Cross River Lawmakers Invites Commissioner Over Alleged Illegal Levies

Cross River lawmakers invites commissioner over alleged illegal levies. The House described the imposition of illegal levies by the ministry as double taxation.

The Cross River House of Assembly has invited the state commissioner for environment over alleged illegal levies imposed on truck drivers.

The House took the decision following a complaint made during the house session on Monday by Okon Owuna, the member representing Akamkpa I in the assembly.

Mr Owuna said that the levy tagged “Cross River Evacuation Permit” was imposed by the Ministry of Environment on trucks hauling granite from quarries in Akamkpa.

The lawmaker said that the levy was illegal, and not approved by the Cross River Internal Revenue Service.
“This levy is not also backed by the state Revenue Administration Law passed by the State Assembly,” he said.

He further said that the collection of the illegal levies had caused serious hardship on truck drivers as well as business owners in the area.

“This has led to the withdrawal of their trucks to quarries in neighbouring states; this trend should be stopped to preserve the good image of the state.

“If this trend is not checked, it is capable of destroying the hard-earned reputation and good image that Governor Bassey Otu has built for the state,” he said.

Other lawmakers who spoke on the matter described the imposition of illegal levies by the ministry as double taxation.

Cross River Lawmakers

The speaker, Elvert Ayambem, condemned the act and said that the commissioner of environmental and chairman of the Internal Revenue Service should appear before the house.

Mr Ayambem said the invitation of the two government officials would enable the House to adequately understand the issue and proffer lasting solutions.

EFCC Arrests TikTok Influencer, Murja Kunya for Alleged Naira Mutilation In Kano

EFCC arrests TikTok influencer, Murja Kunya for alleged Naira Mutilation in Kano. Operatives of the Kano Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission , EFCC, have arrested popular TikTok influencer, Murja Ibrahim Kunya, for allegedly abusing and mutilating the Naira.

Specifically, Kunya was arrested for allegedly spraying Naira notes for fun during her stay in a hotel room at Tahir Guest Palace in Kano.

The arrest followed her diligent pursuit by EFCC operatives after she jumped an administrative bail granted her by the Commission over one month ago.

She was initially arrested in January 2025 for violating the Central Bank of Nigeria CBN, Act which prohibits the abuse and mutilation of the Naira.

She was granted an administrative bail by the Commission pending her arraignment before the Federal High Court in Kano.

However, when it was time for her court appearance, Kunya absconded, evading the legal processes.

However, after weeks of intensive investigation and surveillance, EFCC operatives successfully re-arrested the TikTok Influencer on Sunday March 16, 2025.

Murja Kunya

She was subsequently conveyed to the Kano Zonal Directorate of the Commission, where she is currently in custody awaiting her arraignment.

The EFCC reiterates its commitment to enforcing laws protecting the integrity of the Nigerian currency and warned against acts of abuse including spraying, stamping, or mutilating the currency during social events.

Protest Erupts In Abuja Over Benue Judiciary Crisis, Seeks Tinubu Intervention

Protest erupts in Abuja over Benue judiciary crisis, seeks Tinubu intervention…Coalition Petitions NJC, Seeks Tinubu, CJN’s Intervention

A coalition of civil society organizations (CSOs) staged a protest at the Three Arms Zone in Abuja on Monday, calling for urgent intervention from President Bola Tinubu and the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, in the ongoing crisis within the Benue State judiciary.

The protesters, holding placards questioning the integrity of some judges, warned that Nigeria’s democracy was at risk and urged the CJN to take action.

Speaking to journalists, the coalition’s Chief Convener, Comrade Igwe Ude-Umanta, criticized the increasing politicization of the judiciary. He accused Benue State Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, of violating judicial procedures by waiving the mandatory security deposit for petitioners at the Local Government Election Tribunal and later relocating the tribunal to Abuja—actions seen as breaching Benue State’s electoral laws.

Despite a Federal High Court order on March 7, 2025, barring the tribunal from sitting outside Benue, an FCT High Court presided over by Justice M.M. Adamu allegedly issued a conflicting order on March 14, allowing the tribunal to operate in Abuja.

Protest Erupts In Abuja

The coalition described this as judicial overreach and called for disciplinary action against both judges.

The group also alleged that powerful Benue politicians in Abuja were colluding with top police officials to suppress protests against the tribunal’s relocation.

They commended the FCT Commissioner of Police for maintaining order during past demonstrations but condemned military intimidation of peaceful protesters.

The coalition urged President Tinubu and the NJC to intervene immediately to uphold the integrity of the judiciary and ensure justice prevails in Benue State.