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Folarin Kehinde

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JUST IN: Dangote Refinery reportedly asks court to void import licenses of NNPCL, Matrix, and four others in a ₦100 billion case

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to void import licenses issued to the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPC), Matrix Petroleum Services Limited, A. A. Rano Limited, and four other companies for the purpose of importing refined petroleum products that are already being produced by Dangote without shortfalls, Nairametrics is reporting.

In suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1324/2024, Dangote Refinery is also seeking N100 billion in damages against the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for allegedly continuing to issue import licenses to NNPCL, Matrix, and other companies for importing petroleum products such as Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and Jet Fuel (aviation turbine fuel) into Nigeria, “despite the production of AGO and Jet-A1 that exceeds the current daily consumption of petroleum products in Nigeria by the Dangote Refinery.”

Joined as defendants in the case are NMDPRA, NNPCL, Aym Shafa Limited, A. A. Rano Limited, T. Time Petroleum Limited, 2015 Petroleum Limited, and Matrix Petroleum Services Limited (1st to 7th defendants).

In its originating summons dated September 6, 2024, and exclusively seen by Nairametrics, the plaintiff’s lawyer, Ogwu James Onoja, SAN, asked the court to declare that NMDPRA is allegedly in violation of Sections 317(8) and (9) of the Petroleum Industry Act by issuing licenses for the importation of petroleum products.

He stated that such licenses should only be issued in circumstances where there is a petroleum product shortfall.

He also urged the court to declare that NMDPRA is in violation of its statutory responsibilities under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) for not encouraging local refineries such as Dangote Refinery.

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BREAKING: Nigerian Authorities Confirm Arrest of Cross-Dresser Bobrisky [PHOTO]

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has confirmed the arrest of Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, at the Seme border while attempting to leave the country.

According to a statement issued by DCI KT Udo, Service Public Relations Officer, Bobrisky was intercepted by immigration authorities due to his attempted exit from Nigeria.

The NIS stated that Bobrisky is a person of interest in recent issues of public concern and is currently undergoing interrogation.

The statement reads: “In keeping with its commitment to securing the borders, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) intercepted Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju otherwise known as Bobrisky at the Seme Border over an attempt to Exit the Country.”

“The Service wishes to inform the public that OKUNEYE IDRIS is a person of interest over recent issues of public concern. He is undergoing interrogation and will be handed over to the appropriate Authorities for further action.”

“The Service assures the public that it will continue to be civil and professional in its statutory responsibility of manning the
Country’s Borders.”

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BREAKING: Drugs and illicit substances recovered from APC senator’s house in Kwara

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has revealed that drugs and illicit substances were recovered from the residence of Senator Oyelola Yisa Ashiru (Kwara South) in Ilorin, Kwara State.

During a press briefing at its headquarters in Abuja, the NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi, disclosed that the raid on the All Progressives Congress (APC) senator’s GRA residence, which took place earlier in February 2024, led to the arrest of two of his aides.

The Agency also stated that the senator’s recent attack on its integrity was driven by personal vendetta.

The NDLEA stated, “The personal house of the senator… had been raided in recent past, where drugs and illicit substances were recovered, while two of his aides were arrested.”

“In another encounter with the senator, the Agency also received intelligence that some of his boys popularly known as Omo Senator operating from his home town, Offa, were equally dealing in illicit drugs.

“A raid was subsequently carried out on their joint in Offa where one of them, Oluwatosin Odepidan was arrested and illicit drugs such as methamphetamine and cannabis recovered from him on June 11, 2023.

“The bid to get the Agency to drop the case against Odepidan including a visit to the Kwara State Command headquarters of the Agency in Ilorin by the Personal Assistant to the senator, one Omoluabi, was rebuffed as Odepidan was promptly charged to court and prosecuted.

“Though the culprit jumped court bail in 2023, he was re-arrested in 2024 after the court issued a bench warrant for his arrest. He was eventually convicted and sentenced in June 2024.

“So, going by this backstory, it is deductible that these encounters that the Agency has had with the senator, must have been responsible for his outburst, and unfortunately, false allegation, the type that nobody within and outside of government has ever levelled against NDLEA before.”

This disclosure came after Senator Ashiru accused the agency of being “corrupt and compromised” during a Senate plenary debate.

The NDLEA said the senator’s comments were motivated by his negative experiences with the Agency, which had previously apprehended individuals linked to drug-related activities from his residence.

Despite the allegations, the NDLEA reiterated its commitment to fighting drug trafficking and abuse, dismissing the senator’s claims as defamatory and not reflective of the Agency’s work.

The Agency noted that it remains a leader in drug enforcement, with accolades from local and international bodies.

The NDLEA affirmed it would continue its efforts to dismantle all drug networks, including those connected to the senator’s home.

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Hardship: Nigerians opts for chewing sticks as prices of toothpastes soars

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Nigerians dump toothpastes turn to chewing sticks as economic hardship bites harder

In recent months, the soaring cost of basic commodities, including toothpaste, has forced many Nigerians to revert to traditional practices, such as using chewing sticks to maintain oral hygiene.

With toothpaste prices skyrocketing, families across the country are turning to more affordable alternatives to manage their finances amidst the harsh economic conditions.

Chewing sticks, which have long been used in Nigeria for their medicinal and antibacterial properties, are making a comeback.

For many families, the price of toothpaste, which can now exceed N5,000 for a supply that lasts less than two weeks, has become a luxury they can no longer afford.

As a result, people like Mr. Vincent Osamese and Miss Adunni Hungbo have reverted to using chewing sticks, citing the financial relief it provides.

Osamese, a photographer, shared his experience with Vanguard: “A few months ago, I introduced the use of a chewing stick in my house when I realized I was spending N4,000 on toothpaste in just three weeks.

“My children use toothpaste like water, and my wife initially objected, but after experiencing the cost firsthand, she switched to chewing sticks herself.”

Similarly, Hungbo, a trader, noted how the sudden increase in toothpaste prices led her to find an alternative.

“The toothpaste I used to buy for N1,500 was now N2,000. I couldn’t afford it, so I switched to a chewing stick for N100, and it’s been working fine for me,” she said.

As Nigeria’s inflation and economic struggles persist, more families are looking for ways to cut costs.

Mr. Fehintola Ademide, a plumber, stated: “With rising fuel prices and the general cost of living, it’s becoming impossible to afford basic things.

“Toothpaste is just one of many items affected. I’ve switched to chewing sticks, and my wife has introduced powder paste for the children.”

Chewing sticks, derived from plants with medicinal properties such as Garcinia kola and Anogeissus leiocarpus, have been proven to have significant antibacterial activity.

According to research by the National Library of Medicine, these sticks are effective against various bacteria, including those associated with dental diseases.

For families like Maureen Agu’s, chewing sticks have become a practical and affordable solution.

“Myself and my two grown children now use chewing sticks, and I’ve introduced powder paste for my younger kids. We all have to cut costs wherever we can,” she said.

This shift toward traditional methods of oral care reflects the larger economic pressures facing Nigerians today.

As costs continue to rise, many are being forced to adapt to practices to save cost and survive the harsh economic conditions in the country.

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Entertainment

JUST IN: Bobrisky arrested by Immigration while trying to flee Nigeria – Very Dark Man

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Famous Nigerian activist VeryDarkMan (VDM) has claimed in a new video posted on Instagram that Bobrisky, the well-known Nigerian crossdresser, has been arrested by officers of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS).

According to VDM, Bobrisky was apprehended at the Seme Border Post while attempting to flee Nigeria for the Benin Republic.

This arrest comes after Bobrisky’s name became entangled in a controversy involving allegations he made in a viral audio clip.

In the audio, Bobrisky allegedly bragged about avoiding prison time during a sentencing and discussed how a N15 million money laundering case against him was dropped.

These claims led to Bobrisky being summoned by the Nigerian House of Representatives, but he failed to attend the hearing, citing illness.

VDM, who had previously appeared before the House of Representatives alongside lawyer Deji Adeyanju, revealed in the video that Bobrisky tried to hide in a car while someone else signed his international passport at the border.

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Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, Leading Reporters
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Fake News: Lagbaja not dead, says Army

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Nigerian Army has debunked the rumour flying around on the purported death of General Taoreed Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff.

The rumour, which has since gone viral, started after a tweet from Jackson Ude, former presidential aide and social media commentator.

“CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF DIES OF CANCER The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has died. Lagbaja died in an undisclosed hospital overseas nearly 48hrs ago from a stage three Cancer, according to a senior Government official.

The death of the Chief of Army staff has been kept secret because of intense lobbying by some Generals who want to take the position. Lagbaja, born on February 28, 1968, in Ilobu, Osun State, was appointed by President Bola Tinubu in June 2023, as the 27th Chief of Army Staff,” Ude had tweeted at exactly 12:49pm.

But the Nigerian Army, which has consistently denied reports on the alleged ailment of the General, stamped Ude’s tweet with FAKE NEWS on X.

On Saturday, Onyema Nwachukwu, Army spokesman, dismissed media reports suggesting that there is leadership vacuum following the absence of Lagbaja, saying he is on official leave, and necessary protocols had been put in place for the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Abdulsalami Ibrahim, to act on his behalf during his absence.

Nwachukwu, a major general, emphasised that Lagbaja’s absence is not affecting the operations of the service.

“There have even been insinuations that there is a leadership vacuum, with officers confused about what to do. Nothing could be further from the truth.”

“To be very clear, the Nigerian Army is a highly structured establishment with well-laid-out procedures and processes for dealing with different circumstances. Before proceeding on leave, necessary protocols were put in place for the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Abdulsalami Bagudu Ibrahim, to act on behalf of the COAS while he was away.

“This is not peculiar to the NA, as there have been instances where unforeseen human frailty kept service chiefs away for about three months, and their Chiefs of Policy and Plans held sway in their absence. Claims of a leadership vacuum in the NA at present are therefore mere speculation, as all routine and scheduled activities of the service are on course.”

The army spokesman said all routine and scheduled activities of the service are on course, adding that the appropriate departmental chiefs are fully carrying out their responsibilities in line with the COAS directives.

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DSS sacks Tinubu’s Chief Security Officer

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Department of State Service, DSS, has removed Adegboyega Fasasi as Chief Security Officer, CSO, to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The development comes as Fasasi was replaced with Rasheed Atanda Lawal, a Deputy Director, the Nation reports.

Although details on why Fasasi was removed remained sketchy as of filing the report on Sunday evening.

Meanwhile, sources familiar with the development said the Director-General of DSS, Tosin Ajayi, had requested President Tinubu to approve the release of Fasasi from serving as CSO so he could proceed on a strategic training course.

“The angle I want us to look at it from is the fact that such exercise as this ‘change of guards’ usually happens when the DSS gets a new DG. You know they deal strictly with intelligence and operate in secrecy; the new DG will always prefer to have his trusted men on critical beats, the Presidency and the office of the CSO to the President being number one on that list,” the source told the Nation.

Meanwhile, the Presidency has yet to react to the development.

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Return home, FG begs Nigerians in diaspora

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Nigerians in the diaspora have been urged to return to the country to build a better nation.

This appeal was made to all Nigerians abroad by the Chairman, Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa.

Dabiri-Erewa on behalf of the Federal Government said it is important that every Nigerian return to the country to contribute their quota to the development of the nation.

Speaking while delivering the 12th Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti ABUAD Convocation lecture on Saturday, the NIDCOM chairman said the experiences gathered by Nigerians abroad are needed back home.

According to her, such experiences would help proffer solutions to the socioeconomic challenges hampering Nigeria’s growth and development.

Dabiri-Erewa also noted that the commission is working effortlessly to support the framework for the facilitation of diaspora engagement in national growth and development.

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Gunmen kidnapped Party Chieftains during Labour Party Meeting

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Unknown Gunmen have kidnapped two key stakeholders of the ruling Labour Party (LP) in Abia State.

It was gathered that the heavily armed gunmen invaded a Labour Party meeting in a hotel in Aba, the commercial nerve centre of the state.

The masked men reportedly claimed they were acting on orders “from above” without giving further explanation.

Those kidnapped include the Deputy National Chairman, Ceekay Igara and the Acting State Chairman, Prince G. O. Ndubueze.

Leading reporters learnt that Ndubueze was forcefully whisked away in an unmarked vehicle, a development that has since raised concerns.

Following the development, Labour Party members attending the meeting erupted into solidarity chants, condemning the act as “anti-people” and decrying the security situation in the state.

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Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, Leading Reporters
Headlines

JUST IN: Defence HQ Announces Interim Leadership after Army Chief Lagbaja’s Absence

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Defence Headquarters has finally broken its silence on the absence of Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.

The Nigerian Army, in a statement on Saturday, confirmed that he is on official leave.

The announcement comes amid speculation and concerns about a potential leadership vacuum within the Nigerian Army.

According to Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, necessary protocols have been put in place to ensure continuity. Major General Abdulsalami Ibrahim, Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), has been appointed to act on behalf of the COAS during his absence.

“Lt. Gen. Lagbaja is on official leave, and the Nigerian Army’s operations remain unaffected,” Nwachukwu said. “The service’s structured establishment and well-laid-out procedures ensure seamless continuity.”

Leading reporters reports that there were speculations about Lagbaja’s absence with some sources suggesting health issues.

However, the force has dismissed that.

Nwachukwu said, “Before proceeding on leave, necessary protocols were put in place for the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Abdulsalami Bagudu Ibrahim, to act on behalf of the COAS while he was away.

“This is not peculiar to the NA, as there have been instances where unforeseen human frailty kept service chiefs away for about three months, and their Chiefs of Policy and Plans held sway in their absence. Claims of a leadership vacuum in the NA at present are therefore mere speculation, as all routine and scheduled activities of the service are on course.”

Nwachukwu clarified that promotions have not been stalled by Lagbaja’s absence.

He said, “Indeed, in line with its Forecast of Events for 2024, the Nigerian Army recently conducted the Captain-to-Major Practical Promotion Examination in Akure. Subsequently, and in line with extant procedures, the Commander of Training and Doctrine Command, Major General Kevin Aligbe, announced the results after due authorisation by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), who currently represents the Chief of Army Staff during his absence on leave and medical check-up abroad. Additionally, the Master Warrant Officer to Army Warrant Officer Promotion Exercise is currently ongoing in Jos.

“This follows a similar exercise held for Warrant Officer to Master Warrant Officer (WO-MWO) in Kaduna. The results of these exercises are expected to be released in the coming days, pending final reconciliation between the respective Corps and the Army Headquarters Department of Personnel Management.”

The force also clarified the insinuation that the COAS’s absence due to his leave has caused undue delays in the release of the WO-MWO promotion exercise results. Nwachukwu clarified that it has never been the practice for the COAS to personally sign postings or promotions for officers and soldiers in the Nigerian Army.

“The appropriate departmental chiefs perform these functions routinely.

These Departmental Chiefs, demonstrating their unwavering commitment, are fully carrying out their responsibilities in line with the COAS Command Philosophy.

“The Army Headquarters, therefore, enjoins the general public to remain confident in the NA and be assured that the service remains on top of the security situation in the country and is ever ready to defend Nigeria against any aggression on its land territory,” he added.

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