General
18 Illegal Oil Dealers Forfeit N3.5m, Properties
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday, May 17, 2019, secured the conviction and sentencing of 18 illegal oil dealers before Justice Rilwan Aikawa of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos.
The convicts are: Ayeni John, Emmanuel Tosu, Emopin Monein, Malade Aiyetimiyi, Odroja Ojune, Ikedehinbu Idowu, Abogun Ota, Elamah Augustine, Olarotimi Elikanah and ThankGod Benjami.
Others are: Abbas Friday, Victor Goldsmith, Gbenga Thomas, Ibane Austine, Idowu Surprise, Asemia Thomas, Agbayoh Lawrence, Salihu Malik and Ayetiniyi Ademola.
They were re-arraigned on a three -count charge bordering on conspiracy, dealing in and storing of unlicensed Automotive Gas Oil, AGO.
The suspects were arrested with two fibre boats laden with petroleum products from a hijacked vessel, MT MAMA ELIZABETH, by the Nigerian Navy on August 30, 2018 in Lagos and some parts of Ondo and handed over to the Commission for further investigation and prosecution.
They were alleged to have conspired among themselves to deal in about 21,840 litres of Automotive Gas Oil without appropriate licence.
At the point of arrest, N3.5 million, which was suspected to be proceeds from the sales of the illegally acquired products, was found on one of the convicts.
One of the counts reads: “ That you, Ayeni John, Emmanuel Tosu, Emopin Moneyin, Malade Aiyetimiyi, Odeoja Ojune, Ikedehinbu Idowu, Abogun Ota, Elamah Augustine, Olarotimi Elikanah, ThankGod Benjamin, Abbas Friday, Victor Goldsmith, Gbenga Thomas, Ibane Austine, Idowu Surprise, Asemia Thomas, Agbayoh Lawrence, Saliu Malik, Ayetiniyi Ademola , between August and September, 2018 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, conspired amongst yourselves to commit an offence to wit: dealing in about 21,840 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO)without appropriate licence and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 3(6) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act Cap.17 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 and punishable under Section 1(17) of the same Act.”
All but the eighth defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against him defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against them.
In view of their pleas, the prosecution counsel, Idris Abdullahi, informed the court that the first, seventh, ninth and nineteenth defendants had entered a plea bargain with the EFCC and sought the leave of the court to review the facts of the case.
The prosecution counsel, Abdullahi, in his submission, informed the court that on August 30, 2018, the Nigerian Navy Beecroft, while on a patrol around the Atlas Cove Island, intercepted two fiber boats that had in its possession 21,840 litres of AGO, the source of the product was hijacked from a vessel named MV Mama Elizabeth.
He also told the court that, at the time of arrest, nine crew members were arrested and 10 others during the cause of investigation.
Abdullahi also stated that the sum of N3.5 million was found on the 18 defendant, while two locally made fabricated guns were recovered from the nineteenth defendant.
He added: “They were all handed over to the EFCC for further investigation.
“EFCC investigations revealed that the defendants conspired amongst themselves, dealt in and stored unlicensed 21, 840 AGO.
“They were confronted with the findings and volunteered statements to the EFCC.
“The Nigerian Navy arresting officers also volunteered statements.”
The prosecution counsel sought to tender the hand-over notes from the Nigerian Navy to the EFCC, the arresting officers’ statements, the statements of the defendants and two letters from the EFCC exhibit keeper showing deposit of N3,500,000 and two fabricated guns.
The documents were admitted in evidence as exhibits 1, 2, 3, (3A),4(4Q)5, respectively.
The prosecution adopted the plea bargain agreement of one year imprisonment on the defendants each from August 25, 2018, being the day of their arrest and detention prior to their arraignment on February 28, 2019.
It was also agreed that the two fibre boats, 21,840 litres of Automotive Gas Oil and the sum of N3.5 million recovered from the eighteenth convict be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria and be deposited by the Commission to the Consolidated Revenue Funds of the Federation.
According to the prosecution, it was further agreed that the two fibre boats and the 2,1840 litres of Automotive Gas Oil be sold by the EFCC in collaboration with the appropriate government agency or private organization, and the proceeds be remitted to Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation.
It was also agreed that, upon their release from prison custody, the defendants are to enter a bond with the EFCC to be of good behaviour and never to be involved in any form of economic and financial crimes, illegitimate or criminal acts, both within and outside the shores of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
In view of their guilty plea, the prosecution counsel, Abdullahi, urged the court to convict the defendants on the three-count charge and also prayed the court to sentence them to the terms agreed in the plea bargain.
Justice Aikawa, while considering the terms of the plea bargain, convicted the defendants on the three counts and sentenced them to one year imprisonment on each count, which are to run concurrently.
General
Pastor Ogbueli’s Abuja Night of Glory Holds Today
By Blaise Udunze
Momentum is gathering for the Abuja Night of Glory taking place today, Friday, December 5, 2025, at the main bowl of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.
The crusade is being hosted by Dominion City Church headed by Pastor David Ogbueli and it starts by 7pm.
The all-night programme will feature dynamic worship leaders like Nathanial Bassey, Dunsin Oyekan, Theophilus Sunday, Chioma Jesus, Kaestrings, Sunmisola Agbebi Okeleye, Minister GUC, Ebuka Songs, Anthony Kani, and DC Angels.
Reputed as a teacher of righteousness and anointed minister of the gospel, evidenced by the miracles that have trailed his ministry, and one who champions the cause of the poor through empowerment initiatives, Dr. David Ogbueli will be joined by renowned ministers from within and outside Nigeria, including Evangelist Andres Bisonni, Dr. Charles Ndifon, Evangelist Dan Scott, Apostle Ikechukwu Nnajiofor, and several others.
Night of Glory has, in previous editions held across Nigeria’s cities, recorded remarkable results, such as immediate healings and freedom from chronic ailments, recovery of vision and movement after many years of paralysis, along with liberation from dependencies and emotional distress. Numerous participants have also shared testimonies of breakthroughs and big personal changes after the experience. Organisers state that this year’s event, in Abuja, is anticipated to exceed previous editions.
The event is intended for all individuals trusting God for divine intervention in any area of life.
Understanding the role of faith in the destiny of individuals and nations, a dedicated prayer session for Nigeria will take place during the crusade to tackle some of the current challenges being faced in the country and also to uplift he leaders and institutions before God.
Attendance is free, and registration is encouraged via the QR codes on event banners. Organisers expect a massive turnout as worshippers travel from across the country for what is anticipated to be a transformative encounter.
Adequate security and free transportation have been put in place ALL over the city of Abuja, while those outside Abuja are expected to join online.
General
Rivers Speaker, 15 Other Lawmakers Leave PDP for APC
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Mr Martin Amaewhule, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
At the plenary on Friday, Mr Amaewhule joined the ruling party from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), along with 15 other members of the state parliament.
This development comes some months after they had earlier declared their support for the APC in the wake of a crisis with the state governor, Mr Sim Fubura.
The lawmakers had an issue with Mr Fubura, which led to a state of emergency declared on the oil-rich state by President Bola Tinubu in March 2025.
This embargo was only lift in September 2025 after the duration of the six-month emergency rule in the state.
A few days ago, members of the Rivers Assembly passed a vote of confidence on President Tinubu, backing him to remain in office till 2031, when he would have spent eight years in office if re-elected in 2027.
Announcing their defection today, the lawmakers pinned their decision on the crisis rocking the PDP at the national level.
It is not certain if their political godfather, Mr Nyesom Wike, who is the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), will join them in APC.
Mr Wike, who governed Rivers State from 2015 to 2023, has been accused of instigating the crisis in the opposition PDP. He was expelled from the party last month at a national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State.
General
Nigeria Risks Brain Drain in Energy Sector—PENGASSAN
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has warned that Nigeria risks massive brain drain in the oil and gas sector due to poor remuneration.
The president of PENGASSAN, Mr Festus Osifo, said at the end of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the union on Thursday in Abuja that the industry was facing challenges arising from Naira devaluation and inflation, noting that, oil and gas skills remained globally competitive.
Painting an example, he said, “A drilling engineer in Nigeria does the same job as one in the US or Abu Dhabi,” noting that the union must take steps to bridge the wage gap to prevent members from leaving the country for better opportunities abroad.
“If we don’t act, the brain drain seen in other sectors will be child’s play,” he said.
According to him, PENGASSAN has recorded significant gains through collective bargaining across oil and gas branches.
“We signed numerous agreements across government agencies, IOCs, service and marketing sectors,” he said.
He said the agreements brought relief to members facing rising costs of living, adding that, the association’s duty is to protect members’ jobs and enhance their pay.
Mr Osifo urged companies delaying salary reviews and those foot-dragging as a result of the prevailing economic realities, to do the needful.
He said the industry employed some of the nation’s best talents, making competitive pay critical to retaining skilled workers.
“This industry recruits the best. Companies must provide the best conditions,” he said.
On insecurity, Mr Osifo urged government to take decisive action against terrorism and kidnappings across the country.
“We are tired of condemnations. government must expose sponsors and protect citizens,” he said.
He urged government at all levels to prioritise tackling insecurity through better funding and equipment for security agencies.
Mr Osifo said PENGASSAN supported calls for state police to improve local security response, adding that decentralising policing will protect citizens better than rhetoric.
He also said economic indicators meant little, if food prices remained high and farmers could not return to farms due to insecurity.
“Nigerians want to see food on the table, not macroeconomic figures,” he said, urging the government to coordinate fiscal and monetary policies to ensure economic gains reach households.
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