A multi-million naira revenue fraud syndicate operating under the guise of legitimate taxation has been uncovered, with fresh evidence pointing to a long-standing network of deception allegedly led by Engr. Emmanuel Osigbemeh, National Chairman of the Heavy Duty and Haulage Transport Association of Nigeria (HDHTAN).

Investigations revealed that for over seven years, truck drivers and haulage operators have been forced to pay illegal levies, with receipts falsely stamped “In partnership with the Federal Government.”
The scheme, which reportedly rakes in millions of naira daily, has continued despite multiple petitions to authorities, including the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

Documents seen by our reporters indicate that HDHTAN’s leadership attempted to secure presidential approval for their revenue-collection operations but were denied authorization.
However, instead of halting their activities, they allegedly manipulated internal government communications to create the illusion of legitimacy.

A memo from the SGF’s office, originally sent to the police for comments, was allegedly leaked and later misrepresented as a government directive.
Armed with this fraudulent backing, HDHTAN operatives reportedly enforced levies across multiple states, with police officers unknowingly—or in some cases, willingly—providing cover for their operations.

Anti-corruption advocate Abayomi Makinde, who has been tracking the syndicate, raised concerns about possible collusion within the police and other security agencies. According to Makinde, HDHTAN officials worked with certain officers to alter official signals, changing the classification of their activities from “investigation” to “government collaboration.”

“While realizing the negative impact of the SGF’s response, they conspired with top security officials to modify internal communications and give their fraudulent operations a new face,” Makinde revealed.

Several truck drivers who spoke to our reporters described the extortion as a daily nightmare.

“We are forced to pay N10,000 every day just to keep moving. They tell us it’s a government fee, and if you refuse, they seize your vehicle,” said a driver who operates between Edo and Delta states.

Another transporter, who preferred anonymity, added, “This is not taxation, it’s outright theft. Everyone knows it, but nobody dares to challenge them because the police are involved.”

With mounting evidence and increased pressure from anti-corruption groups, the Tinubu administration faces a crucial test. Will the government crack down on the syndicate and recover lost revenues, or will these fraudulent practices continue unchecked?

Makinde has called on President Tinubu to issue a direct order to security agencies to dismantle the fraudulent network and prosecute those involved.

“Nigerians cannot afford to watch billions siphoned away while the country struggles with revenue shortages. This is not just fraud—it’s economic sabotage,” he declared.

As the scandal unfolds, all eyes are now on the government’s next move. Will this be another case of impunity, or will Nigeria finally see justice?

The Northern Senators Forum has expressed profound sorrow over the tragic fire that swept through an Islamic school in Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State, claiming the lives of several young students. 

Describing the incident as a heartbreaking loss, the forum extended its deepest condolences to the bereaved families and the wider Zamfara community.

In a statement signed by Sen. Abdulaziz Musa Yar’adua, Chairman of the Northern Senators Forum, the lawmakers not only mourned the victims but also called for immediate and decisive action to prevent such tragedies from recurring.

“This is a devastating loss that touches every heart in our region,” the statement read. “We stand with the people of Zamfara in this time of grief and urge the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of this fire.”
Beyond the immediate mourning, the Northern Senators Forum stressed the need for systemic changes in how schools are regulated and managed. 

The senators urged state Ministries of Education to implement strict supervision and accreditation processes to ensure all educational institutions meet basic safety standards.
“This tragedy must serve as a wake-up call,” Sen. Yar’adua stated. “No school should operate without adhering to stringent safety guidelines. The lives of our children depend on it.”
The Forum also called on the Zamfara State Government to step up support for the affected families, recommending not only financial compensation but also counseling services to help them cope with the loss.
“As we mourn, we pray that Almighty Allah grants eternal rest to the souls of the departed and gives their families the strength to bear this painful loss,” the statement continued. “But prayers alone are not enough—we must ensure that such a tragedy never happens again.”
The Forum assured the public that it remains committed to pushing for legislative reforms aimed at safeguarding Nigerian schools. “We will continue to monitor this situation closely and work towards strengthening policies that prioritize the safety and well-being of our children. It is our responsibility to create an environment where students can learn without fear.”
The Kaura Namoda fire has reignited national conversations about the safety conditions of schools, particularly in northern Nigeria, where infrastructural challenges and regulatory gaps often leave institutions vulnerable to disasters. 
As the investigation unfolds, all eyes will be on both the Zamfara State Government and the Federal Ministry of Education to implement the necessary reforms to prevent future tragedies.

***Minister Wale Edun Hails Local Innovation in Sustainable Transport

The Federal Government has commended NEV Electric, an indigenous electric vehicle (EV) company under Brilliant Model Technology, for its groundbreaking efforts in developing affordable and eco-friendly transportation solutions in Nigeria.

During a test ride of NEV Electric’s buses, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, lauded the company’s contributions to sustainable mass transit, emphasizing that its innovations align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for a cleaner and more efficient transportation system.
Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohammed Manga in a statement quoted Minister Edun thus,

“NEV Electric’s initiative is a game-changer for Nigeria’s transport sector. It not only addresses environmental concerns but also creates jobs, enhances energy security, and boosts economic growth,” Edun stated.

The Minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting local innovation and private-sector partnerships that drive the transition to clean energy solutions.

As Nigeria tackles urban mobility challenges, the government’s endorsement of NEV Electric signals a major shift towards reducing carbon emissions, improving transportation efficiency, and fostering economic development.

This move is expected to accelerate Nigeria’s journey towards a sustainable and technologically advanced transport system.