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Police Suspend Tinted Glass Permit Enforcement After Court Order

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Police Suspend Tinted Glass Permit Enforcement After Court Order

The Nigeria Police Force has suspended the nationwide enforcement of its tinted glass permit policy following an interim court order restraining the action.

The Force had announced on December 15, 2025, that enforcement of the policy would commence on January 2, 2026, citing its mandate to ensure public safety and internal security.

However, in a statement issued on Thursday and signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, the police disclosed that an interim court order was served on the Force on December 17, 2025.

According to the statement, the order, issued in Suit No. HOR/FHR/M/31/2025, restrains the police from proceeding with the enforcement of the tinted glass permit policy pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit or the vacation of the order.

“The Nigeria Police Force was served with an interim order of court in Suit No. HOR/FHR/M/31/2025, issued on 17th December 2025, restraining the Force from proceeding with the enforcement of the Tinted Glass Permit policy pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit or the vacation of the order,” the statement said.

The police also confirmed that they had entered an appearance in the matter, raised preliminary objections and formally applied for the vacation of the interim order. The case has been adjourned to January 20, 2026, for further proceedings.

“In line with constitutional obligations and respect for judicial authority, the Nigeria Police Force has entered appearance in the matter, raised preliminary objections, and formally applied for the vacation of the interim order. The court has adjourned the case to 20th January 2026 for further proceedings,” the statement added.

The Force said the suspension of enforcement is being carried out strictly in compliance with the subsisting court order, pending the court’s decision.

“Accordingly, and strictly in compliance with the subsisting court order, the Nigeria Police Force has placed the enforcement of the Tinted Glass Permit policy on hold nationwide, pending the decision of the court.”

Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to upholding the rule of law while carrying out its mandate of protecting lives and property.

“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, affirms that the Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in upholding the rule of law while discharging its primary mandate of protecting lives and property. The Force will continue to deploy lawful, intelligence-driven strategies to address security challenges and safeguard public safety across the country,” the statement said.

The police assured members of the public that further updates and clear guidance would be communicated as appropriate, following the court’s determination of the matter, in the interest of public order and national security.

Bala Mohammed, Wike Exchange Harsh Words As Fubara Calls For Calm Amid Rivers Political Tension

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Bala Mohammed, Wike Exchange Harsh Words As Fubara Calls For Calm Amid Rivers Political Tension

Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Thursday exchanged sharp words in a renewed episode of their long-running political feud, as Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, urged calm amid rising political tension in his state.

Mohammed accused Wike of being a “terrorist” and alleged that the FCT minister was behind the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) charges brought against his finance commissioner. He also claimed that Wike was exerting undue influence over institutions, bribing individuals and selling land to fund political operations.

Speaking during a television interview, the Bauchi governor alleged that Wike had threatened to “put fire” in his state, describing him as an “undertaker” within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who was actively working against the unity and interests of the opposition party.

Mohammed further claimed that Wike was collaborating with a former accountant-general who allegedly stole from Bauchi State and was now testifying against his commissioner. He questioned Wike’s loyalty to the PDP, alleging that his allegiance lay with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“Wike is an undertaker in our party. He is not there as a genuine member of the PDP,” Mohammed said, warning party leaders against arrogance and impunity amid the PDP’s ongoing leadership crisis.

In response, Wike dismissed the allegations and described Mohammed as a politician without the structure or cohesion needed to produce a successor. Addressing supporters and stakeholders during a visit to Abua-Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State, the FCT minister accused the Bauchi governor of engaging in blame-shifting rather than confronting his political challenges.

Wike maintained that the crisis within the PDP was a result of weak leadership and internal divisions, insisting that Mohammed’s political problems were self-inflicted. He also rejected claims that he instigated unrest in Bauchi State, advising the governor to face the EFCC allegations involving his associates.

“What is my business? If your state is clean, go there and clear yourself. Don’t come and tell Nigerians stories,” Wike said, while also countering accusations over land sales by pointing to Mohammed’s own tenure as FCT minister between 2010 and 2015.

The FCT minister further downplayed personal insults directed at him, including claims that he was semi-literate or unfit for public office, arguing that his political trajectory and achievements spoke for themselves. He reaffirmed his support for President Bola Tinubu, saying Rivers State had benefitted significantly from appointments under the current administration.

Amid the heated exchanges, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara called on residents to remain calm and focused despite what he described as “sounds of war” in the political space. Speaking during a New Year crossover service at the Chapel of Everlasting Grace, Government House, Port Harcourt, Fubara said his administration would not be distracted or intimidated by political tension.

Reflecting on the first two years of his administration, Fubara said Rivers State had endured turbulence and internal challenges but survived through resilience and divine intervention. He expressed optimism that 2026 would bring stability, renewed focus and accelerated development.

“We do not have the instrument of war; the only thing we have is our knees, and we will continue to pray to God. Do not be troubled by the sounds of war you are hearing,” the governor said, urging residents to rise above political intimidation and remain peaceful.

Meanwhile, factional caretaker chairman of the PDP in Rivers State, Dr Robinson Ewor, accused Fubara of deceiving party members by allegedly presenting himself as capable of wresting political control from Wike, only to abandon the party midway through the crisis.

Ewor alleged that the governor later aligned with the APC and claimed that Rivers people deserved to know the full details of any agreement reached with President Tinubu before the lifting of emergency rule in the state.

He insisted that the mandate held by the governor belonged to the people of Rivers State and demanded full disclosure of any peace deal that affected governance and political stability in the state.

Peter Obi, Other South-East Leaders Declare For ADC In Enugu

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Peter Obi, Other South-East Leaders Declare For ADC In Enugu

The Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, alongside other political leaders from the South-East geopolitical zone, has formally declared for the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The declaration was made on Wednesday in Enugu, the Enugu State capital, where the leaders said that after months of consultations they had resolved to join the ADC and work with opposition figures nationwide to rescue Nigeria from what they described as the poor governance of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Among those present at the event were former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Emeka Ihedioha, Senators Ben Obi, Victor Umeh, Tony Nwoye, Gilbert Nnaji, Enyinnaya Abaribe and Sam Egwu, as well as Chief Onyema Ugochukwu and several other serving and former members of the National Assembly.

Other party leaders from across the country also attended, including former Senate President and National Chairman of the ADC David Mark, former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, former governors from the South-East and other dignitaries.

Speaking at the event, Obi described the move to the ADC as the beginning of a collective effort to reclaim the country from the ruling party.

“Today is an important day; today is the last day of 2025, so we are ending this year with the hope that, in 2026, we will begin a journey of the rescue of our country for proper socio-economic development that will be unifying and inclusive,” he said.

He accused those in power of undermining Nigeria’s democracy through intimidation and political violence against the opposition, warning that such actions would be resisted.

“We have all watched those who benefited from our democracy become accessories to destroying our democracy, either through coercion and gangsterism against the opposition. We cannot allow this to happen; we will resist it,” Obi stated.

The former Anambra State governor also pledged that the opposition would resist any attempt to rig the 2027 general elections, urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to strictly adhere to electoral rules and regulations.

He stressed the need for stronger institutions and insisted that eligibility requirements for contesting elections, including educational qualifications, must be clearly enforced ahead of the next polls.

Obi further emphasised the importance of unity among opposition parties, noting that Nigeria required competent and inclusive leadership to address deepening national divisions.

His declaration aligns him with other prominent political figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi and Nasir El-Rufai, who earlier declared for the ADC, as opposition forces intensify efforts ahead of the 2027 elections.

Implementation Of New Tax Laws To Begin January 1 As Planned – Tinubu

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Implementation Of New Tax Laws To Begin January 1 As Planned – Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed that the implementation of Nigeria’s newly enacted tax laws will commence on January 1, 2026, as scheduled, despite mounting criticism and calls for suspension from opposition figures and pressure groups.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the president said the reforms were not intended to increase taxes but to reset the fiscal framework, promote harmonisation, protect citizens’ dignity and strengthen the social contract between the government and the people.

Tinubu stated that the tax laws already signed into effect on June 26, 2025, alongside the remaining acts slated to take effect on January 1, 2026, would be implemented without delay, describing the reforms as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to build a fair, competitive and resilient fiscal system.

He urged Nigerians to support the reforms, stressing that no substantial issue had been established to justify halting the process, despite public debate over alleged alterations to some provisions. According to him, trust in governance is built through consistent and well-considered decisions, not through what he described as premature and reactive actions.

Controversy over the laws intensified after a member of the House of Representatives, Abdussamad Dasuki, raised concerns about discrepancies between the versions of the tax bills debated and passed by the National Assembly and those later gazetted and made available to the public. Dasuki argued that lawmakers could not conclusively determine whether alterations had occurred because the officially harmonised versions certified by the National Assembly clerk were not in circulation.

His remarks fuelled calls for the suspension of the laws, with opposition leaders including Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar, as well as professional bodies such as the Nigerian Bar Association, urging the Federal Government to pause implementation pending clarification.

President Tinubu had signed the four tax reform bills into law in June, a move the government described as the most comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s tax system in decades. The new framework comprises the Nigeria Tax Act, the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act, all operating under a unified authority, the Nigeria Revenue Service.

Although the bills faced stiff resistance during the legislative process, the presidency has maintained that the reforms will proceed as planned, with full implementation set to begin on January 1, 2026.

Tinubu Appoints Rotimi Oyedepo As Director of Public Prosecutions

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Tinubu Appoints Rotimi Oyedepo As Director of Public Prosecutions

President Bola Tinubu has approved the redeployment of Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to the Federal Civil Service as Director of Public Prosecutions in the Federal Ministry of Justice.

The appointment was conveyed in a letter dated December 23, 2025, signed by Omolabake Mafe on behalf of the Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, which stated that the redeployment was made in the public interest.

A statement issued on Tuesday by the State House Director of Information and Public Relations, Abiodun Oladunjoye, said Oyedepo will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Mr Abubakar Babadoko, who is due to complete the mandatory eight-year tenure as a director on December 31, 2025.

Oyedepo, a 2007 law graduate of the University of Ilorin who was called to the Bar in 2008, is expected to apply his expertise to reduce reliance on external counsel for key prosecutions and to promote greater coherence and consistency in the Federal Government’s legal strategies.

He spent over 15 years at the EFCC, where he specialised in the prosecution of complex economic and financial crimes and served as Head of the Monitoring Unit. He was also a member of the Federal Government’s legal team in the landmark Process and Industrial Development versus Federal Republic of Nigeria case.

During his time at the EFCC, Oyedepo received several recognitions, including Outstanding Staff of the Year in 2014 and Best Financial Crimes Prosecutor in 2019.

In a related development, President Tinubu congratulated the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, on his appointment as Commander of the Royal Victorian Order by King Charles III. The honour was conferred in recognition of Edun’s longstanding involvement with the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, a global youth development programme that supports young people in building character, skills and leadership, with thousands of beneficiaries in Nigeria.

In a statement issued by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the president described the honour as a reflection of his administration’s emphasis on youth empowerment, opportunity and national renewal, while commending Edun’s dedication and service.

President Tinubu also paid tribute to Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, on his 55th birthday, describing him as a trusted and reliable ally of his administration. In a congratulatory message, the president highlighted Sani’s background as a student leader and pro-democracy activist, his legislative contributions as a senator, including the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act 2020, and his approach to inclusive governance since assuming office as governor.

The president noted that Sani’s administration has prioritised dialogue, reconciliation, security and development, leading to improved stability and economic activity in Kaduna State. He wished the governor good health, strength and continued wisdom in service to the state and the nation.

Solid Minerals Sector Remits N63.92bn To Federation Account In 11 Months

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Solid Minerals Sector Remits N63.92bn To Federation Account In 11 Months

Nigeria’s solid minerals sector remitted a total of ₦63.92 billion into the Federation Account between January and November 2025, reflecting both the growing importance of the sector to national revenue and the volatility that continues to shape its performance.

Official remittance figures presented to the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) in December show a year marked by sharp monthly fluctuations, a strong rebound in the second quarter, and a moderation towards the end of the year largely linked to security challenges.

The year began on a modest note, with ₦4.18 billion remitted in January and ₦3.78 billion in February. Combined, the first two months accounted for ₦7.96 billion, representing just under 12.5 per cent of the total eleven-month inflow. March recorded the lowest contribution of the year at ₦2.15 billion, bringing first-quarter remittances to ₦10.10 billion, or about 15.8 per cent of the January–November total.

A significant turnaround was recorded in the second quarter. April remittances surged to ₦7.88 billion, followed by a peak of ₦9.66 billion in May, the highest monthly inflow of the year. June sustained the improved performance with ₦4.75 billion. By the end of June, cumulative remittances had reached approximately ₦32.34 billion, meaning more than half of the eleven-month total was generated between April and June.

The third quarter opened steadily, with ₦5.84 billion remitted in July and ₦6.23 billion in August. September recorded ₦7.32 billion, making it the third-strongest month of the year. October followed closely with ₦6.86 billion.

However, November saw a decline to ₦5.28 billion, below the mid-year highs though still stronger than early-year levels. According to official revenue notes submitted to FAAC, the moderation was partly attributed to a drop in mining activities caused by a sudden rise in insecurity in parts of the country.

“The revenue collected by the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development into the Federation Account for the month of November 2025 is ₦5.28 billion,” the note stated. It added that ₦3.44 billion came from royalties, while ₦1.84 billion was realised from fees. Although the ministry recorded a positive variance against its monthly target, collections fell by about ₦1.58 billion compared to October due to reduced mining operations linked to insecurity.

Overall, five months — April, May, August, September and October — accounted for roughly 59.4 per cent of total remittances over the eleven-month period. May’s ₦9.66 billion alone exceeded the combined inflows of January and March, underscoring the volatility within the sector.

The remittance pattern highlights the solid minerals sector’s increasing contribution to national revenue, while also reinforcing concerns about its sensitivity to security conditions, infrastructure constraints and operational disruptions.

World’s Oldest Footballer Miura Signs With New Club At 58

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World’s Oldest Footballer Miura Signs With New Club At 58

Kazuyoshi Miura, set to turn 59 in February 2026, has signed a loan deal with Japanese third-division side Fukushima United, keeping his remarkable professional career alive. The contract runs until June, allowing Miura the chance to feature in the J.League’s top three tiers for the first time in five years.

The former Japan striker, who began his career at Brazilian club Santos in 1986, made seven appearances last season on loan at fourth-tier Atletico Suzuka but failed to score in 69 minutes of play. Miura scored 55 goals in 89 appearances for the national team before retiring internationally in 2000, two years after being controversially left out of Japan’s first-ever World Cup squad.

Despite recent setbacks in lower-tier football, Miura, who has previously expressed his ambition to play until the age of 60, said he is eager to embrace a new challenge with Fukushima United.

Alleged Money Laundering: Court Orders Remand Of Malami, Son, Associate In Kuje

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Alleged Money Laundering: Court Orders Remand Of Malami, Son, Associate In Kuje

Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, his son, Abdulaziz Malami, and an associate, Bashir Asabe, at the Kuje Correctional Facility.

The order followed their arraignment on sixteen-count charges bordering on alleged money laundering. The defendants pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

Ruling on an oral bail application made by counsel to the defendants, Justice Nwite declined the request, holding that granting bail at that stage would amount to an ambush, given that a written bail application had already been filed and was yet to be argued.

The trial judge subsequently adjourned the matter to January 2, 2026, for the hearing and determination of the bail application, and ordered that the defendants remain in custody pending the outcome.

Infantino Defends World Cup Ticket Prices As Demand Surges, Confirms Dubai As Host Of FIFA Best Awards

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Infantino Defends World Cup Ticket Prices As Demand Surges, Confirms Dubai As Host Of FIFA Best Awards

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has defended the ticket prices for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, citing unprecedented global demand and the need for tournament revenues to support football development worldwide.

Infantino spoke on Monday at the World Sports Summit in Dubai, where he said the volume of ticket requests highlighted the competition’s global appeal despite criticism from fans over prices that are higher than those recorded at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

He disclosed that FIFA placed between six and seven million tickets on sale and received about 150 million requests within just 15 days, translating to roughly 10 million requests per day. According to him, the level of demand is unlike anything previously recorded in the tournament’s history.

Infantino noted that over nearly a century of World Cup competitions, FIFA has sold a total of 44 million tickets, adding that the volume of requests received within two weeks alone could have filled hundreds of editions of the tournament.

Addressing concerns about affordability, he said FIFA had introduced a $60 ticket category targeted at fans from countries that have qualified for the World Cup. He also revealed that fans from the United States submitted the highest number of ticket requests, followed by Germany and the United Kingdom.

The FIFA president stressed that revenues generated from the World Cup are critical to sustaining football globally, explaining that the funds are reinvested to support the game in countries that would otherwise struggle to maintain football structures.

Infantino also announced that Dubai will host next year’s FIFA Best Awards, an annual ceremony that recognises outstanding men’s and women’s players, coaches and teams, based on votes from fans, media representatives, national team captains and coaches.

He said the new partnership would see the awards celebrated in Dubai, adding that football’s unifying power would be at the centre of the event.

At the 2025 FIFA Best Awards, France forward Ousmane Dembélé was named Men’s Player of the Year, while Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmatí won the Women’s Player of the Year award.

Beyoncé Joins Billionaire Club, Forbes Confirms

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Beyoncé Joins Billionaire Club, Forbes Confirms

American music superstar Beyoncé has been declared a billionaire by Forbes magazine, becoming only the fifth musician in history to attain the financial milestone.

The 44-year-old entertainer joins an exclusive group that includes her husband, rapper Jay-Z, alongside Taylor Swift, Bruce Springsteen and Rihanna, according to the publication’s latest assessment.

Beyoncé’s rise to billionaire status follows several exceptionally profitable years. Her Renaissance World Tour in 2023 reportedly grossed nearly $600 million, while in 2024 she reinvented her sound with the Grammy-winning country album Cowboy Carter. That creative shift was followed by the world’s highest-grossing tour of 2025.

When combined with income from her extensive music catalogue and other commercial ventures, Forbes estimated that Beyoncé earned about $148 million in 2025 before taxes, ranking her as the third highest-paid musician globally during the year.

Although the publication did not give a precise figure for her overall net worth, it noted that Beyoncé, who founded Parkwood Entertainment to manage her career and productions, has built a vast business empire.

Forbes explained that while she has expanded into areas such as hair care, whiskey production and fashion, the bulk of her wealth continues to come from her music, global touring success and ownership of the rights to her back catalogue.

Reuters: NNPC Seeks Bids To Sell Oil, Gas Assets

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Reuters: NNPC Seeks Bids To Sell Oil, Gas Assets

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited is planning to sell stakes in some of its oil and gas assets and has already invited bids, according to a Reuters report published on Monday.

Reuters, citing an invitation document, reported that interested bidders are required to register online by January 10, after which a pre-screening exercise will be conducted. Companies that qualify will subsequently be granted access to a secure virtual data room.

The planned divestment comes against the backdrop of strong opposition earlier this year from two major oil sector unions. In September, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers warned against reported plans by the government to divest significant stakes in joint venture assets operated by the NNPC.

Both unions cautioned that such a move could destabilise the economy, weaken the oil and gas industry and threaten workers’ welfare. They rejected proposals to reduce government stakes in joint venture assets by between 30 and 35 per cent, noting that the federal government currently holds between 55 and 60 per cent of such assets through the NNPC.

According to the invitation document referenced by Reuters, the bidding process will involve prequalification based on technical and financial capacity, followed by document evaluation, negotiations and the securing of regulatory approvals.

Nigeria has struggled to raise crude oil output and attract fresh investment, with the government now targeting incremental production growth through marginal onshore fields vacated by international oil companies.

Separately, Bloomberg reported on Monday that the NNPC is in discussions to secure about $2 billion in financing from Nexus Alliance, a company that supports pipeline infrastructure. People familiar with the matter said the funds are expected early next year and would be used to repair and upgrade pipelines damaged by vandalism and theft, as well as to reduce leaks.

Nigeria’s oil and gas pipeline network, spanning more than 5,000 kilometres, has for years been plagued by vandalism, crude theft, sabotage and ageing infrastructure. Several major pipelines transporting crude oil to export terminals and gas to power plants and LNG facilities frequently operate below capacity or are shut down, affecting oil output, export earnings and domestic energy supply.

Despite some recent security improvements, underinvestment and infrastructure decay continue to pose risks, leaving many pipelines intermittently inoperable.

The Bloomberg report added that the NNPC has been seeking fresh capital as part of a broader refinancing strategy, including talks with lenders in Saudi Arabia. The company aims to raise oil production to at least 1.8 million barrels per day, increase gas output and attract $30 billion in investment by 2027, with about half of that target expected by 2026.

The state-owned oil company has also reiterated its long-standing plan to list shares through an initial public offering, while pursuing reforms to improve transparency and accountability.

Meanwhile, the NNPC announced the successful restoration of the Escravos–Lagos Pipeline System in Warri, Delta State, following an explosion on December 10, 2025. The company said emergency response measures were immediately activated, leading to the repair, pressure testing and safe recommissioning of the damaged section.

In a statement signed by its spokesman, Andy Odeh, the NNPC said the pipeline is now fully operational, crediting the support of host communities, regulators, security agencies, partners and staff for restoring operations in record time while maintaining safety and environmental standards.

In a related development, the Presidency said on Monday that President Bola Tinubu has approved the cancellation of about $1.42 billion and ₦5.57 trillion in legacy debts owed by the NNPC to the Federation Account, following recommendations by the Stakeholder Alignment Committee.

The Presidency noted that the debt write-off covered obligations up to December 31, 2024, including those arising from production sharing contracts, domestic supply obligations, repayment agreements, modified carry arrangements and joint venture and PSC royalty receivables. However, it added that new obligations for January to October 2025 remain outstanding, while a separate dispute over an alleged under-remittance of $42.37 billion between 2011 and 2017 remains unresolved, with the NNPC disputing the claim.

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