A Nigerian national, Ehis Lawrence Akhimie, has been sentenced to 97 months (over 8 years) in prison for his role in a transnational inheritance fraud scheme that swindled more than 400 elderly Americans out of $6 million.
The U.S. Department of Justice announced the sentence on Monday. Akhimie, 41, who was extradited from the United Kingdom, pleaded guilty to defrauding victims through a network of letters falsely claiming they were entitled to multimillion-dollar inheritances from deceased relatives abroad.
Victims were instructed to pay fees, taxes, and other costs upfront to claim their supposed inheritance, but none of the funds were ever delivered. Akhimie and his co-conspirators used a complex web of U.S.-based intermediaries to collect and launder the money.
“Schemes like this steal not only money but dignity from our seniors,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “Our Office stands with victims, ensures their voices are heard, and will relentlessly pursue those who prey on them.”
This marks the eighth sentencing of Nigerians linked to the fraud. Previous defendants, including Okezie Bonaventure Ogbata, who was extradited from Portugal, received similar prison terms.
The investigation was led by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Homeland Security Investigations, with critical support from the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, Europol, and authorities in the UK, Spain, and Portugal.
Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate said the case underscores the importance of international collaboration in prosecuting transnational crimes. “Justice will prevail, and those who exploit others for personal gain will be held accountable,” he added.
The Federal Government has suspended the 4% Free on Board (FOB) charge recently imposed on imported goods by the Nigeria Customs Service.
The directive, which takes effect immediately, was communicated on Monday via a letter signed by Permanent Secretary, Special Duties, R. O. Omachi, Federal Ministry of Finance.
The move follows consultations with industry stakeholders, trade experts, and government officials, who raised concerns that the levy could increase costs for importers, reduce trade competitiveness, and create inflationary pressure in the economy.
“Pursuant to the powers vested upon the Honourable Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy under Part III, Section 12 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023 as the Chairman of the Board of Nigeria Customs Services, I write to direct the immediate suspension of the implementation of the collection of 4% Free on Board (FOB) recently levied by the Nigeria Customs Service on all imported goods.
“Following extensive consultations with industry stakeholders, trade experts, and relevant government officials, it has become clear that the implementation of the 4% FOB charge poses significant challenges to the Nigerian trade facilitation, environment, and economic stability,” the statement read in part.
The statement further noted that the suspension provides an opportunity for a comprehensive review of the levy’s framework and economic impact, ensuring that any future revenue measures are fair, efficient, and supportive of both business stability and national economic growth.
Customs officials were also instructed to strictly comply with the directive while the Ministry engages stakeholders to develop a more balanced and effective revenue collection system.
The Clerk to the National Assembly has said his office cannot facilitate the resumption of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, stressing that only the Senate or a competent court can decide on the matter.
In a statement signed on Monday by Bullah Audu Bi-Allah, Director of Information, for the Clerk to the National Assembly, the office explained that its role is purely administrative and does not extend to reversing or interpreting Senate resolutions.
“We are therefore not in a position to facilitate her resumption at this time,” Bi-Allah declared.
The clarification comes after Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, suspended by the Senate for six months in March, wrote to the Clerk’s Office on September 4 notifying her intention to resume legislative duties.
The office said it merely relayed her communication to the Senate leadership, which pointed out that the case is still pending before the Court of Appeal.
Bi-Allah emphasized that a fresh Senate resolution or a definitive court order would be required to alter her status.
He also expressed concern over a letter from the senator’s lawyers, M. J. Numa & Partners LLP, which accused the Clerk of overreach and threatened legal action.
According to him, the office has consistently acted within lawful administrative limits and in observance of due process.
“The determination of whether Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan can resume her legislative duties as of right, following the expiration of her suspension, lies solely with the Senate and not with the Clerk’s Office,” he said.
Reaffirming its commitment to constitutionalism and the rule of law, the Clerk’s Office urged the public to remain patient and allow the Senate and the courts to discharge their responsibilities.
Nigerian chef Hilda Baci has made her way back into the record books after kick-starting record fever across Africa. And this time, she’s out to win the “Jollof Wars” for her home country, Guinness World Records says.
Alongside brand Gino Nigeria, Hilda cooked up the largest serving of Nigerian style jollof rice last Friday – a whopping 8,780 kg (19,356 lb 9 oz) of the delicious dish.
Real name Hilda Bassey, the star served up the dish at an event in Victoria Island, Lagos, where thousands of people were in attendance and performers took to the stage.
Jollof rice is a staple dish in West Africa and there’s a big debate about who makes it best – Ghana or Nigeria.
The debate covers the ingredients that are used as well as the preparation methods.
Rules of the record stipulated that certain ingredients had to be used, and Hilda shared the exact measurements of everything she stirred into her record-breaking dish.
Her ingredients, cooked up in a gigantic pot, included 4,000 kg of washed basmati rice (the rice had to constitute at least 80% of the total weight), 164 kg of fresh goat meat, 220 kg of Gino Asun & peppered chicken cubes, and 600 kg of her own jollof pepper mix.
She said it took “nine hours of fire, passion and teamwork” and 1,200 kg of gas to create the 16,600 plates of rice “served with joy, love and community”.
Hilda and Gino Nigeria also had to follow strict rules when it came to the distribution of the food, with none of it allowed to be wasted.
A video posted to Hilda’s Instagram account shows the jollof rice being served up to all the hungry people who’d gathered in support and had to suffer through all those amazing smells before finally being able to dig in.
Impromptu chanting of “Hilda, we want jollof” broke out, with people in attendance simply desperate for a taste
And it went down a storm, with numerous people commenting on how nice it tasted.
Hilda said of her attempt: “I didn’t realize it would be this hard and it has been a challenge. It’s a lot of hard work but really satisfying to achieve the record.
The concerned youths of Pankshin Local Government Area have endorsed GUPAI YAKUBU EMMANUEL to contest for the Pankshin Local Government Council Chairmanship seat.
With his impressive leadership qualities and experience, GUPAI has consistently demonstrated his ability to drive positive change and development in our community.
KEY QUALITIES THAT MAKE HIM THE BEST CANDIDATE:
YOUTH EMPOWERMENT
Gupai has shown a deep understanding of the needs and aspirations of the youth, and has initiatives to empower them through education, skills development, and job creation. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT:
His experience in community development and social mobilization will enable him to effectively engage with the people, identify their needs, and develop solutions to address them.
INTEGRITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY
Emmanuel’s commitment to transparency and accountability will ensure that our local government is managed efficiently and effectively, with resources allocated to benefit the entire community.
WHY GUPAI, YAKUBU EMMANUEL
Fresh Perspective-
As a relatively new face in politics, GUPAI will bring a fresh perspective and innovative ideas to the table, unencumbered by the baggage of traditional politics.
Strong Leadership:
His leadership style is characterized by empathy, inclusiveness, and a willingness to listen, making him an ideal candidate to unite our community and drive development.
Visionary :
GUPAI has a clear vision for Pankshin’s future, focusing on sustainable development, social justice, and economic empowerment.
Let’s support Gupai Yakubu Emmanuel to build a brighter future for Pankshin. His leadership will inspire confidence, drive growth, and improve the lives of our people. Together, we can make a difference and create a better tomorrow for ourselves and future generations. Let’s close the distance… with YAKX GUPAI!
Powered By Pankshin ConcernedYouths for Gupai 2026
Governor Umar Bago of Niger State has said it is mandatory for preachers to submit their sermons for approval.
Speaking on TVC’s Politics on Sunday, the governor clarified some aspects of the law seeking to regulate preaching in the state.
“I didn’t ban evangelism… For everyone going to sermon on Friday, he should bring his scriptures for review, and it’s normal. Even in Saudi Arabia, this is done. We cannot say because you have been given the opportunity to be a cleric, you will go out and preach the gospel that is anti-people, anti-government and you think it’s normal.”
Asked if it was out of fear of indoctrination, the governor said, “It’s in that direction. We want to be able to see what they are preaching, hear what they are saying. We are working together with security agencies; the Department of State Services (DSS), the Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the military.”
The development, which first became public earlier in the month, has generated controversy.
The Director General of the Niger State Religious Affairs, Umar Farooq, had said anyone interested in preaching in Niger must obtain a licence, emphasising that preachers had two months to obtain their licences.
“It is true, the State Government has banned preaching. Any preacher who wants to preach must secure a licence between now and the next two months.”
“All they need to do is to visit our office, get, and fill out the form. After which, they will have to face a panel that will screen them before they can start preaching,” Farooq had said.
Reacting to the development, the Chief Imam of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Bashir Yankuzo, had said, “My opinion is that preaching is a command. The government is not paying anyone for doing the job; people are preaching in order to earn the pleasure of God. So, the government cannot dictate who to preach to and who not to preach.
“But at the same time, if there are people who are going out of their way to cause security threats, using abusive words and so on, then government can have control over that in order to maintain peace and security.”
The secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Niger state chapter, Raphael Opawoye, had said the Christian body was not aware of the ban.
“The Christian Association of Nigeria is not aware of the ban. We shall come up with a statement when we are officially informed,” he had said.
But an Islamic scholar, Uthman Siraja, had described it as an infringement on religious rights.
“The ban on preaching is an infringement of freedom of worship and religion.
“The best thing for the government to do is to invite and penalise any preacher who incites the public in the cause of his preaching,” he had said.
The Plateau State chapter of the Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN) has reached a historic milestone with the successful election of new executives to steer the affairs of performing artists and creatives in the state.
The election, which took place on Saturday at the Bridge Hotel in Jos, saw music producer and entertainment entrepreneur Gabriel Hodus Elmore—widely known as “The Mayor of Jos”—emerge as the new Governor of PMAN Plateau. In what has been described as one of the most transparent contests in the union’s history, 82 accredited members peacefully cast their votes, affirming the credibility of the process.
Gabriel Hodus (Mayor of Jos – Elmore) as Governor
Eunice Weng Nyam as 1st Vice
Christopher Deshe (Qriztyle Deshe) as Secretary
Deborah Nanbyen Duke (Debbie Lex) as Treasurer
Amb Victor Lukas Mashat (Eski Laka) as Publicity Secretary Silas Igeh (Lex Sounds) as Provost
Rebetnan Nancy Danjuma (Cadmeal) as Welfare 1
Jugu Paul Wash (Dapper Jay) as Welfare 2
Elmore, who expressed excitement after his victory, pledged to reposition Plateau State as Nigeria’s leading entertainment hub.
“This is the beginning of a new era,” he declared. “Plateau used to be the heart of Nigerian entertainment, producing stars like M.I, Jesse Jagz, and the Choc Boys. My mission is to recreate an even bigger version of that era. I have a ten-point agenda to support artists, increase their visibility, and ensure they get the recognition and opportunities they deserve. Trust me, if they don’t ‘blow,’ hold me responsible.”
The election drew the participation of key stakeholders, representatives of government, and leading voices from the creative sector.
Barr. Ezra Jinang, Special Adviser to the Plateau State Governor on Creativity and Entertainment, monitored the process and described it as a landmark moment for the state’s creative industry.
“This is one of the biggest days for Plateau entertainment,” Jinang said. “The election shows that the industry is taking a giant leap forward. Government is paying attention, and in the coming months, we will host an all-inclusive creative summit and roll out programs to revive Plateau’s glory days.”
Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Silas Muhammad Abdulsalam, commended the peaceful and credible conduct of the polls. He highlighted that the exercise restored the right of Plateau musicians to freely choose their leadership after years of external impositions.
Observers from the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment also endorsed the process. Obakiyesi Henry, Controller of the Federal Ministry of Labour, Plateau Office, noted that the peaceful outcome reflects the maturity of the state’s entertainment community, while stressing the importance of the creative sector in boosting Nigeria’s economy.
Outgoing Governor, Ambassador Comrade Humphrey Color, described his tenure as both challenging and rewarding. “It has been a hectic journey, but I am glad we united entertainers, gave visibility to PMAN Plateau, and built a strong relationship with government. I am confident the new administration will build on this foundation,” he said.
The election outcome was warmly received by artists across the state. Female rapper PJ Mistic called it a “stepping stone” for creatives, while reggae artist Jah Device and hip-hop act Lyrical Dr. Smith described it as a unifying moment that could open doors of empowerment for struggling musicians.
Widely hailed as one of the fairest elections in the association’s history, the process has set a new standard for the state’s entertainment sector. The inauguration of the new executives, led by Gabriel Elmore, is expected in the coming days and will attract prominent stakeholders from across the country.
A renewed push for lasting peace and unity in Plateau State is underway as over 300 young people converge for the Generation Peace Youth Camp 2025, an initiative of the Plateau Peace Building Agency (PPBA) in collaboration with the Plateau State Government and international partners.
The week-long camp, taking place from September 7 to 14 at the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre, has drawn 302 participants from all 17 local government areas of the state, with deliberate inclusion of flashpoint communities historically affected by conflict.
The program, which combines training in conflict resolution, dialogue, storytelling, sports, and community action planning, seeks to equip young people with practical tools for peacebuilding and social cohesion. Participants, aged between 18 and 30, are expected to return to their communities as ambassadors of peace, replicating the lessons learned during the camp.
At a special town hall meeting hosted at Government House, Little Rayfield, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang welcomed the participants, praising their courage and commitment to championing peace. He commended the PPBA and its partners for creating a platform that allows young people to directly engage with leadership while developing the skills to resolve conflict.
The governor acknowledged the painful history of violence that has scarred Plateau, lamenting that many youths had grown up in a climate of fear, suspicion, and hostility. He charged the participants to reject hatred and bitterness inherited from past conflicts and instead embrace a future defined by unity, compassion, and mutual respect.
“No religion or ethnicity is superior to the other,” Governor Mutfwang said. “Every human being is God’s most precious creation. We must choose peace, respect, and humanity over division and violence.”
He also decried the loss of compassion in society, where tragedies are often recorded rather than prevented, urging youths to break that culture by becoming protectors and promoters of human dignity. Beyond peacebuilding, he highlighted agriculture and innovation as key to unlocking Plateau’s prosperity, calling on participants to drive productivity and development alongside peace efforts.
“God’s plan for Plateau is one of good, not evil,” the governor emphasized. “Let us open a new chapter that will make Plateau a beacon of hope and prosperity.”
In her welcome address, Dr. Julie Sanda, Director General of the Plateau Peace Building Agency, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to nurturing a generation of peace. She noted that the camp is deliberately focused on young people from conflict-prone areas, stressing that the future of Plateau lies in transforming its youths into symbols of unity and resilience.
“Our goal is to ensure that this generation, once associated with conflict, becomes the generation identified with peace, social cohesion, and progress,” she said.
Also present at the town hall was Prof. Chris Kwaja, Special Envoy on Peace and Security, who commended Governor Mutfwang for consistently uniting Plateau since assuming office in May 2023. He praised the camp participants, most of whom are in their early twenties, for taking a stand against being manipulated into violence.
“These young people have resolved never again to be used as tools of destruction,” Kwaja said. “They have pledged to invest in peace, and in doing so, they are ambassadors not only for Plateau but for Nigeria as a whole.”
He stressed that true leadership transcends religion, ethnicity, or politics, and should instead foster collective humanity and justice.
Representing the Institute for Integrated Transitions (IFIT), Mr. Thomas Gimba applauded the state government and PPBA for prioritizing rural youths in peacebuilding. He emphasized that removing incentives for violence and addressing the grievances of rural communities are crucial to long-term stability.
“Engaging rural youths is a bold and strategic step,” Gimba said. “They understand their communities and challenges better than anyone, and with the right support, they can transform conflict dynamics.”
He pledged IFIT’s continued partnership through the provision of frameworks, tools, and global networks that will sustain Plateau’s peacebuilding journey.
The Generation Peace Youth Camp 2025 is thus not just a training program but a movement to rewrite Plateau’s story, from one marred by violence to one defined by peace, unity, and shared progress.
The Dangote refinery is set to commence its free fuel distribution scheme on Monday, starting with Lagos, the South West, Abuja, Kwara, Delta, Rivers, and Edo, respectively.
The Dangote spokesperson said; “We are starting the free fuel distribution scheme on Monday. We will start with Lagos and the South West, Abuja, Kwara, Delta, Rivers, and Edo States. There will be a drop in price effective on Monday when the free distribution starts”.
According to the Dangote Group spokesperson, Anthony Chiejina, the scheme will bring relief to millions of Nigerians by providing fuel at reduced prices.
The refinery has dropped petrol retail prices to N841 per litre in Lagos and the South West, and N851 per litre in Abuja, Edo, Kwara, Rivers, and Delta States. This price reduction is expected to boost economic activity and reduce the financial burden on Nigerians.
ALSO READ: Suspended strike: Dangote frustrating resolutions reached, NUPENG alleges
Over 1,000 trucks have been received by the refinery to commence the programme, with more states expected to benefit from the scheme as additional trucks arrive in Nigeria.
The refinery has also embarked on a large-scale Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered truck roll-out to enhance logistic strength and reduce costs.
“Even though we recently noticed how the CNG prices doubled a week ago, that will not deter our 10,000 CNG truck roll-out this year,” the company said.
This initiative, TRIBUNE ONLINE gathered, is part of Dangote’s efforts to improve fuel distribution and reduce costs, ultimately benefiting consumers.
The free fuel distribution scheme was initially slated to start in August but was delayed due to logistics challenges in China. Despite this setback, Dangote remains committed to its goal of providing affordable fuel to Nigerians.
The Federal Government has made Tax Identification, (Tax ID) compulsory for people getting involved in banking and allied services in the country.
Consequently, all taxable Nigerians are to obtain a Taxpayer Identification when the new tax Acts come into force in January 2026.
The Tax ID is contained in the provisions of the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025, Part II Section 4 of the legislation which was recently signed by President Bola Tinubu.
It says, “Every Taxable person shall register with the relevant Tax Authority and obtain a Taxpayer Identification Card (Tax ID) for the purpose of compliance with tax obligations.”
“Every ministry, department or agency of the federal, State or Local government shall register and obtain a Tax ID.”
Section 6 (1) of the Act also requires Non-resident persons who supply taxable goods and services to any person in Nigeria to obtain Tax ID, as they shall be obligated to pay tax in Nigeria.
Section 7 (3) empowers the relevant tax authority to issue Tax ID to a person who should have applied for an ID but failed to do so. The relevant tax authority is also empowered to refuse to issue a Tax ID to an applicant based on information available to it. In such a case, the authority shall inform the applicant of its decision within five working days.
Section 8 (1) (c) makes Tax ID a condition for entering into any contract with the Federal and State governments.
Section 8 (2) makes Tax ID mandatory for any person to operate a bank account or get involved in insurance, stocks or allied services in the country, once the Act comes into force from January 1, 2026.
The Act, however, provides an allowance to suspend or deregister the Tax ID, if the holder ceases to undertake trade or business, either temporarily or permanently.
Sector 10 (1) provides, “Where a taxable person temporarily ceases to carry on a trade or business in Nigeria, the taxable person shall notify the relevant tax authority of its intention to suspend its registration for tax purposes within 30 days of such temporary cessation of trade or business.
(2) “The Tax authority shall classify the Tax ID as ‘dormant’ and place it on suspension.
(3) “Where a taxable person permanently ceases to carry on trade or business in Nigeria, the taxable person shall notify the relevant tax authority of its intention to deregister for tax purposes within 30 days of such cessation of trade or business.”
Revenue Service Chairman’s enormous powers.
The Act for the Establishment of the Nigeria Revenue Service, 2025, makes the Executive Chairman its Governing Board Chairman, leaving the occupant with enormous powers.
The Board shall consist of Ex-Officio members, including a representative of the Minister of finance, not lower than the rank of a Director, a representative of the Minister of National Planning; Attorney-General of the Federation; Minister of Petroleum; Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, (not less than a Deputy Governor); the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission; the Comptroller-General of Customs or his representative who shall not be below Deputy Comptroller-General; the Registrar-General of the Corporate Affairs Commission; as well as Executive Directors of the Revenue Service to be appointed by the President.
The Chairman of the Service shall have a four-year term of office, which could be renewed for another four – year term.
Section 22 (a) of the Act provides that the Service shall be funded through 4 percent deduction of revenues it shall collect, except Petroleum Royalties.
