanipekun vehemently denied offering any bribes to Uket, dismissing the allegations as unfounded and irresponsible. He emphasized that investigations conducted by international authorities found no wrongdoing in connection to the Malabu transaction.

Edo community rejects imposition of non indigene, Fidelis Okowele as leader

Edo community has rejected the appointment of a non-indigene, Fidelis Okowele as the Onojie, a traditional leader of Illushi/Ozigono community of Esan South East Local Government Area of the state. They called on Edo State governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, and the Commissioner of Police in the state to avert what may lead to breakdown of law and order in the state with the imposition. According to a protest letter dated April 2, 2024, written to the governor, the police, Secretary to the State Government and the Commissioner for Chieftancy Affairs in the state and signed by the president of Illushi Progressive Association of Nigetia, IPAN, Barrister Victor Giwa, called for the withdrawal of the appointment of Okowele. The association said Okowele has no ancestral link or connection to the people of Illushi/Ozigono. In the letter made available to newsmen, the association said Okowele is not an indigene of their community and should not be inaugurated as the Onojie of the community. Parts of the letter also signed by the council of elders amd other community leaders read, “Sir, our attention has been drawn to the news making round that your office has recognised one FIDELIS OKOWELE as the Onojie of ILLUSHI Ozigono community, of Esan South East Local government area. Of Edo State. This news making the round in some official quarters is coming as a major concern to our people, and it has heightened tension between the Illushi and Onogholo people of Esan Southeast local government. “FIRSTLY, the said OKOWELE FIDELIS is not in indigene of Illushi/Ozigono community and has no ancestral link or connection to the people of Illushi/Ozigono. “Secondly, Illushi/Ozigono belongs to the Uloshi people whose ancestral home is Uloshi Community in Uroh/Uloshi community. Our dialect is Uloshi, and it is distinct from Esan dialect, which is prevalent in the Esan southeast area. Thirdly, as corollary to the reasons above, our dead are buried in our community, and all burial rites are performed in the same Illushi community. “Additionally, our people observe our cultural rites like Ogu, Eka, etc, in the community. “On the contrary, the said FIDELIS OKOWELE is not an indigene of the Illushi Community. Rather, he is an indigene of Onogholo Community, which neighbours and shares boundary with our Illushi community. “Therefore, any such recognition and appointment of a non-indigene of Illushi/Ozigono Community and specifically FIDELIS OKOWELE is totally unacceptable, unimaginable and is rejected by us. “For the purpose of Clarity, We the ILLUSHI/OZIGONO indigenes and people HEREBY REJECT any form of recognition and appointment of FIDELIS OKOWELE AS ONOJIE, KING, OR CHIEF of ILLUSHI /OZIGONO Community or in any name in whatever manner it is described. “We further state that any attempt to recognise or appoint, install, or decorate FIDELIS OKOWELE in any manner described above will be RESISTED WITH THE FULL FORCE OF OUR COLLECTIVE WILL. We therefore request that all action or FURTHER ACTION in relation to the head /Chieftaincy ILlushi matter be suspended immediately to AVOID BREAKING DOWN OF LAW AND ORDER It is further important that all action be suspended to avoid acrimony between the two communities – ONOGHOLO and ILLUSHI COMMUNITY and the fragile peace in the communities.”

Notice of Business Closure in Jos Bukuru Metropolis

An imbroglio may be brewing in Jos, plateau state as an association of Traders and Marketers, in collaboration IPMAN, NARTO, NURTW, and Tricycle Riders, have threatened to close businesses in Jos Metropolis today, Wednesday, April 3rd. The decision follows a series of unsuccessful negotiations with the Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB) concerning the hefty fines imposed on violators of the new parking and offloading regulations for trucks, lorries, trailers, and tankers. This was made known in a statement signed by Secretary-General, Plateau State Traders & Marketers Association. Expressing grievances over the absence of alternative parking and offloading facilities, the associations have mobilized for a unified protest. As a result, all businesses, markets, shops, filling stations, workshops, and other establishments within the metropolis are expected to shut down on the specified date. Leaders of various trade unions and associations have been instructed to ensure full compliance with the directive among their respective members. The closure serves as an initial demonstration against the enforcement of the contentious parking and offloading regulations.

Why I Didn’t Shake Kano Governor’s Hands – Ahmed Musa

Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa has said he refused to shake the hands of Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State, in a recent video, out of respect for him and his office. Musa said this in a statement via his Instagram page on Tuesday amid a social media storm surrounding a viral video showing his refusal to shake the Kano governor. In the video, the footballer was seen shaking hands with the Kano State deputy governor while bowing to the governor and seemingly ignoring his handshake. In the statement, Musa described his action as a sign of cultural respect while calling for a shift in attention towards the pressing issues facing the nation. The Super Eagles captain asserted that the significance behind his gestures emphasised the deep-rooted traditions of the Northern culture. He, however, expressed disappointment that the incident has garnered such widespread attention, even from national media outlets, diverting focus from more pressing matters facing the country. Musa urged Nigerians to redirect their energy towards finding solutions to the nation’s problems rather than getting caught up in needless distractions. He said: “It has come to my attention that a moment captured almost a month ago, has unexpectedly become the centre of attention on social media. It is disheartening to see a simple act of cultural respect blown out of proportion. “In our Northern culture, the gesture of kneeling, shaking hands, etc. signifies the highest form of respect. This was my intention when I greeted the deputy governor in such a manner. “However, when it came to greeting the governor, I chose to bow and not shake his hands, honouring him in a way that is deeply rooted in tradition. “It’s unfortunate that amidst all the pressing issues our nation faces – economic hardships, security challenges, religious clashes, and more – this seemingly insignificant moment has garnered so much attention. “What’s even more disheartening are the comments questioning my respectfulness, especially from those who don’t know me personally. “Let’s pause for a moment and reflect on where we choose to direct our energy. Shouldn’t it be towards finding solutions to the problems plaguing our society rather than getting caught up in needless distractions? “I urge us all to channel our collective efforts towards addressing the real issues at hand. Let’s focus on uplifting one another, fostering unity, and working towards a better future for all.”