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Lagos Police Officers Refund ₦2.2m After Alleged $2,000 USDT Extortion, Say Balance Was ‘Shared’

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FIJ reports that officers attached to the Area H Police Command in Ogudu, Lagos State, allegedly stopped a couple travelling out of Lagos before 6am on December 18, 2025, seized the man’s phones, and took both husband and wife to the Ogudu Police Station.

The report says the woman was made to sit outside while the man was taken in to write a statement without his lawyer present. FIJ further states the officers initially demanded $5,000 in USDT, but the couple—under duress—eventually paid $2,000 (about ₦3.33m) to a wallet address provided by the policemen, after which traces of the transfer were allegedly deleted.

According to FIJ, a complaint was escalated to the Police Complaints Response Unit (CRU), leading the victims and a friend to return to the station on December 23 to identify the officers involved. FIJ says the officers later began refunding the money in parts after the case gained traction online, returning ₦2m first, then an additional ₦200,000—while reportedly asking to keep about ₦1m and return only ₦100,000 more because the funds had been shared among multiple officers.

FIJ added that the officer contacted for comment, Olumide Jegede, said he could not speak on the matter at press time and asked the reporter to visit his office on Monday for follow-up.

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Police free six vigilantes after Army arrest on Edo road amid banditry fears

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In a report by Punch, police in Kwara said they received and released six vigilante members earlier arrested by the Army, amid tensions over community security efforts around the Auchi–Ikpeshi road axis.

The case highlights a recurring friction point: informal security groups often fill protection gaps, but can be viewed by formal forces as unauthorized or prone to abuse—triggering clampdowns and community backlash.

Punch’s account suggests the police framed the release as procedural, but the underlying pressure remains as communities seek quick protection amid insecurity.

Expect the debate to expand: who supervises vigilantes, what rules govern their operations, and how communities support security without creating parallel armed structures.

Daily Post also reported police “freed six vigilantes arrested by Army,” while Radio Nigeria similarly carried the update that police “free six vigilante members arrested by Army.”

Echotitbits take: Vigilante frameworks need clarity—registration, training, reporting lines, and accountability. Otherwise, every incident becomes a turf war and criminals exploit the confusion. Watch for states formalising community policing units with enforceable oversight.

Source: Punch – https://punchng.com/banditry-police-free-six-vigilantes-arrested-by-army/ January 7, 2026
Punch January 7, 2026

Photo Credit: Punch Newspapers

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UN Security Council splits over US raid that captured Venezuela’s Maduro

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According to Premium Times, the UN Security Council session on the US operation that captured Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro exposed sharp divisions, with some delegations questioning legality and others framing it as a response to alleged criminal conduct.

The dispute is about precedent: whether a powerful state can use force across borders for an arrest operation without multilateral authorization—and what that does to the post-1945 rules-based order.

The backlash is already geopolitical, shaping alliance politics, regional responses in Latin America, and Venezuela’s internal transition dynamics.

Even for states far from the theatre, the episode raises practical questions about sovereignty, reciprocity, and the credibility of international law when major powers act unilaterally.

Reuters quoted UN concerns that the intervention “violates international law” and “sets a dangerous precedent.” AP reported the US envoy defended it as a “surgical law enforcement operation” at the UN.

Echotitbits take: Watch three things: war-powers pressure inside the US, regional responses in Latin America, and any sanctions/asset moves tied to Venezuela’s oil and leadership transition. The bigger story is how “law enforcement” narratives collide with sovereignty norms at the UN.

Source: Timesofisrael – https://www.timesofisrael.com/splits-emerge-over-venezuelas-future-as-un-security-council-meets-to-discuss-us-raid/ January 6, 2026
Premium Times January 6, 2026

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Nigerian Books of Record inducts five diaspora Nigerians into its Hall of Fame

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In an update published by The Nation, the Nigerian Books of Record (NBR) inducted five eminent Nigerians in the diaspora into its Hall of Fame, citing long-standing leadership and contributions to Nigeria’s image abroad.

The recognition is framed as documentation of national impact beyond borders—spotlighting philanthropy, professional excellence, and sustained ties to home despite residence overseas.

The ceremony’s message is also aspirational: build a public archive that celebrates diaspora impact and nudges newer generations toward structured giving, mentoring, and institutional partnerships back home.

Beyond the event, the value depends on evidence—clear impact records, published profiles, and transparency around selection criteria.

Vanguard named the inductees and described their impact pillars, while Leadership also reported the honourees as “5 diaspora legends” welcomed into the Hall of Fame.

Echotitbits take: This works best when it becomes a pipeline—connect honourees to youth mentorship, investment in institutions, and measurable community projects. Watch whether NBR publishes robust public dossiers beyond ceremony-day publicity.

Source: Leadership – https://leadership.ng/nigerian-books-of-record-celebrates-5-diaspora-legends-with-hall-of-fame-entry/  January 7, 2026
Leadership January 7, 2026

Photo Credit: Leadership

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AFRIMA names Falz and Liliane Maroune as hosts for 9th edition in Lagos

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As reported by The Guardian Nigeria, AFRIMA has unveiled Nigerian rapper/actor Falz and French-Senegalese media personality Liliane Maroune as hosts of the 9th edition of the awards in Lagos.

Organisers’ choice signals a deliberate blend of pop-culture reach and pan-African appeal—pairing a Nigerian headline act with a francophone media figure to widen audience reach.

The announcement reinforces Lagos’ positioning as an African entertainment hub, with awards week typically driving tourism, creative-economy spending, and media visibility.

Beyond hosting, expectations now shift to nominee lists, performance lineups, and sponsor activation as the event window approaches.

Punch also confirmed the hosts were “officially unveiled” for the ninth edition. AFRIMA’s official handle likewise announced it had “unveiled its hosts for the 9th Edition.”

Echotitbits take: Hosting is a branding decision. Watch for lineup reveals, sponsor activation, and whether production quality matches the “global broadcast” promise—AFRIMA’s credibility rises when staging, sound, and timing are world-class.

Source: The Guardian – https://guardian.ng/art/afrima-unveils-falz-liliane-maroune-as-hosts-of-9th-edition/ January 7, 2026
The Guardian Nigeria January 7, 2026

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Enugu sets N870bn IGR target for 2026 as agencies are told to ramp up collections

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In a report by ThisDay, Enugu Governor Peter Mbah set an N870 billion internally generated revenue target for 2026, urging MDAs to intensify revenue mobilisation amid global uncertainty.

The target is positioned as a core funding pillar for the state’s programme, implying stronger compliance drives, more automation, and broader clarity on what qualifies as collectible revenue.

The funding mix also points to the continuing role of FAAC allocations and capital receipts, but with IGR expected to carry a heavier share of budget ambition.

If pursued aggressively, the tension will be balancing expansion of the tax net with maintaining a business-friendly environment that doesn’t choke SMEs and investment.

The Guardian noted the governor’s funding mix includes “N870 billion IGR” alongside other streams, while The Sun also reported the same direction around the N870bn target tied to the 2026 budget framework.

Echotitbits take: Enugu’s ambition is plausible only with digitised collections, fewer leakages, and clearer taxpayer services. Watch reforms in land administration, transport levies, and business licensing—the fastest IGR accelerators and the most abused if not controlled.

Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/mbah-urges-agencies-to-boost-revenue-meet-budget-target/ January 7, 2026
The Punch  January 7, 2026

Photo Credit: The Punch

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Troops arrest eight suspects tied to Gamboru market mosque suicide bombing network

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According to ThisDay, troops of Operation Hadin Kai arrested eight suspected terrorists linked to the suicide bombing at the Gamboru market mosque, describing the suspects as part of the network behind the attack.

The report says two of those held are described as key facilitators, with the arrests following weeks of intelligence work and surveillance that led to targeted operations.

Recovered items listed include cash, phones, IDs, ATM cards, and jewelry, with forensic examination expected to support ongoing investigations.

The military says the suspects remain in custody for interrogation and intelligence extraction, with eventual handover for further investigation.

BusinessDay also reported the Army “dismantled [a] suicide bombing network” tied to the Gamboru incident. Leadership echoed the same development, reporting troops “arrest 8 terrorists linked to Gamboru market mosque suicide bombing.”

Echotitbits take: The key is prosecution quality. Track whether suspects are arraigned publicly and whether evidence handling and inter-agency coordination hold up in court.

Source: ThisDayLive – https://www.thisdaylive.com/2026/01/07/troops-arrest-eight-terrorists-linked-to-gamboru-market-mosque-suicide-bombing/  January 7, 2026
ThisDayLive January 7, 2026

Photo Credit: ThisDayLive

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Sokoto begins strict enforcement of monthly tax filing with penalties for defaulters

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Figures cited by Punch show Sokoto State’s revenue service is pushing full compliance on monthly tax filings for taxable persons starting January 2026, warning that penalties will apply for non-compliance.

The policy is positioned as a compliance reset—bringing more individuals and businesses into regular filing, tightening documentation, and strengthening the state’s ability to plan and enforce revenue rules.

The enforcement angle extends to public contracting, where tax registration is expected to become a more visible compliance gate for suppliers.

For SMEs and informal operators, the practical issue is capacity: monthly filing needs simple processes and predictable treatment to avoid turning compliance into harassment.

Punch also highlighted an enforcement detail that statutory bodies or companies awarding contracts to unregistered persons risk a “₦5 million” penalty. Another Punch recap echoed the state IRS announced “full enforcement of compulsory monthly tax filings.”

Echotitbits take: This succeeds only if enforcement is paired with ease—online filing, helpdesks, clear templates, and dispute resolution. Watch whether the net broadens or the pressure just shifts to already-compliant taxpayers.

Source: Punch – https://punchng.com/sokoto-irs-begins-enforcement-of-compulsory-monthly-tax-filings/  January 7, 2026
Punch January 7, 2026

Photo Credit: Punch Newspapers

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Army chief vows to contain terrorism as calls grow for state policing and forest guards

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In an update published by The Guardian Nigeria, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, says the Army is committed to containing the terror threat while reviewing doctrine and training for 2026 operations.

The remarks were delivered around the Army’s doctrine and training conference, framed as an annual reset to adapt to a more complex security environment.

Alongside the military messaging, a public-policy think tank urged deeper reforms, arguing lasting results require reclaiming ungoverned spaces through state policing and institutional forest guards.

The broader signal is that Abuja’s security conversation is moving beyond deployments to governance design—who polices what, how forests are secured, and how accountability is shared.

Vanguard separately reported the COAS “promises enhanced security” during engagements in Niger State. ThisDay also carried the operational push, reporting the Army would “deploy more troops… to crush terrorist attacks.”

Echotitbits take: The test is coordination—intelligence fusion, forest control, and prosecution pipelines. Watch whether state-level security structures gain clear legal backing or remain ad-hoc.

Source: Punch – https://punchng.com/army-will-curb-terrorists-attacks-in-niger-nationwide-coas/ January 7, 2026
Punch Nigeria January 7, 2026

Photo Credit: Punch

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CBN projects faster growth and stronger reserves in 2026 as inflation eases

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According to Premium Times, the CBN’s 2026 macro outlook projects faster economic expansion alongside further inflation moderation and stronger external buffers.

The baseline assumes reform momentum continues—supporting business confidence, improving FX market credibility, and lifting investment planning if volatility stays contained.

On prices, the outlook points to headline inflation easing further in 2026 as food and energy pressures cool and supply conditions improve, though risks remain from oil-output shocks and fiscal slippages.

CBN also sketches a fiscal picture that still requires revenue reforms and expenditure discipline to avoid renewed macro stress.

Vanguard reported the central bank forecast includes “a 4.49 per cent growth in GDP” and external reserves rising to “$51.04 billion.” Leadership similarly highlighted that CBN “forecasts $51bn external reserves in 2026.”

Echotitbits take: This is cautious optimism, not a victory lap. Watch oil output, FX liquidity, and whether fiscal discipline holds—those will decide if the forecast becomes reality.

Source: Premium Times – https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/846528-nigerian-economy-expected-to-grow-4-49-in-2026-inflation-to-ease-cbn.html December 30, 2025
Premium Times December 30, 2025

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