Business
Defendants in Alleged Coup Plot Deny 13 Charges, Court Urged to Fast-Track Trial
BY SUNDAY SAMUEL—-The accused persons in the ongoing proceedings in Abuja have denied all 13 charges filed against them.
After their plea, the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, asked the court to order that they be held in the custody of the Department of State Services and urged that the matter be heard without delay.
However, counsel to the first accused, Mohammed Ndayako, requested guarantees that they would be allowed adequate access to their clients while they remain in detention.
In reply, the Attorney-General assured the court that the defendants’ rights would be upheld, emphasizing that there had been no previous issues concerning access.
He further noted that everyone involved agrees on the importance of a speedy trial.
A few days earlier, the Federal Government had fixed a date for the trial of those accused of plotting a coup, which investigators say involved plans for a violent takeover of government in October 2025.
Among those implicated is a former Governor of Bayelsa State and ex-Minister of Petroleum Affairs, Timipre Sylva, who is currently on the run. The suspects were arrested for their alleged involvement in the planned coup.
The coming days, along with witness accounts, are expected to provide greater clarity on what is considered one of the most disturbing incidents in recent times.
The post Defendants in Alleged Coup Plot Deny 13 Charges, Court Urged to Fast-Track Trial appeared first on Business Today NG.
BY NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR—Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc has disclosed an insider transaction involving one of its directors, Dr. Akinade Ogunbiyi, who sold more than 1.5 million shares in the insurance company in a deal valued at over ₦6.3 million.
The disclosure, signed by Jide Ibitayo, Company Secretary, filed with the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) and the investing public, showed that Ogunbiyi, a Non-Executive Director of the company, disposed of 1,507,309 ordinary shares of Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc between June 3 and June 9, 2026.
According to the notification, the shares were sold at prices ranging from ₦4.20 to ₦4.33 per share, placing the total value of the transaction at between ₦6.33 million and ₦6.53 million.
The transaction was reported as an initial notification of insider dealing in line with regulatory requirements that mandate directors and other insiders of listed companies to disclose transactions involving the securities of their companies.
Mutual Benefits Assurance identified the financial instrument involved in the transaction as its ordinary shares, traded on the Nigerian Exchange under the ticker symbol “MBENEFIT.”
Insider dealing notifications are a key component of market transparency and corporate governance, providing investors with information on share transactions undertaken by directors, executives, and other individuals with access to potentially price-sensitive information.
While insider transactions often attract investor attention, market analysts note that such dealings do not necessarily indicate changes in a company’s outlook, as they may be influenced by personal investment decisions, portfolio rebalancing, or other financial considerations.
The disclosed transaction took place in Lagos, Nigeria, and was executed over a seven-day period between June 3 and June 9, 2026.
Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc remains one of the companies listed on the Nigerian Exchange that regularly complies with insider dealing disclosure requirements, reinforcing transparency in the capital market.
The post Insider Dealing: Mutual Benefits Director, Ogunbiyi Sells Shares Worth Over ₦6.3 Million appeared first on Business Today NG.
The Federal Government has dismissed reports suggesting it plans to introduce new taxes on telecommunications services and petroleum products, saying the claims are false and misleading.
The Federal Ministry of Finance disclosed this on Wednesday in a statement signed by Maryann Duke, senior special assistant on communications and press secretary to the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele.
It said the reports, which linked the proposed taxes to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Article IV Consultation on Nigeria, do not reflect its position.
According to the government, the recommendations contained in the IMF report are advisory and do not constitute policy decisions or binding actions for Nigeria.
“The Federal Government is not considering the introduction of any new taxes on telecommunications services or petroleum products,” the statement said.
Fuel tax rules remain unchanged.
The government also clarified that existing tax arrangements on petroleum products remain in place.
It said the Value Added Tax (VAT) waiver on fuel has not been removed and is still active.
It also explained that any fuel surcharge can only take effect through a ministerial order published in the Official Gazette, adding that no such action is being considered.
According to the statement, the current arrangements have helped cushion the impact of global fuel price changes on Nigerian households and businesses.
READ ALSO: NRS launches Rev360 to ease tax compliance
Telecoms excise duty
On telecommunications, the government said the excise duty introduced before 2023 has already been repealed under the new tax laws.
It added that the tax is, therefore, no longer in force.
The ministry urged Nigerians, media organisations and businesses to disregard claims about new telecoms and fuel taxes.
It said Nigeria’s tax policy remains focused on improving revenue collection, supporting economic growth, and attracting investment, rather than increasing the tax burden on citizens.
The ministry added that any future tax changes would be communicated through official channels and implemented strictly in line with due process.
-
News2 days agoJUST IN: Gunmen Attack NIPSS in Plateau, Kill Three Security Operatives
-
Health3 days ago
Five dead, 11 cases confirmed in Plateau cholera outbreak
-
News3 days ago
Troops Arrest Notorious Gun-runner In Plateau (Photo)
-
News3 days ago
Insecurity: FG seeks stronger collaboration with traditional rulers
