Ahmad Muhammad Kabir, an undergraduate at the Federal University Dutsinma (FUDMA) in Katsina State, Northwest Nigeria, has admitted to providing logistical support and supplying firearms to terrorist groups operating in the region.

Kabir, a student of Geography and Regional Planning, was arrested while attempting to deliver a large cache of ammunition to bandits in Dutsinma.

During a video-recorded interrogation, he implicated fellow student Manir Musa as a collaborator in the illegal arms operation.

Kabir was apprehended on Saturday at a motor park in Dutsinma, Katsina State. He revealed to investigators that he had transported the ammunition from Nasarawa State, concealing it in sacks of guinea corn to avoid detection.

Originally from Kaduna, Kabir confessed to being a key logistics supplier for terrorist organizations. He also disclosed that he had moved to Dutsinma’s Hayin Danmani in the Igabi Local Government Area to pursue a university education at FUDMA.

When asked how he became involved with bandits, Kabir explained: “Two weeks ago, a friend from school, Manir Musa, told me to expect a call from someone that could earn me money. I agreed.

“I later received the call and was instructed to travel to Nasarawa State to bring in ammunition for a fee.

“I went to Lafiya, the state capital, where a man met me on the outskirts and handed me a sack of guinea corn with ammunition hidden inside.

“From there, I traveled to Abuja and boarded a commercial vehicle to Dutsinma.”

When questioned if he had ever met with the bandits in person, Kabir responded, “No, we only communicate by phone.”

Nigeria’s Falconets kicked off their 2024 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over South Korea early Monday morning at the Estadio Metropolitano de Techo, Colombia.

Exciting forward Flourish Sabastine netted the winning goal four minutes from time to hand the Falconets all the maximum points on offer.

The first half was a tense affair, with both teams struggling to create clear chances. However, the Falconets started the second half with renewed vigour.

Imuran tried to set up Mary Nkpa for the opener, but the forward couldn’t capitalise on the opportunity. Imuran had another chance to score from a free-kick, but her effort sailed over the crossbar.

A moment of anxiety followed when goalkeeper Shukurat Bakare misjudged a free-kick, almost gifting South Korea a goal, but the Koreans failed to take advantage. 

The Falconets continued to push for a breakthrough, and their persistence paid off in the 86th minute. Flourish Sabastine’s attempted cross turned into an unlikely goal, evading Korean goalkeeper Woo Seo-Bin to put Nigeria ahead.

Osigwe had a chance to double Nigeria’s lead in stoppage time but missed the target.

With this win, Nigeria join Germany atop Group D and will face the three-time World champions on Wednesday in a crucial match that could secure their progression to the next round.

The Germans were good value for the win in their first game as they smashed Venezuela in a 5-2 victory.

Bayer Leverkusen youngster Loreen Bender bagged a brace in a frantic first half that ended 4-1 in favour of the European giants.

Elsewhere, Spain U20 edged to a narrow 1-0 win over the United States while Paraguay forced a 2-0 defeat down the throat of Morocco.

Renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has demanded an investigation into the alleged “importation scam” surrounding petrol in Nigeria.

During an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics program, Falana emphasized the need to probe the ongoing issues related to fuel importation.

He criticized the ongoing inquiries in the National Assembly, labeling them as insufficient.

He said, “It is high time the importation scam was investigated. I am not talking of the joke that is going on in the National Assembly. The media must help, civil society organisations must help to expose the fraud.”

Recent reports have linked a $6 billion debt owed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to fuel suppliers as a contributing factor to the worsening petrol scarcity in the country.

In a rare admission, the NNPCL acknowledged on Sunday the “significant debt to petrol suppliers,” warning that this debt threatens the sustainability of fuel supply in Nigeria.

“Once the government begins to speak about affordability and sustainanbility in response to growing queues at filling stations, there are problems,” Falana pointed out.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria also criticized the government for a lack of transparency regarding fuel subsidies.

He questioned the logic behind spending “$2.9 billion to fix the refineries” while the dates for their resumption continue to be postponed.

Falana warned that he would take legal action against those responsible for the ongoing delays in the rehabilitation of state-owned refineries if another postponement is announced.

Protesters involved in the #EndBadGovernance movement are set to go on trial today in Abuja, Kano, Kaduna, and Borno.

The Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Intelligence, Dasuki Galadanchi, disclosed this at the just-ended Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

The DIG revealed that 126 individuals, apprehended for waving the Russian flag and advocating for a regime change during the protest, will be charged to court today.

The protest, which spiraled into violence resulting in deaths and the looting of both public and private properties in various states, led to these arrests.

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana is set to lead a team of lawyers in defending the protesters before Justice Emeka Nwite at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

These protesters were detained following a nationwide demonstration from August 1-10 against the hardship attributed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policies on petrol subsidy removal and currency floatation.

Meanwhile, a group of detained protesters has urged the Federal High Court in Abuja to overturn its earlier order allowing the police to detain them for two months.

On August 22, Justice Nwite granted the police’s request to remand 124 protesters for 60 days pending the conclusion of investigations.

Amnesty International Criticizes Trial as a Mockery of Justice

Amnesty International Nigeria has condemned the mass trials of the #EndBadGovernance protesters, calling it a travesty of justice and the rule of law.

The organization highlighted that over 1,000 protesters remain in custody nationwide and demanded their immediate and unconditional release.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) echoed this sentiment, urging the government to release the detained protesters without conditions.

In an interview with Daily Trust, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, Isa Sanusi, expressed deep concern that the upcoming trials would serve only to further the government’s agenda of punishing and demonizing peaceful protesters.

“We condemn the sham trials even before they began and call for an end to these endless bizarre attempts to deprive people of the right to peaceful protest. What is going to happen to these protesters, who took to the streets last month seeking good governance, is a disguised exercise solely aimed at punishing dissenters,” Sanusi said.

He called on the Nigerian authorities to release all those arrested for exercising their right to peaceful assembly and criticized the government for prioritizing the punishment of protesters over investigating the deaths and other violations that occurred during the protests.

“The Nigerian government has been wrongfully placing priority on punishing detained protesters, without saying even a word on the urgent need to investigate the killing of dozens of protesters across Kano, Katsina, Suleja/Tafa, Jigawa and Maiduguri. Many protesters were subjected to many other violations by security personnel, including excessive use of force,” Sanusi said.

he ongoing petrol scarcity in Nigeria shows no signs of abating, with a $6 billion debt to fuel suppliers, liquidity challenges, and other factors severely hindering the Federal Government’s ability to maintain product importation.

Oil marketers have reported that the current exchange rate of $1,500 per dollar has driven the landing cost of petrol to over ₦1,100 per liter, making it nearly impossible for them to import the product.

As a result, the shortage continues to affect businesses and the broader economy.

The Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) highlighted yesterday that the country’s economy remains under significant pressure due to fluctuations in the foreign exchange market, ongoing low crude oil production, and high monetary policy rates, all of which are constraining business activities.

Investigations by Vanguard revealed that stakeholders in the fuel supply chain have adopted strategies to maximize the distribution of the limited available supply.

Major marketers and depot owners reportedly obtain the product at around ₦560 per liter, selling it to independent marketers for between ₦670 and ₦680 per liter.

These independent marketers, who bear the cost of transportation to various parts of the country, sell petrol to consumers at prices ranging from ₦700 to ₦900 per liter, depending on the location.

Long queues were observed at the few filling stations that were operational yesterday, while many others remained closed due to a lack of product.

NNPC Admits Debt to Petrol Suppliers

In response to the worsening situation, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) acknowledged its significant debt to petrol suppliers, which it says is threatening the sustainability of fuel supply in the country.

According to NNPC’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, the company is actively working with government agencies and stakeholders to maintain a consistent supply of petroleum products nationwide.

Soneye, stated: “NNPC Ltd has acknowledged recent reports in national newspapers regarding the company’s significant debt to petrol suppliers.

‘’This financial strain has placed considerable pressure on the company and poses a threat to the sustainability of fuel supply.

‘’We are actively collaborating with relevant government agencies and other stakeholders to maintain a consistent supply of petroleum products nationwide.”

NNPC also disclosed that the total subsidy on petrol from August 2023 to December 2024 is projected to reach ₦5.4 trillion.

Despite the removal of the petrol subsidy in June 2023, which initially saved the federation ₦400 billion monthly, the company’s importation costs turned negative in August 2023, largely due to the devaluation of the naira.

Independent Marketers Struggle with Supply Access

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) expressed frustration over its members’ exclusion from direct bulk supply of petrol from NNPCL.

IPMAN’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Chinedu Ukadike, emphasized that without access to direct supply, the lingering fuel queues will persist.

Although petrol has started arriving at ports in Warri, Port Harcourt, and Lagos, IPMAN members have faced difficulties in accessing the product.

Ukadike explained that independent marketers have had to source petrol from private depot owners at high rates, further driving up the cost to consumers.

He also highlighted the increased cost of transporting petrol from coastal depots to inland locations like Abuja, which has risen from ₦500,000 to ₦3.5 million due to high diesel prices, truck maintenance, and poor road conditions.

Calls for Competitive Downstream Sector

Oil marketers have called for a reduction in the pump price of diesel to around ₦700 per liter to improve the distribution of petrol across the country.

President of the Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA), Benneth Korie Doi, suggested that NNPC leverage its stake in Dangote’s refinery to lower costs and create a more competitive downstream sector.

He argued that monopolies in the industry are detrimental and that a competitive environment is necessary for the healthy circulation of petroleum products.

Doi also praised Aliko Dangote’s contribution to the industry with the establishment of Nigeria’s largest refinery, which has a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day. He urged that Dangote’s refined products be distributed widely to ensure sustainable supply across the country.

Dangote Refinery Seen as Potential Solution

Chairman of the Lagos chapter of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), Joseph Ehimen, expressed hope that the Dangote Refinery could play a crucial role in ending the fuel shortage once it becomes fully operational.

He acknowledged the efforts by NNPCL to maintain refineries but stressed the need for expedited action to bring them online and alleviate the suffering caused by the limited supply of petrol.

Joseph Ehimen, said: “The sector was deregulated to bring about positive changes. But the changes have been wiped out because of this fuel shortage.

‘’Nigerians are suffering because of limited supply. As operators, we are also facing many problems, including the high cost of moving the product from the depots to the filling stations, maintenance cost and dues.

“We are aware of efforts by NNPC Ltd to maintain the refineries. We need to get them to work as quickly as possible. If all required arrangements are made, Dangote Refinery should be able to assist in ending the fuel shortage because of its huge 650,000 barrels per day capacity.”

Smart DNA, a leading DNA testing centre in Lagos, has released its comprehensive 2024 report on DNA testing trends in Nigeria, covering July 2023 to June 2024.

The report unveils several astonishing findings that shed light on societal dynamics, economic factors, and changing family structures in Nigeria.

The report, which was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Sunday showed that paternity uncertainty remained high.

According to it, 27 per cent of paternity tests conducted came back negative, indicating that more than one in four men tested are not the biological fathers of the children in question.

It also showed Immigration Tests surge, indicating that the “Japa” trend was high.

The report noted a significant increase in DNA tests for immigration purposes, growing more than any other test type, as more Nigerians seek opportunities abroad.

The trend also suggested that a growing number of parents with dual citizenship were processing paperwork for their children’s emigration

On regional dominance, the report showed that Lagos dominated, a reflection of economic disparity.

An overwhelming 73.1 per cent of all DNA tests were conducted in Lagos, with a stark divide between Mainland (67.5 per cent) and Island (32.5 per cent).

This concentration highlighted the economic divide within Lagos and across Nigeria, raising questions about access to such services in other parts of the country.

It also showed that the Yoruba ethnic group accounted for 53 per cent of tests, followed by Igbo (31.3 per cent), with Hausa at only 1.20 per cent.

Commenting on the report, Elizabeth Digia, Operations Manager at Smart DNA, said: “These findings offer a unique window into the changing dynamics of Nigerian families and society.

“The high rate of negative paternity tests and the surge in immigration-related testing are particularly noteworthy.

“They reflect broader societal trends that merit further discussion and research.

“The concentration of testing in Lagos also raises important questions about accessibility and awareness of DNA testing services across Nigeria.

“As a company, we’re committed to expanding access to our services nationwide while maintaining the highest standards of accuracy and confidentiality,’’ she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the statistics showed that most of the children tested were aged 0-five (54.0 per cent), suggesting a preference for early paternity confirmation.

Men aged 41+ (45.6 per cent) and 31-40 (37.0 per cent) were most likely to request tests, potentially reflective of economic capabilities or increased paternity concerns in older men.

Also, it indicated slight gender bias in Child Testing as more tests were conducted on male children (52.8 per cent) than female children (47.2 per cent), insinuating a a possible cultural preference for confirming paternity of male offspring.

According to the report, peace of mind dominates reasons for the DNA testings as the majority of tests (85.9 per cent) were conducted for ‘Peace of Mind’, rather than legal motivations

Some prominent members of the Peoples Democratic Party have challenged the former Governor of Rivers State and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, asserting that he cannot dismantle the party.

Wike, while speaking at the PDP secretariat in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, on Saturday during the party’s state congress, warned PDP governors to stay clear of the party’s affairs in Rivers, threatening to “put fire in their states.”

He stated, “Let me assure all of you, not while we live will anybody take away the structure of the PDP from us. But let me tell people, I hear some governors who say they will take over the structure and give back to somebody.

“I pity those governors because I will put fire in their states. When God has given you peace, you say you don’t want peace – anything you see you take.”

Wike’s comments come after the PDP Governors’ Forum, through its Chairman Bala Mohammed, called for a review of the party congress results to restore incumbent Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s leadership during their convention in Taraba State on August 23.

Prelude to the Taraba meeting, governance in Rivers State had been in disarray due to a clash of interest between Wike and Governor Fubara, both PDP members.

This dispute over party control ripped the state House of Assembly into two, with two Speakers loyal to Wike and his successor Fubara.

Attempts by President Bola Tinubu and other prominent figures to mediate between the two factions have failed, with both groups refusing to sheathe their swords.

In an exclusive interview with The PUNCH on Sunday, PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary Ibrahim Abdullahi remarked that Wike’s comments posed no threat to the PDP, which he said had withstood over 25 years of more severe challenges.

“Those were his entitled personal opinions at most. They don’t constitute threats to the PDP, which has survived even worse machinations 25 years down the road. No single individual has the capacity to terminate the life of this party, PDP,” Abdullahi stated.

Meanwhile, the Osun State chapter of the PDP on Sunday urged Wike to face his duty as a minister and stop “threatening” those in support of Fubara.

The Director of Media and Publicity, Osun PDP, Oladele Olabamiji, said Wike’s statement was reckless and irresponsible.

He said, “Wike’s statement is rather a reckless and irresponsible one, to say the least. Governor Fubara is not an outcast. He is a PDP governor. On that premise, it is out of place for Wike to threaten PDP governors for supporting one of their own.

“At the PDP Governors Forum, they can offer help to one of them that needs it. Attacking them for doing that is out of place. We urge PDP governors to protect one of their own. Wike is not the President of Nigeria. He has a job in Abuja. He should face it and stop handing down threat.

“He can do it sometimes and get away with it. But in our case here, he can’t get away with such a reckless statement,” Olabamiji said.

Also, the Rivers State Commissioner for Environment, Sydney Gbara, called on security agencies to invite Wike for questioning following his comments.

Gbara, a former Publicity Secretary of the PDP in Rivers State, said such statements were not expected from an elder statesman like the former governor, pointing out that threatening 13 governors was tantamount to causing a crisis in the country.

“Well I feel that as an elder statesman, nobody will expect that he will make such utterances,” Gbara said.

“So, threatening that you are going to cause crisis in 13 states out of the 36 states in Nigeria means planning to cause crisis in the entire country. That is what it means, security-wise,” Gbara said.

The commissioner said the FCT minister was merely giving false hope to his supporters, especially the defected lawmakers of the state House of Assembly, who have lost their seats.

“In my own view, I only see it as a message of hope to his already disgruntled supporters who he has for over the time made several promises to on what will become their fate in the state, which has never worked out.

“We recall that he promised the former local government chairmen that their tenures would be elongated by six months, today they are no longer in office. The assembly people who he advised to cross the carpet to the APC have lost their seats.

“So, it is just a message of hope so that it won’t look as if they’ve lost out completely. But it will be good if the security agencies prove that they mean well for the country, to step into such utterances and investigate anybody, somebody that has made such kind of utterances because it’s a direct affront to the security of Nigeria.

“When you threaten state governors and you promise them that they will never sleep in their states, you promise them that they will never do governance again all they will face is crisis, it’s a serious issue.”

The commissioner said as supporters of Governor Fubara, they will continue to salute his courage.

“We respect his (Fubara’s) demeanour and we are proud of him that he’s been able to maintain his cool and calm nature. He has been able to display a high level of maturity and a rare virtue of leadership by not being allowed to be cajoled into plunging the state into unnecessary crisis.”

On the claim by Wike that he was in control of the PDP structure in the state, Gbara added, “In Rivers State, when they say being in charge, Governor Fubara is completely in charge, he’s not struggling any structure with anybody. He has the majority of the supporters.

“As for PDP, they already know who the leader is and they all know, we equally know that the congresses that have been held in Rivers State are all under litigation, of which at the appropriate time, the court of competent jurisdiction will take their decisions as to whether this exercises fit the legal term or not.

“For us, we don’t see it as an issue. Rivers people have moved with Governor Fubara and that is where we are. In the end, we know that he will carry the day. The structure of PDP will be given to the right person like it has always been in the state. This time around it will not be different, so we are not bothered at all.”

The PUNCH could not get the Chairman, PDP Governors Forum, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, to respond to Wike’s comments as it was learnt that he had travelled abroad.

But the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the governor, Mukhtar Gidado, said Mohammed would respond at the appropriate time

“We are studying the development; we have to study it before responding,” he said.

But Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, is hopeful that the crisis rocking the party will be resolved soon.

Diri gave the assurance on Saturday during the PDP state congress in Yenagoa

“The drama at the national level of our party, we are working to resolve it. This party will not go down. No democracy without opposition. The PDP is the main opposition party and it will continue to play its role until it captures power again.”

The Special Adviser (Media) to the Oyo State Governor, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, said Governor Seyi Makinde, who is currently on vacation overseas, was not part of the PDP governors who initiated the move to intervene in the Rivers crisis in Taraba.

He therefore said the Oyo State governor was not connected with Wike’s statement directed at the PDP governors.

“The Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde is not part of the agreement reached by PDP governors while in Adamawa to intervene in the River crisis, as he is currently on vacation. And so, Governor Makinde is not connected with Wike’s statement,” Olanrewaju said.

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery is set to roll out the sale of Premium Motor Spirit, otherwise known as petrol, The PUNCH can report authoritatively.

This is coming a few days after the 650,000-capacity refinery engaged in a test-run of the product.

Industry sources confirmed to our correspondent that the product would hit the market soon.

The sources, who pleaded anonymity, told our correspondent that the government and the Dangote Group were working out modalities for the circulation of the product.

A government source hinted that the sale and distribution of the PMS is being sorted out with the Federal Government.

The source added that only the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited would be authorised to sell the Dangote fuel at the moment.

Recall that petrol from the Dangote refinery was supposed to have been out since June, but the refinery battled crude shortage and entered into a brawl with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority, which accused the refinery of producing substandard diesel.

The intervention of the Federal Government that crude oil should be supplied to the refinery in the local currency seems to be yielding the desired result.

The PUNCH also recalls that Dangote and other local refineries have repeatedly accused international oil companies of not selling crude to the local refiners.

Recently, the Federal Government announced that the crude oil supply deal would commence in October

The management of Dangote Group also alleged that the IOCs insisted on selling crude oil to its refinery through their foreign agents, saying the local price of crude would continue to increase because the trading arms offered cargoes at $2 to $4 per barrel, above NUPRC official price.

South Africa's billionaire, Johann Rupert, overtakes Dangote as Africa's richest man
The group also alleged that the foreign oil producers seem to be prioritising Asian countries in selling the crude they produce in Nigeria.

The PUNCH also reported last month that the Dangote refinery engaged in an exchange of words with the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission over the alleged supply of 29 million barrels of crude oil to the refinery.

The Dangote Group had accused the NUPRC of failing to effectively enforce the Domestic Crude Supply Obligations regulations, saying the refinery had yet to get enough crude locally.

Reacting, the NUPRC debunked the claim, stating that it facilitated the supply of over 29 million barrels of crude oil to Dangote from January to June 2024.

The NUPRC argued that it had facilitated the domestic supply of crude oil to Dangote refinery and other refineries using the monthly production curtailment platform.

But in a swift response, the Dangote Group also denied receiving 29 million barrels of crude from any source.

Spokesperson of the Dangote Group, Anthony Chiejina, said, “We received NUPRC’s statement that they have facilitated the allocation of 29 million barrels of crude oil to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals, we would like to thank them for this allocation but at the same time, we wish to let them know that we are yet to receive these cargoes.

“Aside from the term supply we bilaterally negotiated with NNPCL, so far NUPRC has only facilitated the purchase of one crude cargo from a domestic producer. The rest of the cargoes we have processed were purchased from international traders.”

Chiejina added that all the refinery was asking for was for refineries in Nigeria to buy crude directly from the companies that produce it in Nigeria rather than from international middlemen.

Nigerians are hopeful that Dangote will crash the pump price of PMS.

Former Nigerian Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has called on the administration of President Bola Tinubu to promptly list the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) on the stock exchange, as stipulated by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential candidate in the 2023 election emphasized that such a move would enhance the company’s profitability, transparency, and corporate governance.

Naija News reports that Atiku’s remarks came in response to NNPCL’s recent decision to transfer the management and operation of the Warri and Kaduna refineries to private operators.

He criticized the NNPCL’s current structure, labeling it a facade, as it still functions as a financial tool for the federal government.

In a statement by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku questioned the consistency of the Tinubu administration’s policies, especially concerning fuel subsidies, and stressed the need for greater transparency in contract awards.

He also pointed out that past concessions had failed due to a lack of transparency and investor interest.

Atiku further suggested that credible bodies like the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) and Standard and Poor’s should be involved in such transactions to ensure their success.

He warned against repeating past mistakes and underscored the importance of clear and transparent processes in privatizing the refineries.

Atiku said, “The NNPCL is supposed to have been listed on the stock exchange in line with the Petroleum Industry Act. This would make the company more profitable and enhance transparency and corporate governance.

“Currently, the NNPCL claims to be private, but this is only a ruse to fool the feeble-minded because it remains the ATM of the Federal Government. Anything short of listing the NNPCL on the stock exchange is nothing but a cosmetic development.

“Former President Olusegun Obasanjo revealed recently that even Shell, one of the world’s wealthiest oil companies, rejected the offer to operate Nigeria’s refineries. This is because the NNPCL has, for years, been a cesspool of endemic corruption.

“This is why over $20bn that has been spent on the refineries in the last 20 years has led to nowhere. It is also curious that a government that is still paying petrol subsidy is trying to make its refineries profitable. Which businessman will invest in a refinery that has been programmed to operate at a loss?

“The manage and operate approach has not always worked. The Manitoba Hydro International, which was handed the Transmission Company of Nigeria led to nowhere. Similarly, Global Steel Limited, which was handed the Ajaokuta Steel Company, was not able to make the facility profitable.

“The contract was questionably revoked by the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua administration, and Nigeria ended up paying Global Steel a compensation of nearly $500m while Ajaokuta remains comatose 17 years later.

“In 2022, Nueoil, an unknown and newly registered company, acquired OVH and Oando filling stations. Barely four months later, NNPCL Retail bought Nueoil and took control of all its assets, including the Oando filling stations.

“Barely eight months later, OVH turned around to take over NNPCL Retail. This convoluted transaction was done in order to hide the corruption involved.

“If this is the approach that the NNPCL wants to use in handing over its refineries to private hands, then Nigerians should not expect any positive development whatsoever.”

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board noted that 21 candidates with fake IJMB results were recommended for 2023 admissions by various institutions.

JAMB, in a policy document obtained by our correspondent in Abuja, noted that 12 out of the 21 candidates were recommended by the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

“JAMB discovered that 21 candidates who paraded fake IJMB results were recommended during the 2023 admission. They were not approved.

“Twelve of the recommendations were by ABU, Zaria – what an audacious attitude. Recommendations were possible because certificate screening was done after

Registration, Five institutions were involved in the recommendations; JAMB insists that all certificates must have the signature of the Head of the institution (VC/Provost/Rector).”

Sunday PUNCH reports that JAMB in 2021 unveiled the Nigerian Post-Secondary Education Data System verification platform for the verification of IJMB and JUPEB results.

The unveiling followed professional operation undertaken by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission in conjunction with the Federal Ministry of Education on irregularities and faking of results as contained in a recent statement by the ICPC about the irregularities in JUPEB Board IJMB examination results, said such must be nipped in the bud.

JAMB, in a bulletin, said it had become necessary for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board as a moderator of the two examinations, to take appropriate action and put a stop to the unacceptable happenings.

“These proactive measures as well as others that are in the pipeline, are to ensure that the gains recorded in the education sector, especially the examination sub-sector over the years, are not eroded by unscrupulous individuals who do not mean well for Nigeria,” JAMB stated