Connect with us

General

EFCC Probes 14 Suspected Oil Thieves After Navy Handover

Published

on

EFCC Abuja forex traders

By Adedapo Adesanya 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has commenced an investigation of 14 suspected oil thieves alongside a vessel, Hawwau Tanko, handed over to the commission by the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base, Formoso, Brass, Bayelsa State.

Recall that last month, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) requested help from the anti-graft agency to deal with oil theft, which it considers an economic crime.

The suspects and vessel were arrested for alleged illegal dealing in petroleum products by the detachment of 5 BN Nigerian Army on February 27, 2024, around Fish Town Rivers, Southern Ijaw Bayelsa State while on board the vessel, laden with about 10,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) known as diesel.
The Commanding officer, Forward Operating Base, Formoso, Navy Captain Murtala Aminu Rogo disclosed that the vessel, Hawwau Tanko, speaking through Navy Commander M. A Gada, said the Nigerian Navy will not relent in its effort towards policing and enforcing all maritime laws to get rid of crude oil theft,  illegal oil bunkering activities and other crimes in the Nigerian maritime domain.
The suspects include Mr Kolapo Gafar, the captain of the vessel, Mr Monday Aresonor, Mr Rasheed Rafiu, Mr Kubi E. Wowo, Mr Emmanuel Odey, Mr Kolapo Abdullahi, Mr Sunday Obasan, Mr Kolapo Wasiu, Mr Ilojiole Emeka, Mr Owoseni Ehuwa, Mr John Olowookere, Mr Chima Edwin,  Mr John Akpan and Mr Ijoade Tayo.
According to him, “the activity of the 14 suspected oil thieves and MFT Hawwau Tanko is an act of economic sabotage which the Nigerian Navy has sworn not to condone.”
Receiving the suspects, the Zonal Commander of the EFCC, Port Harcourt Command, Mr Ahmed Muhammed Ghali, assured the Navy and the entire public that the suspects and the exhibits would be subjected to further investigation and possible prosecution.
Mr Ghali speaking through Assistant Superintendent of the EFCC, Mr Salim Abubakar Sadiq, commended the Navy for its collaboration with the EFCC and the good working relationship both agencies have enjoyed over the years.
“We will do everything within our powers to ensure that the activities of illegal oil bunkering are completely brought to the barest minimum and that the oil thieves are brought to face the wrath of the law.”

Adedapo Adesanya is a journalist, polymath, and connoisseur of everything art. When he is not writing, he has his nose buried in one of the many books or articles he has bookmarked or simply listening to good music with a bottle of beer or wine. He supports the greatest club in the world, Manchester United F.C.

General

Dangote Unveils Phone Number to Report MRS Stations Selling PMS Above N739

Published

on

Dangote monopoly Political Economy of Failure

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

A hotline number, 0800 123 5264, for Nigerians to report any MRS Oil Nigeria Plc filling stations selling Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, above the approved pump price of N739 per litre, has been released by Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

The private refiner said the number was now active nationwide, enabling consumers to promptly report violations and help maintain fair pricing across over 2,000 MRS stations.

This measure follows the refinery’s recent commencement of nationwide PMS sales at N739 per litre—a strategic intervention aimed at stabilising fuel prices and easing the financial burden on Nigerians during the festive season.

“We encourage Nigerians to avoid purchasing PMS at inflated prices when locally refined fuel is available at N739 per litre.

“Report any MRS station selling above this price by calling our hotline. Together, we can ensure that the benefits of this price reduction reach every consumer,” the company stated in a statement.

The organisation stressed its mission to deliver affordable, high-quality fuel while safeguarding national economic interests, reaffirming its commitment to steady supply, backed by a guaranteed daily output of 50 million litres, and warned against attempts to create artificial scarcity or manipulate supply.

Regulatory authorities have been urged to remain vigilant and take decisive action against unpatriotic practices.

By refining locally at scale, Dangote Refinery is reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imports, conserving foreign exchange, stabilising the Naira, and strengthening energy security. This initiative represents a significant milestone in the country’s journey toward sustainable energy solutions and economic recovery.

The refinery also issued a stern warning against attempts by unscrupulous operators to create artificial scarcity in response to the price reduction, calling on government agencies to act decisively.

“Any attempt to create artificial scarcity or manipulate supply to frustrate recent price reductions is unpatriotic and unacceptable. We urge regulatory authorities to remain vigilant and take firm action against such practices, especially during this critical festive period,” the statement added.

Consumers were advised to resist purchasing fuel at inflated prices when cheaper, high-quality alternatives are readily available.

Continue Reading

General

ANLCA Airport Chapter Scores Salamatu High on Stakeholder Engagement, Trade Facilitation

Published

on

ANLCA Airport Chapter

By Bon Peters

The Airport Chapter of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) at Omagwa Rivers State has praised the Customs Area Controller for Customs Area 1 Command, Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku.

At the end-of-the-year party attended by stakeholders, including the leader of the association’s chapter, Mr Charles Onyema, said the customs officer has done well in stakeholder engagement and trade facilitation.

At the event held last Friday, he said his association has been enjoying a very cordial relationship with other organisation in the ecosystem.

“You can see what is happening today, everybody is working together and our operations here are seamless,” he noted.

He stated that apart from creating a very robust business environment for his members and other stakeholders to operate, he has taken a decision to build and commission a befitting ANLCA Secretariat which would be completed soon and be commissioned by the ANLCA national president, Mr Emenike Nwokeoji.

The ANLCA chapter chief said since “Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku assumed office at Customs Area 1, Port Harcourt Command, it has been a different ball game, facilitating  trade and increasing Revenue generation.”

“I remember I told her she was a mother during her maiden visit to the airport.

“You know when you have a woman in charge of an affair, food will not lack, compassion will not lack and motherly love will not lack.

“She is very wonderful in stakeholder engagement, revenue generation and trade facilitation,” Mr Onyema enthused.

Projecting into the future, Mr. Onyema said the year 2026 would be better for his members, adding that he has advised them on financial discipline which he said would help them during the trying period.

Continue Reading

General

FG Declares Holidays for Christmas, New Year Celebrations

Published

on

as public holidays

By Adedapo Adesanya

The federal government has declared Thursday, December 25, and Friday, December 26, 2025, as public holidays to mark Christmas and Boxing Day respectively.

The government also declared Thursday, January 1, 2026, for the New Year celebration.

The declaration was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Mrs Magdalene Ajani, on behalf of the Minister of Interior, Mr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

According to the statement, the Minister urged Nigerians to reflect on the values of love, peace, humility and sacrifice associated with the birth of Jesus Christ.

Mr Tunji-Ojo also called on citizens, irrespective of faith or ethnicity, to use the festive season to pray for peace, improved security and national progress.

He further advised Nigerians to remain law-abiding and security-conscious during the celebrations, while wishing them a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Business Post reports that on these public holidays – the foreign exchange market, the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), as well as the NASD Over-the-Counter (OTC) Securities Exchange will not open to trade.

Continue Reading

Trending