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PHOTO STORY: Multi-billion naira assets traced to suspended Accountant-General Ahmed Idris

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An online news platform, Premium Times, has obtained images of some of the multi-billion naira assets allegedly owned by the suspended Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Ahmed Idris.

The properties which are mostly in Kano, his home state in Nigeria’s northwestern region, are said to be worth billions of naira, significantly more than his monthly salary as a public officer.

Part of the assets is the Gezawa Commodity Market in Kano State.

Also, an Ultra-Modern Mall, located in Kano State, is said by sources at the EFCC to be worth more than N700 million.

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From the pictures obtained, the mall is built with bricks and sited on a large expanse of land.

However, while the major exterior works have been perfected, work is still ongoing inside with facilities like elevators and escalators being installed.

The accountant-general had in 2021 launched Gezawa Commodity Market and Exchange Limited which he had openly admitted to owning.

Assets traced to suspended Accountant-General Ahmed Idris
Assets traced to suspended Accountant-General Ahmed Idris

Mr Idris reportedly made the remarks when he met with a delegation of the Kano Concerned Citizens Initiative led by its then chairman, the late Bashir Tofa.

The enclosed market is made up of over 20 blocks of shops painted yellow and a spacious parking space.

The space is occupied by fleets of pick-up vans. Our reporter cannot independently ascertain if the new vehicles belong to the suspended official.

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EFCC investigations

Mr Idris is being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of corruption I involving over N80 billion in alleged looted public funds.

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The suspended AGF, although released after spending nights in the EFCC custody, is also facing allegations of criminal conspiracy.

Our sources said the EFCC has for some time now been investigating a case of diversion of at least N80 billion in public funds which were allegedly laundered through some bogus contracts.

The companies used in laundering the funds have allegedly been linked to family members and associates of the suspended accountant-general, investigators said.

The Finance Minister, Zainab Ahmed, suspended the accountant-general without pay on May 18, following his arrest and interrogation over corruption allegations.

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Assets traced to suspended Accountant-General Ahmed Idris
Assets traced to suspended Accountant-General Ahmed Idris

The minister said his suspension was to begin effectively on May 18, 2022.

“Following your recent arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on allegations of diversion of funds and money laundering, I write to convey your suspension from work without pay effective 18th May 2022,” the minister’s letter read in part

Others connected to the alleged diversion have also been arrested.

A former governor of Zamfara State, Abdulaziz Yari, was also arrested over “N22bn SURE-P fraud” linked to the accountant-general.

Mr Yari is yet to be released from the EFCC’s custody as he is still being grilled on other corruption accusations related to Mr Idris.

Assets traced to suspended Accountant-General Ahmed Idris
Assets traced to suspended Accountant-General Ahmed Idris

PREMIUM TIMES reported last week how the former governor is also being investigated for allegedly conspiring with the suspended AGF to siphon an estimated N84billion in public funds.

Those familiar with the matter told this newspaper that the diverted funds were part of the 13 per cent derivation funds meant for payment to eight oil-producing states.

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Assets traced to suspended Accountant-General Ahmed Idris
Assets traced to suspended Accountant-General Ahmed Idris
Assets traced to suspended Accountant-General Ahmed Idris
Assets traced to suspended Accountant-General Ahmed Idris
Assets traced to suspended Accountant-General Ahmed Idris
Assets traced to suspended Accountant-General Ahmed Idris
Assets traced to suspended Accountant-General Ahmed Idris
Assets traced to suspended Accountant-General Ahmed Idris
Assets traced to suspended Accountant-General Ahmed Idris
Assets traced to suspended Accountant-General Ahmed Idris
Assets traced to suspended Accountant-General Ahmed Idris
assets traced to suspended Accountant-General Ahmed Idris
Assets traced to suspended Accountant-General Ahmed Idris
Assets traced to suspended Accountant-General Ahmed Idris
Assets traced to suspended Accountant-General Ahmed Idris
Assets traced to suspended Accountant-General Ahmed Idris
Assets traced to suspended Accountant-General Ahmed Idris

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Technology

iPhone 15 Launch: Redefining Connectivity, Safety, Sustainability

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Apple aficionados, hold onto your seats because the iPhone 15 series has officially landed. The lineup includes the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, starting at an enticing $799, and the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, with prices starting at $999. Here are some key takeaways:

USB-C Charging: Apple is embracing the universally accepted USB-C standard, allowing you to charge your iPhone 15 with the same cable that powers your Mac, iPad, and even AirPods Pro 2nd Generation. This seamless compatibility simplifies your tech life.

Satellite Roadside Assistance: In an innovative move, Apple has introduced Emergency SOS via satellite. This service has been a lifesaver in emergencies, aiding first responders in accidents and natural disasters. Moreover, it’s expanded to 14 countries across three continents, ensuring your safety wherever you are.

Voice Isolation: The iPhone 15 employs advanced machine learning models that prioritize your voice. It also offers Voice Isolation, filtering out distracting background noise to ensure your voice comes through crystal clear.

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The Future of Connectivity: MagSafe and FineWoven Accessories
iPhone 15 Launch: Redefining Connectivity, Safety, SustainabilityiPhone 15 launch with eco-friendly accessories

Apple is not only redefining how we charge our devices but also how we accessorize them:

MagSafe: iPhone 15 features MagSafe, which uses magnets with 100% recycled rare earth elements. This ensures perfect alignment for MagSafe and Qi chargers, as well as other accessories like cases and wallets.

FineWoven Accessories: Apple introduces FineWoven cases that are soft, durable, and eco-friendly. These join the existing lineup of Silicone and clear cases, all meticulously designed to complement your iPhone 15 while reducing carbon emissions.

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A17 Pro Chipset: Power and Performance

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Under the hood, the iPhone 15 series packs a punch with the A17 Pro chipset. It delivers up to 10% faster performance with microarchitectural and design improvements. The Neural Engine is also turbocharged, making features like autocorrect and Personal Voice in iOS 17 even more efficient.

iPhone 15 Pro Max: Photography Redefined

Photography enthusiasts will rejoice as the iPhone 15 Pro Max boasts the longest optical zoom ever on an iPhone—5x at 120 mm. It features a groundbreaking tetraprism design, combining optical image stabilization and autofocus 3D sensor-shift technology. Night Mode photography, Smart HDR, and support for ACES—the Academy Colour Encoding System—make this iPhone a photography powerhouse.

As the curtain fell on Apple’s iPhone 15 launch event, it’s evident that the tech giant continues to push the boundaries of innovation. The iPhone 15 series redefines connectivity and safety, while the A17 Pro chipset and photography enhancements demonstrate Apple’s zeal for excellence.

With USB-C charging, satellite assistance, and a focus on sustainability, Apple is not just launching a new iPhone; it’s setting the stage for a tech future that’s more accessible, connected, and eco-conscious. The iPhone 15 series and its innovations are not just a glimpse into the future; they are the future, and it’s looking brighter than ever.

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Unveiling the Future of Automotive: The Metaverse Motor Show 2024

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NEW YORK, Sept. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Leading virtual worlds Decentraland, Vegas City, and innovative digital architecture studio, Voxel Architects, are partnering to create the biggest automotive event in the history of the Metaverse: The Metaverse Motor Show 2024 (MVMS 2024). This collaboration aims to connect automotive enthusiasts, world-renowned car brands, and the global metaverse community to demonstrate the future of personal transportation.

MVMS24, slated for launch in February 2024, promises to be the ultimate convergence of technology, art, and imagination. By combining the expertise of Decentraland, the largest decentralized Metaverse, Vegas City, the pinnacle of gaming districts, and Voxel Architects, the renowned Metaverse-native digital architecture studio, this event will mark a new era for the automotive industry.

Hosted on an 800-parcel Estate within Decentraland, the MVMS 2024 will introduce an innovative approach to fan engagement, brand promotion, and experiential automotive showcases. With an array of features that include car runway shows, real-life car displays, wearable collections, live conferences, and live racetrack races, this event is poised to revolutionize how car lovers and automotive brands interact.

Sam Hamilton, Creative Director Decentraland Foundation expressed excitement about the potential of MVMS 2024, stating, “MVMS 2024 is a manifestation of the limitless possibilities that arise from the synergy of technology, design, and community. Our team is thrilled to create a visionary venue that will not only redefine how car enthusiasts experience automotive events but also pioneer the fusion of virtual and physical realities.”

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The MVMS 2024 represents a transformative journey into the future of automotive innovation. The event will facilitate unprecedented interactions between brands and their digitally native audiences. Automotive enthusiasts worldwide will witness a week-long celebration that blends reality and imagination, as cars take center stage in a Metaverse built for engagement, inspiration, and collaboration.

Brands participating in the MVMS 2024 will have the unique opportunity to embrace the next-generation internet, explore innovative Web3 fan engagement strategies, and pioneer new monetization models using NFT technology and exclusive ticket-access experiences.

Vegas City and Voxel Architects will design an exceptional event venue that mirrors the innovative spirit of the MVMS 2024. The organic-shaped building, surrounded by a racetrack, will host a central stage connected to brand plazas and pavilions that showcase iconic automotive brands in captivating and interactive ways.

The MVMS 2024 is more than an event; it’s a leap into the uncharted territories of automotive experiences. This is the future of automotive innovation, and the world is invited to be a part of history. Vroom Vroom.

About Decentraland
Decentraland is the first decentralized Metaverse built, governed, and owned by its users and creators. With renowned brands like Coca-Cola, Sotheby’s, Vogue, and more, Decentraland offers unparalleled opportunities for brand engagement and community building.

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About Vegas City
Vegas City, the largest gaming district in Decentraland, offers prime real estate and exciting venues. As a pioneer in the virtual social platform space, Vegas City presents a dynamic and engaging experience for virtual world enthusiasts.

About Voxel Architects
Voxel Architects is a Metaverse-native digital architecture studio and a benchmark in the creation of immersive experiences. With a diverse portfolio of clients, Voxel Architects is at the forefront of designing transformative virtual spaces for leading brands.

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The Need for Taxing the Metaverse: Opportunities and Implications

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Harvard scholar and esteemed law professor from Yeshiva University, Christine Kim, has unveiled a compelling study. It makes a case for taxing the metaverse and viewing it as a cutting-edge policy testing ground.
Wealth Creation in Metaverse Realms

Participants have the unique opportunity to generate wealth entirely in a virtual ecosystem within the metaverse. This new frontier of wealth accumulation prompts the question: how should it be regulated?

Kim’s research suggests that economic actions in the metaverse align with the established Haig-Simons and Glenshaw Glass income definitions. She warns, “Excluding it might inadvertently establish a tax haven.“

One of the metaverse’s hallmark features is its ability to record digital actions, enabling real-time wealth tracking meticulously. This attribute, Kim proposes, revolutionizes how governments might approach tax law, especially in the U.S. Immediate taxation upon income receipt could redefine existing practices.

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Currently, metaverse enthusiasts in the U.S. face taxation only during specific taxable events, such as withdrawals. However, Kim advocates for a paradigm shift. She recommends immediate taxation on all gains, even those unrealized, retained within the metaverse’s confines.
Navigating Enforcement Challenges

With new tax norms come the challenges of enforcement. Kim outlines two probable enforcement strategies:

Platform-Led Withholding: Individual platforms would retain taxes on their users’ behalf.
Residence Taxation: A less favored method, this requires platforms to dispatch tax details to users, placing the onus on them to settle their tax dues.

Beyond mere taxation, Kim posits that the metaverse offers lawmakers, even those distant from Web3 and metaverse tech, a golden chance. She eloquently states, “The Metaverse serves as an innovative lab for experimentation,” alluding to its potential to mimic situations the tangible world may never witness.

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The rise of the metaverse presents not just challenges but immense opportunities. Lawmakers and policy enthusiasts can delve deep, harnessing its potential to reshape fiscal policies and, perhaps, redefine our understanding of wealth and taxation in the digital age.

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