• Court grants ₦10 million bail to minors in jail for #EndBadGovernance protest
• Tinubu refuses to discontinue the Tax Reform Bill despite opposition from 36 state governors
• Oil marketers aim to sell petrol lesser than Dangote’s price
• EFCC investigates Bobrisky for ₦15 million bribe claim
• World Bank reveals inflation pushed 14 million Nigerians into poverty

Across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, these are the five top Nigerian news stories you shouldn’t miss. 

Court grants ₦10 million bail to minors in jail for #EndBadGovernance protest

A federal court in Abuja has ruled that a bail fee of ₦10 million each be paid by 72 arraigned over their participation in the August 2024 #EndBadGovernance protest.

Among the 72 captured protesters, it was discovered that there were children and minors who had been captured and in prison since the protest happened in August. These minors were asked to pay the bail fee by the presiding judge, Obiora Egwuatu.

The minors in court were seen to be malnourished and dirty, proof that they had been treated poorly in prison. Nigerians have since taken to social media, angered at the thought of children being imprisoned for protesting against hunger.

Tinubu refuses to discontinue the Tax Reform Bill despite opposition from 36 state governors

President Bola Tinubu has refused to shelve his Tax Reform Bill despite the Northern governors and NEC stating that it was not a favourable bill to be effected into law.

The President said there would be no need to withdraw the bill from the National Assembly, rather, changes could be made to accommodate the demands of the opposers.

“While urging the NEC to allow the process to take its full course, President Tinubu welcomed further consultations and engagement with key stakeholders to address any reservations about the bills while the National Assembly considers them for passage,” the Presidency wrote.

Oil marketers aim to sell petrol lesser than Dangote’s price

Oil marketers have revealed their decision to sell their petrol at a cheaper rate than what Dangote Refinery is offering to Nigerians via NNPC.

According to the marketers, Dangote Refinery offered them oil at the rates of ₦1,015 and ₦1,028 based on the quantity being purchased, however, determined to get a better deal elsewhere, marketers have promised to import the product and sell at a cheaper rate.

Reports by the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria revealed that the landing cost for petrol is ₦978/litre, the landing cost for diesel is ₦1,069/litre, and the price for aviation fuel is ₦1,119/litre.

EFCC investigates Bobrisky for ₦15 million bribe claim

After arresting and stopping Idris Okuneye (Bobrisky) from leaving the country, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has begun to investigate the truth behind the socialite’s statement about a ₦15 million bribe to EFCC officials.

The matter began when controversial activist Martins Vincent Otse (VeryDarkMan) released a voice note containing Bobrisky’s voice alleging that she had to bribe EFCC officials with ₦15 million to drop the money laundering charges against her.

The EFCC revealed that the investigation began in Abuja immediately after seizing and arresting Bobrisky.

World Bank reveals inflation pushed 14 million Nigerians into poverty

The World Bank has released data concerning the inflation in Nigeria and its effects on the citizens, stating that 14 million Nigerians have now been pushed to poverty status due to their low income.

The report titled “Macro Poverty Outlook: Country-by-Country Analysis and Projections for the Developing World” proves that nearly 47% of the Nigerian population is now identified within the international poverty line of $2.15 per day.

“Labour incomes have not kept pace, pushing an additional 14 million Nigerians into poverty in 2024. An estimated 47% of Nigerians now live in poverty (or below the international poverty line of $2.15,” the report reads in part.