AFRICA NEWS
21st October, 2024
By Oyenike
JUNGLE JUSTICE THREATENS INTEGRITY OF NIGERIA’S CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM – NPF
In light of the recent surge in mob justice across various regions in Nigeria, the Nigeria Police Force has denounced this alarming and unacceptable trend, warning the public about its repercussions on the criminal justice system, the rule of law, and Nigeria’s international standing.
The police emphasise that mob justice, a reprehensible and brutal act, has resulted in tragic fatalities and property damage nationwide. This barbaric behaviour represents a failure of justice and due process, eroding the rule of law and the core principles of human rights and justice.
Additionally, the police strongly condemn the act of arson that resulted in the deaths of suspects in police custody, along with the destruction of police facilities, patrol vehicles, and a Divisional Police Station in Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State on 13th October 2024.
In this incident, community members accused the police of attempting to obstruct justice by detaining suspected kidnappers and robbers terrorising the area. After the main suspect was arrested, he was nearly lynched before police intervention.
This led to the detention of three other suspects, which angered the community, resulting in an attack on the police station where suspects were killed by fire, and the facility was set ablaze. The community’s belief that the police would release the suspects was misguided and unjust, as the police had no intention of undermining justice.
NIGERIA GOVERNMENT PROPOSES 5% TAX ON TELECOM SERVICES AND GAMING INDUSTRY
The Nigeria Federal Government has suggested a five per cent excise tax on telecommunications, gaming, and betting as part of a new legislative initiative to reform Nigeria’s taxation system. This proposal, titled “A Bill for an Act to Repeal Certain Acts on Taxation and Consolidate the Legal Frameworks Relating to Taxation and Enact the Nigeria Tax Act,” was dated 4th October 2024 and sourced from the National Assembly.
An examination of the proposed law revealed that it aims to implement excise taxes on services like telecoms, gaming, gambling, lotteries, and betting offered in Nigeria. A provision in the bill states that the excise amount is based on the charge for the service by the provider, whether in cash or equivalent value.
According to the proposed duty structure, telecom services, including both postpaid and prepaid options regulated by the Nigerian Communications Commission, will incur a five per cent duty. This rate will similarly apply to gaming, gambling, betting, and lottery services. Additionally, the bill outlines regulations for currency transactions, indicating that any discrepancies between the Central Bank of Nigeria’s exchange rate and the actual transaction rate will also be subject to excise duty.
This new tax framework is part of the government’s plan to enhance non-oil revenue in light of fiscal challenges. With the rapid expansion of the telecom and betting industries, authorities are seeking to broaden the revenue base while ensuring compliance with the new regulations.
The president of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu
MOZAMBIQUE POLICE CLASH WITH OPPOSITION PROTESTERS AMIDST ELECTION DISPUTE
The police in Mozambique used tear gas against protesters in Maputo on Monday, where demonstrators gathered following the fatal shooting of two opposition figures after a controversial election. Full results from the 9th October national election are anticipated this week, with initial outcomes indicating that the ruling party, Frelimo, is poised for another victory. Opposition candidates allege that the election was manipulated, while Frelimo, in power since 1975, faces accusations of electoral misconduct, which it refutes.
Protester Vladimir Manhique expressed frustration, stating, “The police are escalating this into a violent protest by firing at us. We are here to demand the truth regarding the election.” He emphasised that their demonstration signifies a stand against the current regime. Reports indicated that an individual in civilian attire fired at the crowd before fleeing in a vehicle with a police officer, raising concerns about police conduct during political protests.
The situation escalated after gunmen shot an opposition lawyer and a party member in their vehicle in Maputo on Saturday, intensifying tensions ahead of a national strike organised by independent presidential candidate Venancio Mondlane. Following the clashes with police, Mondlane declared the strike a success and urged protesters to disperse.
Many businesses in Maputo remained closed, and the streets were notably quieter. Mozambique’s electoral commission has refrained from addressing the allegations of fraud. Observers from the U.S. noted that the election fell short of international democratic standards, citing instances of vote buying, intimidation, and inaccuracies in voter registrations.
Protesters clash with Police in Mozambique
SUDANESE ARMY ACHIEVES LANDMARK DEFLECTION: SENIOR RSF COMMANDER JOINS THE FIGHT
Sudan’s military announced on Sunday that a commander from the opposing Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has defected along with some of his troops, marking the first significant defection since the conflict began over 18 months ago.
Supporters of the army shared images online allegedly showing Abuagla Keikal, a former army officer who rose to become the RSF’s top commander in El Gezira, following his defection. The RSF later claimed that Keikal had switched allegiance after a “deal” and stated that they inflicted losses on the defectors in eastern El Gezira.
The army, which has recently reported progress against the RSF in certain areas of the capital, indicated that Keikal’s decision was motivated by the RSF’s “destructive agenda.” There has been no immediate response from Keikal, who served as a military intelligence officer prior to the outbreak of war. The RSF has taken control of significant portions of Sudan amid a conflict with the army, which the United Nations describes as one of the worst humanitarian crises globally.
The ongoing war has resulted in the displacement of over 10 million individuals, pushing parts of the nation into severe hunger or famine, and has attracted foreign powers that have provided support to both factions.
The Sudanese army
NIGERIAN RAILWAY CORPORATION WELCOMES NEW ACTING MD
The Nigerian Railway Corporation has designated Ben Iloanusi as the interim Managing Director following the conclusion of Fidet Okhiria’s second four-year tenure. The handover took place on 18th October, with Iloanusi assuming control of the organisation.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Yakub Mahmood, the NRC’s Deputy Director of Public Relations, confirmed the change and highlighted Iloanusi’s qualifications. Having joined the NRC in 2011, Iloanusi has climbed the ranks to become the highest-ranking Executive Director and has been the Deputy Director of Procurement since 2019. He holds a political science degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and an MBA in international management from South Bank University, London.
In his farewell address, Okhiria thanked the NRC staff for their support during his time and urged them to offer the same cooperation to Iloanusi. In turn, Iloanusi requested the workforce’s backing and welcomed constructive feedback to improve the organisation’s operations, emphasising his commitment to effectively leading the corporation during this transition.
The Nigerian Railway Corporation
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