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EFCC Uncovers N80bn in Refinery Fraud Probe, Swoops on Ex-NNPCL Chiefs

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested the former managing directors of Nigeria’s three state-owned refineries—Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna—as part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged misappropriation of nearly $3bn allocated for their rehabilitation.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The arrested officials include former MDs Ibrahim Onoja (Port Harcourt Refining Company) and Efifia Chu (Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company). The EFCC is scrutinizing disbursements totaling $2.96bn: $1.56bn for Port Harcourt, $741m for Kaduna, and $657m for Warri.

Top sources within the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) revealed that over ₦80bn was discovered in the personal accounts of one of the sacked MDs, intensifying concerns over the depth of financial misconduct. The EFCC’s probe has since expanded to include the immediate past Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, Mele Kyari, and 13 other former senior officials.

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These revelations come amid mounting public frustration over the lack of tangible results following the costly rehabilitation projects. The Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, despite being declared operational in late 2024, have performed far below expectations. The Warri facility was shut down within a month of its relaunch due to safety issues, while Port Harcourt operates at under 40% capacity.

Internal documents reveal that the Warri refinery’s crude unit was taken offline on January 25, 2025, after a critical fault was discovered. Meanwhile, claims that both refineries were supplying petroleum products have been debunked, as marketers reported zero allocations and failed logistics.

Industry experts and stakeholders, including energy analysts and trade unions, have lambasted the government and NNPCL for misrepresenting the refineries’ state. Some described the commissioning ceremonies as “political theatre,” arguing that the facilities were never technically ready.

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Further complicating matters, support staff at the Warri plant have announced an indefinite strike set to begin on May 5, citing poor pay and unfulfilled promises—threatening to stall any restart efforts.

Calls for accountability are growing louder, with the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) urging a full probe. The investigation has also highlighted structural flaws, such as obsolete infrastructure and inactive crude oil pipelines, rendering the multi-billion-dollar upgrades ineffective.

As the EFCC widens its net and questions pile up about the viability of Nigeria’s refining sector, the country faces a crisis of trust in both its energy policy and public institutions.

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Tension In UK As Nigerians Push For INEC Chairman’s Removal Ahead Of 2027.

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A group of Nigerians has staged a protest at the United Kingdom Parliament, calling for the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The demonstrators reportedly gathered outside the parliamentary complex, expressing dissatisfaction with the leadership of the electoral body in Nigeria and demanding immediate action.

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They insisted that the INEC chairman should be removed, alleging concerns over credibility and trust in the electoral process as the country prepares for the next election cycle.

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The protest drew attention from passersby and security personnel, as the group maintained their position that electoral reforms and leadership changes were necessary to restore public confidence.

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“My Nightclubs Are The Least Of What I Do” — Sir Uyi Fires Back At Critics.

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Sir Uyi has responded strongly to critics of his involvement in nightclub businesses, insisting that such ventures represent only a small part of his wider activities.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a firm reaction to recent criticism linked to Vaniti, he stated that people are focusing too much on his nightlife businesses while ignoring other aspects of his work and achievements.

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He stressed that his nightclub operations do not define his entire identity or professional portfolio, adding that he is involved in several other ventures beyond entertainment and hospitality.

According to him, the criticism reflects a narrow perception of what he does, and he believes his broader contributions are being overlooked.

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Sir Uyi maintained that he remains focused on his various commitments despite public scrutiny surrounding his nightlife business interests.

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Shock In Benue As Police Nab Seven Over Abduction Of JAMB Candidates.

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The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of seven suspected militia herdsmen in connection with the abduction of passengers travelling in an 18-seater Benue Links bus along the Makurdi–Otukpo road last Wednesday.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The victims, which included candidates of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) heading to Otukpo for their examinations, have all been successfully rescued.

Speaking while briefing Governor Hyacinth Alia in Makurdi during the presentation of the freed victims, the Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, said the rescue operation was achieved through coordinated efforts of multiple security agencies.

He explained that five of the abducted passengers were first released, while the remaining 13 were rescued on Sunday morning without injuries.

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According to him, the combined pressure from security forces, supported by the state government and the Inspector-General of Police, led to the successful outcome of the operation.

Emenari further disclosed that eight suspects are currently in custody, adding that seven of them are strongly linked to the kidnapping incident, with some victims already identifying them.

He also noted that clearance operations have begun across forest areas in the state to flush out criminal groups, in line with directives from security authorities.

Governor Hyacinth Alia, while receiving the rescued passengers, expressed concern over rising cases of kidnapping in the state but welcomed the safe return of all 18 victims.

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He confirmed that among those rescued were eight candidates on their way to write examinations, and called on the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to reschedule the affected exams for them.

The governor assured that the state government remains committed to supporting the victims and strengthening security across Benue State, while also urging residents to provide credible information to security agencies.

He further directed the state health authorities to conduct medical evaluations for all rescued persons and promised government support for those affected.

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