Tensions flared at the University of Abuja on Tuesday as protesting professors condemned the controversial process for selecting a new Vice-Chancellor.
The demonstration took a violent turn when security operatives allegedly assaulted a Channels Television crew covering the protest.
Witnesses reported that the journalists were manhandled, their vehicle vandalized, and detained for over an hour.
The aggrieved professors accused the university’s management of conducting a flawed and opaque selection process, calling for immediate reforms and fairness in appointing the institution’s next leader.
While the university authorities have yet to respond to the accusations, security presence on campus has been intensified to quell further unrest.
The incident highlighted growing dissatisfaction within Nigeria’s academic community over leadership appointments and governance practices.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has confirmed the deaths of 10 people, including four children, in a stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, on Saturday morning.

The tragic incident occurred during the distribution of food items to vulnerable and elderly individuals, leaving eight others injured, according to a statement by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh.

Adeh disclosed that four of the injured victims have been treated and discharged, while others remain in critical care.

The stampede took place around 6:30 a.m., prompting a swift response from the Police Rapid Response Squad and the FCT Joint Task Force, who evacuated over 1,000 people from the scene.
“The FCT Police Command extends heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wishes the injured a speedy recovery,” Adeh said.
She added that the FCT Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olatunji Disu, visited the victims in the hospital to offer support and assistance.
Following the tragedy, the Police Command directed organizers of public events to notify authorities in advance to allow for adequate security measures.

Adeh warned that failure to comply with this directive would result in legal action against event organizers, holding them liable for any loss of life or injuries caused by negligence.

The Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) has announced a record-breaking revenue collection of ₦252.8 billion for the 2024 fiscal year, surpassing its ₦250.2 billion target by 19.8%.

The Acting Executive Chairman the Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service, Michael Ango, made the disclosure at an end-of-year briefing in Abuja on Thursday.

He stated that the revenue represents a 19% increase from the previous year’s internally generated revenue of ₦211bn and 101% of the 2024 revenue target of ₦250bn.
He attributed the agency’s success to enhanced collaboration, improved processes, and strategic reforms. He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, FCT Minister Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, and other stakeholders for their unwavering support in achieving the feat.

“This remarkable performance is a testament to the dedication of our staff, the FCT Administration, and the cooperation of various government agencies. Together, we have laid the foundation for sustainable revenue growth, which is critical to the transformation of the FCT,” he stated.

He explained that ser ice implemented several initiatives in 2024 to enhance revenue collection, including Organisational Restructuring through the Creation of new departments such as Audit, Debt Management, Enforcement, and a High Net Worth Individuals (HNIs) Unit.
He indicated that over 52 training programs were conducted, with every staff member attending at least one session.
The service according to him Strengthened partnerships with the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), and the FCT Judiciary to boost compliance.
He also pointed out that new payment gateways and plans for kiosks were created in strategic locations to simplify tax payment.
The Acting Executive Chairman outlined ambitious goals for 2025, to include harmonisation of Revenue Collection by managing revenue collection on behalf of Area Councils to streamline processes and improve transparency.

The introduction of new revenue streams in property and Betting taxes he said will complement existing taxes and align with recent Supreme Court rulings.

The Acting chairman of agency promised to intensify efforts to prosecute tax defaulters while continuing public education on tax compliance.
He promised impproved Working Conditions through provision of laptops to all staff by mid-2025 and addressing of manpower shortages

He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to transparency, innovation, and collaboration as guiding pillars for 2025.
He called on residents to fulfill their tax obligations to support the FCT’s infrastructural development, driven by the leadership of Minister Wike.

In his concluding remarks, the Acting Executive Chairman emphasized the importance of partnership with the media in maintaining public trust and awareness.

“As we approach 2025, we count on your support to promote accountability and ensure our shared goals for the FCT are achieved. Together, we can drive the transformation of the FCT into a model city,” he stated.

The briefing ended with a commitment to continuous engagement with stakeholders and a promise of more impactful initiatives in the coming year.