Two Belgian teenagers have been charged with wildlife piracy in Kenya after authorities found them in possession of 5,000 live ants packed in test tubes — a case that officials say highlights a growing trend in trafficking lesser-known species.

Lornoy David and Seppe Lodewijckx, both 19, were arrested on April 5 at a guest house in Nakuru County. During their court appearance at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Law Courts in Nairobi, the visibly distressed teens were consoled by relatives. They claimed they were collecting the ants “for fun” and were unaware that their actions were illegal.

The Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Taiwo Oyedele, has stated that the Tax Reform Bill will significantly reduce poverty and empower ordinary Nigerians.

Speaking at the Spokespersons’ Summit organised by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) in Abuja, Oyedele expressed confidence in the positive changes the bill is set to bring, particularly for low-income earners and small businesses.

He highlighted key features of the proposed reform, including the exemption of low-income earners from paying Personal Income Tax (PAYE), and the removal of Value Added Tax (VAT) on essential goods and services such as food, education, and healthcare.

Additionally, the bill proposes a zero per cent Corporate Income Tax (CIT) rate for small businesses. Oyedele acknowledged that despite its benefits, the bill has faced criticism and misunderstandings.

“Tax issues are not always popular because people find it difficult to part with their money—especially when they can’t see the benefits of what the government is doing with it,” he said.

According to him, the committee’s approach was to identify challenges through data and design a solution tailored to Nigeria’s needs.

“That is exactly what we have done with the tax reform bill, which is now close to being passed and signed by the President,” he added.

Oyedele emphasized that once implementation begins, Nigerians—especially those in lower-income brackets—will start to experience real improvements in their daily lives.

“We want Nigerians to have the opportunity to create wealth. When they succeed, they can then pay taxes—not the other way around,” he said.

He also commended NIPR for organizing the summit and for promoting public understanding of government policies.

In his remarks, NIPR President and Chairman of Council, Dr Ike Neliaku, stressed the importance of involving professional communicators in policy formulation. He said communicators play a crucial role in explaining complex policies to the public.

“When the government says, ‘This is what we want to do,’ it’s up to trained experts—not quacks—to develop effective communication strategies,” Neliaku stated.

He noted that the tax reform was misunderstood largely due to poor communication, which gave room for misinformation.

To address this, NIPR and its partners are working with the government to create a comprehensive tax communication framework. Similar efforts are also ongoing in areas such as climate action and science communication.

Neliaku urged spokespersons to continually update their knowledge and stay informed on current trends and issues to communicate effectively.

“Kasarani detectives have apprehended two men who have been pulling off an online con by posing as stunning females offering professional massage, only to massage away their clients’ valuables instead,” the statement read.

“The suspects, Alex Mugo Wachira and Simon Chomba Mbogo, have been luring unsuspecting clients by advertising “professional massage services” online. But instead of a relaxing massage, victims are met with a not-so-soothing surprise.

“One such victim, perhaps dreaming of scented oils and spa music, reported the ordeal to the Kasarani Police Station. Enticed by what seemed to be two attractive women offering top-tier massage sessions, he made his way to their supposed spa residence along Lumumba Drive, Kasarani.

“However, moments into the “massage,” things took a sharp turn. The two whipped out knives, revealing their true identities and zero massage knowledge. Under duress, the victim was forced to transfer Sh280,000 to the suspects’ phone number, robbed of his valuables before being unceremoniously thrown out.

“Investigations were initiated, and through forensic leads, the two were arrested while having a good time at a chilling spot in Kamiti prison area, probably using the stolen cash.

“The duo is currently in custody, undergoing processing pending arraignment.”