The Kano Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arrested one Ali Baffa, an Inspector 1 with Aviation Security, AVSEC, and his accomplices, Aushabu Nasidi and Mukhtar Muhammad Dan Zaria at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, for alleged involvement in bulk cash and mineral resources smuggling.

The suspects were intercepted on Friday, June 11, 2026 during a routine surveillance operation by the Land and Property Fraud Section of the Kano Zonal Directorate, following a directive by the Executive Chairman that all Directorates intensify efforts to tackle smuggling of mineral resources and bulk cash at international airports.

Preliminary investigations revealed that Ali Baffa allegedly concealed 22.2 kilograms of unprocessed gold bars estimated at over N4,400,000,000 (Four Billion, Four Hundred Million Naira) in his trousers, with the intent to bypass security checks and hand over the precious minerals to overseas-bound passengers for illegal export out of Nigeria.

Further investigation led to the arrest of Aushabu Nasidi, who allegedly supplied the gold bars to Baffa.

Upon arrest, Nasidi was found in possession of various foreign currencies, including: 3,000 Saudi Riyals, 40,000 Turkish Lira, 199.75 Kuwaiti Dinar, 20,700 Philippine Peso, 80 Australian Dollars, 310 Chinese Renminbi, 4,000 Algerian Dinar, 40 Hong Kong Dollars, 26,000 Hungarian Forint, and 1,000 Sudanese Dinar.

The investigation also led to the arrest of one Mukhtar Muhammad Dan Zaria who allegedly gave the gold bars to Nasidi. While being interviewed , DanZaria revealed to the Commission that he had smuggled an estimated 40.2 kilograms of gold from June 1 to June 11, 2026 using the same modus operandi.

All the suspects are currently in EFCC custody. They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

The Federal Government has firmly rejected recent media reports and public speculation suggesting that new taxes on telecommunications services and petroleum products are being planned or have been adopted following the release of the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Article IV Consultation Report on Nigeria.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the government described the claims as inaccurate and misleading, stressing that they do not reflect its official position.

“The Federal Government is not considering the introduction of any new taxes on telecommunications services or petroleum products,” the statement read.

The government clarified that the IMF report contains only the Fund’s assessments and policy recommendations, which are not binding on Nigeria. Policy decisions, it emphasised, are made through Nigeria’s constitutional, legislative, and institutional processes, guided by national priorities and economic realities.

On petroleum products, the statement confirmed that the current Value Added Tax (VAT) waiver on fuel remains fully in effect and has not been withdrawn. It added that implementing the fuel surcharge provided for in existing law would require a specific ministerial order and publication in the Official Gazette — steps that are not being contemplated at this time.

The suspended taxes, according to the government, have helped keep domestic fuel prices below international averages and those in neighbouring countries, providing relief to Nigerian households and businesses amid global energy market volatility.

Regarding telecommunications, the government noted that the excise duty introduced before 2023 has already been repealed under the new tax laws and is no longer applicable.

The public, media organisations, businesses, and other stakeholders have been advised to disregard any reports claiming the government intends to introduce these new taxes.

The statement reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a transparent, growth-oriented tax policy framework focused on improving revenue administration, expanding economic activity, eliminating inefficiencies, and fostering a competitive environment for investment and job creation.

“Any future tax policy changes, where necessary, will be communicated through official channels and implemented strictly in accordance with the law and due process,” it added.

The statement was signed by Maryann Duke, Senior Special Assistant on Communications & Press Secretary to the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy.

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has ordered the stay of execution of the judgment that directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties.

In a unanimous decision, a three-member panel of the appellate court led by Justice A. B. Mohammed, berated Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja for flouting an order it made on May 22, which directed him to suspend proceedings before him.

The appellate court held that Justice Lifu’s action amounted to an affront on the hierarchy of courts.

It held that the lower court’s action was “the highest form of judicial impertinence,” stressing that the Supreme Court previously held that a judge who acted in such manner “is unfit for the bench as it amounts to judicial rascality.”

“Courts are enjoined to protect their integrity.

This Court has supervisory authority over the trial court. The decision of the lower court to proceed with the judgment despite the express order of this court is a brazen violation of the hierarchy of the court and the 1999 Constitution.“

This court has the duty to invoke its powers in ensuring that its orders are made.