… Absolves NNPCL, NMDPRA Of Alleged Favouritism

Matrix Energy has refuted claims that it is behind the importation of substandard petroleum products, including Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), diesel and Jet A-1 fuel, from Malta and Russia.

A recent publication by a newspaper (Not This platform) alleged that Matrix Energy’s Chief Executive Officer, Abdulkabir Adisa Aliu, who is a member of the Presidential Economic Coordination Council (PECC), was linked to the surge in imports from the countries.

This has sparked thousands of comments on microblogging sites X, with ‘Malta’ and ‘Dangote’ trending on the platform on Saturday.

The report said in 2023, Nigeria’s petroleum importation from Malta surged significantly to $2.8bn as against zero between 2017 and 2022, and a mere $13.32m in 2016.

The report alleged, “Matrix — which has three old ships (Matrix Pride, Matrix Triumph, and Matrix S.ILU) — reportedly loads diesel products exported from Russia in Lome, Togo.

“It is understood that the diesel from Russia is typically off-spec and is often corrected in places like Lome and Malta through blending with other components.”

This allegation was first brought up by Dangote Group when their Founder and Chairman, Aliko Dangote, claimed that oil traders and terminals have opened a blending plant in Malta.

The Vice President of Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, further accused the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) of indiscriminately licensing traders to import “dirty” diesel and jet fuel into the country.

This was after he failed to secure feedstock arrangement for his refinery — Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals —, resulting in alleged blackmail against the government to bend rules in the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, according to experts.

In response to the claims made against its CEO, 20-year-old Matrix described the allegations as “lies” aimed at destroying the firm’s reputation as well as that of its CEO and founder.

Matrix Energy also absolved the NMDPRA and Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) of any wrongdoing.

Matrix Energy clarified that the NMDPRA is the sole regulatory body empowered by the PIA 2021 to issue import licenses and enforce the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) product specifications adding that the company has never compromised quality or sabotaged the country.

Matrix said, “Matrix Energy has consistently imported products that meet the approved specifications, and we have never been found wanting in this regard. Our commitment to quality is reflected in the fact that none of our customers have ever rejected our products; indeed, demand for Matrix products often exceeds our capacity to supply, a testament to our reputation for reliability. This success is equally reflected in our fertilizer businesses.

“Our depots boast a storage capacity of 150 million liters of liquid products, including LPG and bitumen. However, contrary to the claims made in the aforementioned publication, we did not discharge 200,000 metric tons of PMS into our facility in July 2024.

“While we have the capacity and customer base to handle such volumes, Matrix Energy has never imported or distributed any substandard cargo in our two decades of operation. Our quality test has never been doubted by the regulators and Nigerians who have found a partner in us.”

The NNPCL on August 5, 2024 introduced its Utapate crude oil blend from OML 13 and the state-owned company has exported its first shipment.

Matrix said, “NNPC traditionally tenders its free crude cargoes, and any company that wins the tender is operating within the law. Matrix Energy like other companies also won the tenders. As a people-oriented company that operates above board and in line with international best practices, we welcome constructive criticisms.

“Our Chief Executive Officer, Abdulkabir Adisa Aliu is a talented and dedicated Nigerian with the right to associate freely as well as trade freely in any part of the world. Like he stated in his presentation before the Nigerian Senate, we are not aware that Nigerian companies have been banned from bringing in legitimate and standard products from outside the country and until such is done, we will continue to serve the public with best quality products.”

The firm said its CEO is deeply committed to making a positive impact adding “his selection by Mr. President to serve as a member of the Economic Coordination Council is a recognition of his dedication to shared values and his commitment to the betterment of Nigeria.”

The company said it will not relent in its commitment to supporting Nigeria by ensuring the availability of petroleum products at competitive prices.

President Bola Tinubu has directed that only authorised officials with justifiable reasons should attend the forthcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, United States.

The 79th session of the UN General Assembly, set to commence on September 10, 2024, will cover a wide range of global issues, including sustainable development, economic growth, and international cooperation.

The meeting’s provisional agenda seen by THE WHISTLER comprises 178 items, including climate change, human rights, peacekeeping operations, and international security, among others.

The directive, aimed at reducing unnecessary expenditures, was announced by the president’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, during a retreat at the State House on Saturday.

During the one-day retreat organised for heads of government agencies under the supervision of the State House management, Gbajabiamila said the directive was in line with the president’s commitment to prudent resource management and reduction of overall cost of governance.

According to him, the upcoming 79th session of the UN General Assembly will be a test of President Tinubu’s policy directive on reduction in cost of governance.

”I just discussed with the President this afternoon. In the next few weeks, we are going to see a test of this policy during UNGA in New York,” he said.

Gbajabiamila recalled the recent protests against economic hardship and high cost of governance, noting that “Everyone is waiting to see if Nigeria, as in the past, will send the ‘largest delegation’ to UNGA.

”From experience, we know that some individuals use the opportunity of such international meetings to go about their personal businesses.

”I have received a directive from Mr. President that this time, we will be strict. If you have no business at the UN General Assembly, do not step foot in America, and this is a directive from Mr. President,” Gbajabiamila said.

The Chief of Staff stressed that all heads of agencies must comply strictly with the directive, warning that non-compliance would not be tolerated.

The retreat, themed “Strengthening Institutional Mechanism for Effective Delivery,” was an avenue to strengthen collaboration among government agencies, particularly those under the State House.

Gbajabiamiala urged the State House management and chief executives of agencies to lead by example by ensuring compliance with statutes, laws, regulations, and various policies designed to enhance governance.

”We must demonstrate excellence in our compliance with the Public Procurement Act, Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria Act, the Finance Act, and various appropriation acts in operation.

”Compliance with the civil service rules and the scheme of service guidelines, especially regarding recruitment, promotion and presidential approvals is also non-negotiable,” he added.

The controversy surrounding seized presidential jets in Paris, France, linked to Ogun State government, has taken a new turn as two former governors, Ibikunle Amosun and Gbenga Daniel, yesterday, opened up about their involvement.

Amosun, who governed Ogun State from 2011 to 2019, revealed that the issue is a “Chinese against Chinese” dispute, stressing he was ready to work with the agencies of government in any capacity to ensure that Nigeria is not scammed by Zhongfu International Investment Co. Ltd or any other entity.
Gbenga Daniel, who governed the state from 2003 to 2011, has also weighed in on the matter, stating that he has documents to assist in the investigation.

News broke Thursday that three Nigerian presidential jets, including a newly purchased Airbus, have been seized under the authority of a French court following a protracted legal battle between a sub-national and Zhongshan Fucheng.

The seizure includes a newly acquired Airbus A330 valued at over $100 million. The aircraft in question—a Dassault Falcon 7X, a Boeing 737, and an Airbus A330—had either been part of the Nigerian presidential fleet or were recently purchased by government.

Seizure Order
According to the report by Premium Times, the seizure of the presidential jets was a result of an application by the Chinese company whose export processing zone management contract was allegedly revoked by the Ogun State government in 2016.
The report added that despite an arbitral tribunal, chaired by a former President of the UK Supreme Court, ruling in favour of Zhongshan and awarding them €74,459,221 in compensation, the decision has yet to be honoured.
As a result, Zhongshan sought enforcement of the arbitral award through the French legal system. The enforcement judge at the Paris Judicial Court granted the company authority to seize the aircraft, stating in the court order, “this protective seizure will take place to secure and preserve the claim arising from the arbitration award dated 26 March 2021, made by an ad hoc arbitral tribunal.”
The court further ordered that the aircraft be secured in such a way as to prevent their movement, saying, “The aircraft… will be positioned so that the cockpit faces a wall or building or in any other way that prevents it from taking off again autonomously.”

My Story – Daniel
Daniel, in a statement titled, “Seized National Assets/Ogun/Guangdong FTZ: Our Story”, made available to newsmen in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, reads: “We need to establish clearly that Otunba Gbenga Daniel or his administration is not in discussion on the matter before the courts and arbitration, neither were the terms or proprietary of the Agreement for the establishment of the FTZ, rather it is the termination of a Management Contract. The judgements in all the courts are very clear on this.
“Rather than engaging in media comments, the most reasonable course of action that Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel would rather engage in is helping Nigeria, through the President, Bola Tinubu, to find a diplomatic solution to the issue at hand with available records that could assist the Federal Government in pursuing its course at the arbitration and before the courts. He cannot do this on the pages of the newspapers and on other media which may also compromise the strength of Nigeria’s arguments in the courts. We need to also appreciate that this matter is before various courts in several countries and it is subjudice for anyone to speak on them.
“However, let us emphasize once again that the Ogun/Guangdong Free Trade Zone project still exists and several Nigerians are working there as we write, just as there are several companies still doing their legitimate businesses. It is from this perspective of development that the efforts of Otunba Gbenga Daniel should be well appreciated.

Incorrect Reports
“At the time of his handover in 2011, about 56 companies were at various stages of operations, construction and showing interests in the Free Trade Zone and through which various life-impacting developments have taken place in the Igbesa area, which was an otherwise rural community before the establishment of the Free Trade Zone.
“There are so many incorrect reports and misrepresentation of facts on timelines of activities relating to the establishment and Operations of the Free Trade Zone in circulation especially on social media, and we plead that the media should partner with the Nigerian government in finding a very productive solution to this matter in Nigeria’s interest.
“It is not time to play politics with the assets and integrity of our dear country. We sincerely appreciate all efforts at reaching out for Otunba Daniel’s side of the story as we also seek the understanding of all those who called to appreciate his sturdy silence to be able to assist the President on the way out of this testy time and situation”

Impostor
On his part, Amosun, in a statement titled, “Presidential jets seizure: Zhongfu firm is an impostor, it’s Chinese against Chinese dispute”, said: “The agreement that was entered into at inception in 2007 with our predecessor is what is still in operation and there was no need for any negotiation or re-negotiation of any contract when we came in and throughout our eight (8) years tenure.
“We have read various media accounts of the above in both the print and social media. We have also read and aligned with the very appropriate responses from Ogun State and the Federal Government. At different levels, government is a continuum and the various segments of events leading to this unfortunate situation occurred before, during and after our administration.

Business Dispute
“Our administration assumed office on 29 May, 2011. Very shortly after we took office, two different sets of Chinese companies, Messrs China Africa Investment FXE and Zhongfu International Investment FXE laid claims to management rights over the Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ). The business dispute and rivalry between the Chinese concerns soon became fierce, grounded seamless business activities and threatened public peace and safety within the Zone and neighbouring communities.
“There were claims and counterclaims as to who between the two was the lawful representative of the original joint venturer, Guangdong Province, China and consequentially who had the right to manage the Zone.

Damaging information

“Zhongfu International Investment FXE, pretending to be a concerned and genuine tenant and Zone stakeholder, volunteered very damaging and destructive information about the official representatives of Guangdong Province, the Joint Venturer and lawful Zone Managers, China Africa Investment FXE and subsequently requested to be appointed as Interim Zone Managers.
“Based on the information at the disposal of the government at the time, Zhongfu International Investment FXE was on 15/03/2012 appointed as Interim Zone Manager pending further evaluation. The whole idea was to ensure that someone was in charge and thereby prevent unwholesome and untoward development in the Zone pending the completion of our fact-finding exercise.
“It was later discovered that the information and claims volunteered by Zhongfu International Investment FXE against China Africa Investment FXE were tissues of lies.

Diplomatic Note
“Unknown to Ogun government at the time, Zhongfu International Investment FXE merely sought to de-market China Africa Investment FXE and to surreptitiously covert the State-owned assets of Guangdong Province in China together with the Zone ownership and management rights of their business rival.
“It was further discovered – much later – through the intervention of the Chinese Government via Diplomatic Note 1601, dated March 11, 2016.
“The Government of the Peoples Republic of China, via its Diplomatic Note 1601 dated March 11, 2016, clarified to the Ogun State Government, that China Africa Investment FXE was the rightful investor. After due consultation with the relevant organs of government, we gave effect to the request of the Chinese government.

Four court cases
“We do recall, that Zhongfu International Investment FXE approached Nigerian courts in different jurisdictions to ventilate its legal and business rights. They lost all their four cases in court.
“We also consulted with and took advice from the State Security Services and the supervising Agency, NEPZA, on the best way to proceed. Accordingly, we served Zhongfu International Investment FXE with a formal Termination Notice dated 27 May, 2016.
“For completeness of records, we must mention that Zhongfu International Investment FXE proceeded to Court.
“Among others, the proceedings in Suit No HCT/417/2016: Zhongfu International Investment FXE Vs OGFTZ and, FCT/ABJ/CS/601/2016: Zhongfu International Investment FXE Vs NEPZA & Ors will help to throw light on this business dispute between two Chinese entities- Zhongfu and China Africa.

Special circumstances
“The final judgement in one other case, Suit No AB/04/2017: Zenith Global Merchant International Investment Ltd Vs Zhongfu International Investment FXE delivered on 29/3/2017 specifically restrained a reference to arbitration in the special circumstances of the matter being a trade dispute between two Chinese entities- Zhongfu and China Africa, with little or no connection with either Ogun State or the Federal Government.
“Not satisfied with the decisions of the various courts, Zhongfu International Investment FXE took its case, and wrote petitions at various times, to higher authorities in Abuja; the Presidency, Hon Minister of Trade & Investment; Attorney General & Minister of Justice, Inspector General of Police, EFCC and the National Assembly (both the House of Representatives and the Senate) among others.

“We successfully defended our actions at all levels before these organs of government, and they all agreed with our position. Shortly after, our administration left office in May, 2019.
“In conclusion, without prejudice to the ongoing efforts of the Ogun State Government and the Federal Government of Nigeria, and with all sense of responsibility, I wish to categorically state that the Agreement that was entered into at inception of the Zone in 2007 with our predecessor is what is still in operation and there was no need for any negotiation or re-negotiation of any contract when we came in and throughout our eight (8) years tenure.

Common patrimony
“It is also not true that our administration sent police or any security agent to harass, intimidate, or beat anyone. If there was any such situation, it must have been from among the disputing rivals in the bid to outdo one another. Security agencies can further investigate the allegation and uphold the truth.
“Nigeria should not give Zhongfu International Investment FXE any listening ear as doing so would amount to indulging and, encouraging an unlawful entity without locus standi to appropriate our common patrimony.

“Stemming from the above, this matter of Zhongfu International Investment FXE should be treated the way Nigeria treated the P&ID case. There is no basis for negotiation.

“I am ready to work with the agencies of government in any capacity to ensure that Nigeria is not scammed by Zhongfu International Investment FXE, or any other entity.
“Like every Nigerian, we are concerned that a purely business dispute between two Chinese nationals and corporations has now degenerated into an unlawful attempt to appropriate Nigeria’s sovereign assets.
“This is unacceptable to all people of goodwill and must not be allowed to stand”.

In a highly anticipated and emotionally charged bout at UFC 305, South African fighter Dricus Du Plessis retained his middleweight title, defeating Nigerian-born Israel Adesanya by submission in the fourth round.

The victory was a significant milestone for Du Plessis as he successfully defended his title in one of the most intense rivalries in recent UFC history.

The fight, which had been fueled by pre-fight tensions over race and identity, ended in a dramatic fashion as Du Plessis secured a rear-naked choke, forcing Adesanya to submit.

Despite trailing 2-1 on the scorecards heading into the fourth round, Du Plessis turned the fight in his favor with a powerful sequence of hooks and jabs, followed by a decisive takedown that led to the submission victory.

Adesanya, a former two-time middleweight champion, entered the bout determined to reclaim the title he lost to Sean Strickland in September 2023.

He showed early aggression, landing sharp counters and cutting Du Plessis on the forehead in the first round.

However, Du Plessis’ relentless pressure and superior wrestling skills began to wear down Adesanya as the fight progressed.

In the second round, Du Plessis took control with effective wrestling, dragging Adesanya down twice.

The third round featured intense exchanges on the feet as both fighters battled for dominance, setting the stage for the dramatic fourth-round finish.

The atmosphere in the arena was tense, stemming from pre-fight comments by Du Plessis, who had referred to himself as the first “real” African UFC champion.

This statement, which alluded to Du Plessis’ South African heritage, did not sit well with Adesanya, who has often represented Nigeria with pride throughout his career.

The animosity between the two fighters was evident throughout the contest, adding to the drama of the night.

With the victory, Du Plessis solidified his position at the top of the middleweight division, while Adesanya faces an uncertain future after the bitter loss

•Kano, Sokoto, Borno, Katsina, Plateau top list, Russia flag demonstrators flown to Abuja

•NBA says data not collated yet

•Association goes to court on behalf of those brutalized in Abuja

The 10-day #EndBadGovernance protests may have ended, but the fallout will continue to be with us for some time to come.

For instance, several protesters arrested in some states, mainly in the North, have been charged to court and remanded in prison pending their trial which may not commence anytime soon, going by the delay in trial which has characterized our courts.

Consequently, they are now ‘prisoners-awaiting-trial’.

The arraignment is in line with the law which provides that a suspect must be arraigned in court within 48 hours of arrest, but there is no evidence to suggest that the #EndBadGovernance protesters had legal presentation during the arraignment as it ordinarily should be.

It was not clear also whether their pleas were taken, and, worse still, there was no bail for them.

For instance, the police confirmed that none of the 600 of the 832 protesters arrested in Kano State and charged to court had the opportunity for bail as they were all sent to prison pending the next hearing of their case.

The situation is nearly the same in Plateau State where 51 suspects were arrested and charged to court without legal representation and bail.

The police, however, confirmed that a lawyer called in respect of one of the suspects but did not elaborate.

The next adjourned dates for the cases of the protesters could not be confirmed but if the case of those charged in Plateau is used as a yardstick, then they may have to remain in prison custody for at least the next one month.

The Plateau protesters’ case was adjourned to September 18 and 19, that is, about one month away.
The situation in Katsina State is different where out of the 120 protesters arrested and charged to court, 64 were represented by lawyers and bail successfully secured for 30.

The remaining 90 protesters were remanded in prison but the lawyers who represented the 64 were upbeat about freedom for the rest of their clients (34) as soon as possible.

Many of the 110 protesters arrested on the first and second days of the protests in Sokoto metropolis are, according to sources, still languishing in correctional homes.

The suspects were summarily remanded in prison custody after being presented by the police before a mobile court set up the state government.

Suspects arrested later, and who were supposed to be presented to court on Thursday, were not in seen in any of the magistrate courts in the state capital.

11 states

Sunday Vanguard’s survey across 11 states showed that 1, 423 suspected protesters were arrested by the police and charged to court.

Those accused of flying Russia’s flag among them, it was learnt, have been flown to Abuja for further interrogation.

Kano tops the list with 832 suspects, followed by Sokoto, 110, Borno, 97, Katsina, 90, Bauchi, 60, Plateau and Yobe, 51 each, Kaduna, 50, Nasarawa, 40, Niger, 23, and Zamfara, 19.

The charges vary from state to state and they include criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, riot, theft, mischief and arson.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), which had vowed ahead of the protests to provide legal aid to arrested protesters whose rights may have been violated, did not show up in any of the courts in all the states where arraignment took place.

Mr Chinonye Obiagwu, SAN, Chairman, NBA Human Rights Institute and Member, NBA Free Legal Support Team for #EndBadGovernance protesters, however, said the association was intervening on behalf of some protesters in Abuja who were harassed and brutalized at the MKO Abiola Stadium, the venue designated for the protests, by security forces, saying a suit was being filed in court on their behalf.

“The branches of the NBA were mandated to provide legal assistance to anyone arrested or whose human rights were violations during the protest”, Obiagwu told Sunday Vanguard late last week.

“There were a number of reports from the branches about support provided to diverse range of people. Most of the cases are still going on and so the data have not been collated at the central NBA level.

“In Abuja, some protesters, including women, were molested at the stadium when they came to arrange for the August 10 protests.

“This was the stadium the court designated as the approved place for the protests, yet they were beaten and harassed by law enforcement agents in the same venue.

“So, the NBA Human Rights Institute intervened and some of the molested protesters are filing a suit to challenge the denial of their right to peaceful protests.”

The protests took place nationwide from August 1 to August 10.

Tagged #EndBadGovernance protests, it was organized by youth groups to call government’s attention to the downturn in the economy and the hunger in the land.

Efforts by government to dissuade organizers from proceeding with the action on the grounds that it may be hijacked by hoodlums to cause destruction proved abortive.

The protests were largely peaceful in Abuja and Lagos, among others, where government obtained court orders to restrict demonstrations to designated venues.

But in many states, especially in the northern part of the country, the protests took a violent turn as hoodlums came in, leading to loss of lives and destruction of property.

The police called many of the arrested persons ‘rioters’ but some of them disputed the claim, saying they were protesters

Additionally, the protests turned to pro-Russia rallies in Kano, Kaduna and Katsina states, among others, as demonstrators carried Russian flags in a manner suggesting they want Nigeria to turn to Russia in search of solution to her challenges.

Kano

Kano State Police Command said it arrested no fewer than 832 suspects for various offences during the nationwide protests in the state.

The state Commissioner of Police, CP, Salman Garba, said 600 were rioters while 76 were arrested in connection with the displaying of Russia flags.

Garba said others arrested include six who allegedly masterminded the looting of the Kano Printing Press and 150 violators of curfew imposed by the state government as a result of the protests.

“The Kano State Police Command has worked diligently and professionally towards addressing the aftermath of the August 1st to 10th nationwide protests, and these efforts resulted in the arrest of 873 suspects and recovery of large quantity of exhibits”, he said.

“Arrest and prosecution of six hundred (600) suspects for various offences, including criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, riot, theft, mischief and arson were made.

“Similarly, arrest and prosecution of one hundred and fifty (150) suspects for violating the curfew enforced by the Kano State government while additional (6) suspects arrested were linked with masterminding the destruction, setting ablaze and looting of the Kano Printing Press (KPP) are undergoing investigation.

“We also arrested and transferred seventy-six (76) suspects flying Russian flags, including a foreigner to Force Headquarters, Abuja for discreet investigation on charges of sedition”.

When contacted for additional information on the number of suspects granted bail after arraignment in court, spokesperson for the state Police Command, SP Abdullahi Haruna, said no one was granted bail.

Kaduna

In Kaduna State, suspects arrested in connection with the protests, it was learnt, were also charged to court.

Although a source close to the police in the state said the police arrested over 50 youths, the state Police Command Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Mansir Hassan, could not disclose the actual number of those arrested.

“All the suspects have been changed to court and some were transferred to Abuja for investigation”, Hassan simply told Sunday Vanguard.

Meanwhile, there were complaints that some of those arrested were peaceful protesters and had not participated in looting or vandalizing of government and private properties.

Malam Ahmed Rufa’i, a tailor in Kaduna North Local Government Area, alleged that the police, in their mass arrests, had not differentiated between protesters and miscreants.

Plateau

51 suspects were arrested in Jos, Plateau State during the protests and they were immediately charged to court, the state Police Command Public Relations Officer, DSP Alfred Alabo, confirmed.

Recall that some of the persons were arrested for defying the curfew imposed on the area by the State Government in the aftermath of the protests.

A credible source at the state Police Command disclosed that none of the arrested persons had been bailed at the time of this report.

“Shortly after they were arrested, they were all charged to court for inciting disturbance and failure to comply with an order made by the government. A lawyer called for one of the suspects but none is bailed yet. Some of them were arrested with dangerous weapons”, the source said.

“When they were arraigned, they all pleaded guilty, so they were remanded in prison custody and the matter was adjourned to the 18th and 19th of next month. So those that can afford to get lawyers, their lawyers will file bail applications which will be considered.

“They were arraigned at the time of the protests, and so the court exercised its discretion to remand them and some of them were arrested with dangerous weapons”.

Katsina

120 protesters were arrested in Katsina State for allegedly engaging in destructive activities and causing unrest during the protests.

According to ASP Abubakar Sadiq, spokesperson for Katsina Police Command, all the suspects had been arraigned in court.

Sunday Vanguard learned that the alleged offenders were brought before multiple courts but their hearings were adjourned.

While some secured bail, a significant number were sent to correctional facilities awaiting trial.
A legal team from Lawyers for Rule of Law and Human Rights, representing 64 protesters, said it secured bail for 30 protesters.

The team, led by MM Lawal and DD Sani, noted that efforts were underway to release the remaining 34 detainees.

Sunday Vanguard understood that some of the protesters were still in custody because the charges against them were bail-able only in a High Court.

A check at the two correctional facilities in the state capital revealed that 42 protesters were earlier admitted at the facilities.

Prominent among those still in detention at press time were Kabir Shehu ‘Yandaki and Habibu Ruma, along with five others who championed the protest under the ‘Struggle for Good Governance’ umbrella.

The court had directed that the protest leaders, among others, be presented for the continuation of their trial slated for September 11, 2024.

Sokoto

Many of the 110 arrested on the first and second days of the nationwide protests in Sokoto metropolis were at press time, according to sources, still languishing in correctional centers.

The suspects were summarily remanded in prison custody after being presented by the police before a mobile court set up the state government.

More suspects, who were supposed to be presented to court on Thursday, were not in seen in any of the magistrate courts in the state capital.

When contacted, Sokoto State Police Command spokesman, ASP Ahmed Rufai, said the matter was before the court of law and, as such, the police would not make further comments.

Rufai directed our correspondent to the state High Court where the Public Relations Officer, Mr Nakwanta Mohamned, also declined comment on the matter.

The Public Relations Officer of the Sokoto Correctional Service, Abubakar Dingyadi, on his part, said the Service was still waiting for a production warrant from the court that remanded the suspects in the Central Correctional Home in Sokoto metropolis.

The relations of some of those arrested in connection with the protests, however, told our correspondent that many of the suspects who pleaded guilty as charged were fined between N130,000 and N150,000 depending on the nature of the allegation against them.

The protests had turned violent in Sokoto on the first and second days which saw many infrastructures in the state capital vandalized including those around the Government House, the seat of power.

Governor Ahmed Aliyu vowed to punish severely all those who took part in the wanton vandalization of public infrastructures during the protests.

Nasarawa

In Nasarawa State, the Police Command said it arrested 50 protesters from different local governments across the state but released 10 minors and charged the remaining 40 to court.

DSP Ramhan Nansel, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), disclosed this in Lafia, the state capital.

The PPRO noted that 25 protesters were apprehended in Lafia,16 in Karu, six in Keffi and three in Mararaba-Udege.

Governor Abdullahi Sule, speaking on the protests, expressed worries over Almajiris, who, he said, were used to carry out the demonstrations in the state.

Sule regretted that after interrogation, it was found that the Almajiri were minors who did not even know what the protests were all about.

Taraba

Taraba State recorded no detention during the protests.

While the protests lost steam after the first day, security operatives were on ground to maintain peace and order.

Borno, Yobe

In the aftermath of the first and second days of the protests, which later turned violent in some parts of Borno and Yobe states, Sunday Vanguard understood that about 97 suspects were arrested and detained in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, while 51 were arrested in Yobe in connection with violence, with property worth millions of naira destroyed.

Borno State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Kenneth Daso, confirmed the arrests made by the police in the state in an interview.

He said: “The suspects include seven social media instigators, seven persons who hoisted Russia flags and 83 violent protesters who were arrested at various locations in Maiduguri metropolis and Jere local government area.

“They vandalized public infrastructure and private property, caused mischief by fire, rioting, theft and looting of items.

“Some of the significant actions include the looting of office and food items of World Food Programme (WFP) warehouse at Baga Road, removal of interlocks, destruction of flower vases, street lights and pedestrian bridge barricades at Bulumkutu, Lagos Street, Baga Road and Gwange”.

The PPRO urged members of the public to report any suspicious activities within their domain or area to the police or other security agencies, adding that the Command remained committed to ensuring public peace and security.

Daso also said all the suspects after spending 24hours in custody were taken to court for trial and “punishment”.

Our correspondent gathered that the Borno State Mechanical Workshop and police patrol vehicle were vandalized while dozens of people lost their lives and injured during the first day of the protests in Maiduguri metropolis.

In Yobe, protesters went berserk in Nguru, Potiskum and Gashua local government areas, even as the state capital, Damaturu, witnessed peaceful protest.

In Potiskum, for example, it was gathered that some youths vandalized seven buses belonging to the Potiskum Council. Also destroyed were streetlights, and traffic warden sheds among others.

In Nguru, a pharmaceutical store owned by one Alhikma and a storage facility belonging to the local council were affected, while an ICT Centre named after former Senate President Ahmed Lawan was vandalized, in addition to other public and private properties in Gashua and the other two council areas worth millions of naira destroyed.

According to the Yobe State Police Command spokesman, ASP Dungus Abdulkarim, 51 suspects were arrested out of which 35 have been remanded in the Potiskum Correctional Centre while the underage children among them may be released on bail.

Kwara

There were practically no protests in Kwara State and therefore no arrests.
The state Police Command Public Relations Officer, Ejire Adeyemi Adetoun, told Sunday Vanguard:
“There were no protests in Kwara State, so we didn’t arrest any protester”.

Bauchi

Bauchi State Police Commissioner, Auwal Musa Mohammed confirmed that a police officer was injured and over 60 protesters were arrested during the first day of the protests in the state.

The protesters, who numbered over 3,000, became violent and unruly, engaging in phone theft, property destruction, and stoning police officers.

Despite attempts to disperse them, the protesters regrouped and tried to force their way into Bauchi Government House.

According to the CP, the arrests were made due to breaches of public order and unlawful assembly, as the protesters did not obtain police permission before embarking on the exercise. He noted that 52 of the arrested protesters, including women, were detained for their violent behavior.

Mohammed emphasized that the police acted professionally and did not use lethal force, despite the protesters using women and children as shield.

When Sunday Vanguard called the state Police Command Public Relations Officer, Ahmed Wakil, to ascertain the number of protesters released, he said: We charged all to court. Only the courts have the details please”.

Zamfara

Zamfara State Police Command said it arrested 19 suspects during the protests. A spokesperson for the state Police Command, ASP Yazeed Abubakar, said the suspects were immediately charged to court without spending 24 hours in their custody.

According to him, the police did not arrest protesters conducting their protest peacefully but only arrested those who were caught boggling shops and stealing public property.

He further explained: “Those arrested were charged with criminal conspiracy because they were caught with stolen public properties worth five hundred (500) million naira.

The PPRO also stated that some of the suspects were charged with armed robbery as they were caught with dangerous weapons.

“None of the arrested 19 was released on bail by the state Police Command, they were screened and we charged them all to court”, Abubakar said.

Niger

In Niger State, most of the violent protests took place in Suleja, headquarters of Suleja local government area, and Sabon Wuse, headquarters of Tafa local government area.

23 persons were arrested in Sabon Wuse alone.

The Public Relations Officer for the State Police Command, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the arrest of the 23.

“On the 1st of August, the day the protest started at about 1000hrs, some miscreants of Tafa area of Kagarko LGA of Kaduna State and that of Sabon-Wuse Tafa and Hayin-Dikko Gurara area of Niger State mobilized and stormed Tafa LGA Secretariat of Niger State located along Abuja, Kaduna expressway, Sabon-Wuse Niger State”, Abiodun said in a statement.

“The hoodlums vandalized the Secretariat, partly set ablaze two cars while two others were vandalized.

“They further looted office valuables such as computers, refrigerators, file cabinets, ceiling fans, office chairs, television sets and office burglaries. “The police and other security agencies responded and a total of 23 suspects were arrested with different dangerous weapons, while others were dispersed from the scene and most of the looted items were recovered mostly from Kagarko in Kaduna State”.

The suspects, it was learnt, were transferred to SCID Minna for further investigation and they were scheduled to be arraigned in court as soon as the investigation was concluded.

[Vanguard]

The former governor of Ogun State, Ibikunle Amosun, has spoken regarding the ongoing dispute between Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Ltd, a Chinese firm, and the Nigerian government.

The disagreement has recently escalated, leading to the seizure of three Nigerian aircraft stationed at Paris-Le Bourget and Basel-Mulhouse airports in Europe.

The dispute stems from a contract the Ogun State government revoked in 2016 during Amosun’s tenure as governor.

The revocation led Zhongshan to pursue legal action, resulting in the seizure of the aircraft as part of an arbitration ruling against Nigeria.

The firm alleged that the Nigerian government had reneged on an agreement, prompting it to seek enforcement through international arbitration.

In a recent turn of events, Zhongshan agreed to release one of the seized jets after learning that President Bola Tinubu required the aircraft for a scheduled meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron.

Reacting to the situation, Senator Amosun, in a statement personally signed by him on Saturday, recounted the role he played in the original deal and expressed his readiness to work with the federal government to ensure any foreign entity does not exploit Nigeria.

The statement, titled, ‘Zhongfu firm is an impostor, it’s Chinese against Chinese dispute’ reads, “Our administration assumed office on 29 May, 2011. Very shortly after we took office, two different sets of Chinese companies, Messrs China Africa Investment FXE and Zhongfu International Investment FXE laid claims to Management rights over the Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ).

“The business dispute and rivalry between the Chinese concerns soon became fierce, grounded seamless business activities and threatened public peace and safety within the Zone and neighboring communities.

“There were claims and counter claims as to who between the two was the lawful representative of the original joint venturer, Guangdong Province, China and consequentially who had the right to manage the Zone.

“Zhongfu International Investment FXE, pretending to be a concerned and genuine tenant and Zone stakeholder volunteered very damaging and destructive information about the official representatives of Guangdong Province, the Joint Venturer and lawful Zone Managers, China Africa Investment FXE and subsequently requested to be appointed as Interim Zone Managers.

“Based on the information at the disposal of Government at the time, Zhongfu International Investment FXE was on 15/03/2012 appointed as Interim Zone Manager pending further evaluation. The whole idea was to ensure that someone was in charge and thereby prevent unwholesome and untoward development in the Zone pending the completion of our fact finding exercise.

“It was later discovered that the information and claims volunteered by Zhongfu International Investment FXE against China Africa Investment FXE were tissues of lies.

“Unknown to Ogun Government at the time, Zhongfu International Investment FXE merely sought to de-market China Africa Investment FXE and to surreptitiously covert the State-owned assets of Guangdong Province in China together with the Zone ownership and management rights of their business rival.

“It was further discovered – much later – through the intervention of the Chinese Government via Diplomatic Note 1601, dated 11 March, 2016.

“The Government of the People’s Republic of China, via its Diplomatic Note 1601 dated 11th March, 2016 clarified to the Ogun State Government, that China Africa Investment FXE was the rightful investor. After due consultation with the relevant organs of Government, we gave effect to the request of the Chinese Government.

“We do recall that Zhongfu International Investment FXE approached Nigerian courts in different jurisdictions to ventilate its legal and business rights. They lost all their four cases in court.”

“We also consulted with and took advice from the State Security Services and the supervising Agency, NEPZA, on the best way to proceed. Accordingly, we served Zhongfu International Investment FXE with formal Termination Notice dated 27 May, 2016.

“For completeness of records, we must mention that Zhongfu International Investment FXE proceeded to Court.

“Among others, the proceedings in Suit No HCT/417/2016: Zhongfu International Investment FXE Vs OGFTZ and, FCT/ABJ/CS/601/2016: Zhongfu International Investment FXE Vs NEPZA & Ors will help to throw light on this business dispute between two Chinese entities- Zhongfu and China Africa.

“The final judgement in one other case, Suit No AB/04/2017: Zenith Global Merchant International Investment Ltd Vs Zhongfu International Investment FXE delivered on 29/3/2017 specifically restrained a reference to arbitration in the special circumstances of the matter being a trade dispute between two Chinese entities- Zhongfu and China Africa, with little or no connection with either Ogun State or the Federal Government.

“Not satisfied with the decisions of the various courts, Zhongfu International Investment FXE took its case, and wrote petitions at various times, to higher authorities in Abuja; the Presidency, Hon Minister of Trade & Investment; Attorney General & Minister of Justice, Inspector General of Police, EFCC and the National Assembly (both the House of Representatives and the Senate) among others.

“We successfully defended our actions at all levels before these organs of government, and they all agreed with our position. Shortly after, our administration left office in May, 2019.

“In conclusion, without prejudice to the ongoing efforts of the Ogun State Government and the Federal Government of Nigeria, and with all sense of responsibility I wish to categorically state that:

“The agreement that was entered into at inception of the Zone in 2007 with our predecessor is what is still in operation and there was no need for any negotiation or re-negotiation of any contract when we came in and throughout our eight (8) years tenure.

“It is also not true that our administration sent police or any security agent to harass, intimidate, or beat anyone. If there was any such situation, it must have been from among the disputing rivals in the bid to outdo one another. Security agencies can further investigate the allegation and uphold the truth.

“Nigeria should not give Zhongfu International Investment FXE any listening ear as doing so would amount to indulging and, encouraging an unlawful entity without locus standi to appropriate our common patrimony.

“Stemming from the above, this matter of Zhongfu International Investment FXE should be treated the way Nigeria treated the P&ID case. There is no basis for negotiation.”

A fresh investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has revealed alleged corruption linked to the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele.

The investigation focuses on printing one billion pieces of ₦100 banknotes and the production of 5,000 acrylic blocks in commemoration of Nigeria’s centenary celebration in October 2014.

Sources within the EFCC who spoke with the Premium Times disclosed that Emefiele allegedly bypassed the standard approval process by securing direct approval from former President, Goodluck Jonathan without first passing the proposal through the CBN board as mandated by the CBN Act of 2007.

According to the investigation, this contract, valued at $121.66 million (₦18.91 billion at the time), was awarded to Swedish company Crane Currency, raising concerns of overinflation and kickbacks.

The EFCC’s findings indicated that the payment arrangement breached established practices, with 60% of the contract sum ($72.99 million) advanced to Crane Currency through its Nigerian subsidiary.

Investigators allege that only $39.85 million was actually transferred to Crane, while the balance of $32.72 million was held back, converted to naira, and used to enrich top officials of the CBN and their associates.

The EFCC has reportedly recovered ₦3.18 billion of the inflated amount so far.

However, sources say that pressures are being mounted on the anti-graft agency’s leadership to release the funds, with claims that the proceeds are from legitimate transactions.

The EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed that the investigation is ongoing but declined to provide further details, stating, “There is nothing I can tell you at this point because our people are still working on the matter.”

Peter Obi, flagbearer of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 presidential election, has criticised the exorbitant cost of governance in Nigeria, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He highlighted that an average PhD holder would have to save for years to afford the N160 million SUVs driven by lawmakers.

Obi, in a series of posts shared on his X page on Friday, August 16, 2024, said the reckless spending by the government is the reason for the decline in the standards of the university education system.

The former Anambra state governor lamented that while a Grade 2 lecturer might earn just N150,000 per month, an average lawmaker takes home about N21 million monthly, revealing a stark disparity between the government’s prioritisation of education and its extravagant expenses.

Recall that former President Olusegun Obasanjo alleged that federal lawmakers now fix new salaries and allowances for themselves.

The Nigerian Senate quickly refuted his claims. Interestingly, the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), in a statement, disclosed that each senator collects a monthly salary and allowances of the sum of N1.063 million; this further sparked a fresh debate in the polity.

Reacting to the controversy over lawmakers' actual salaries, Obi tweeted: "If fortunate, one might be employed as a lecturer in Grade 2 with a monthly salary of around N150,000, often paid irregularly, totalling N1,800,000 annually. In stark contrast, our legislators, whose required educational qualification is merely a secondary school certificate, receive a monthly salary of N21 million, which is more than the 10 years' salary of a PhD holder.

"This disparity is the root of the problem. Additionally, legislators are provided with SUVs worth N160 million from the public purse. For a PhD holder to afford such a vehicle, it would take over 85 years of saving every kobo earned. The solution lies in shifting our society from a consumption-driven mindset to a production-oriented approach, where hard work, innovation, and talent are valued and rewarded."

The Presidency is aware of failed attempts by Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Ltd., a Chinese company, to take over offshore assets of Nigeria through subterfuge.

Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, in a statement, said Zhongshan misled the Judicial Court in Paris into attaching Nigeria’s presidential jets in its judgment against Ogun government. 

He faulted the use of the presidential jets which were on routine maintenance in France.

According to him, the presidential jets are assets of a Sovereign entity protected by diplomatic immunity, which forbids any foreign court from issuing an order against them.

“We are convinced the Chinese company misled the Judicial Court of Paris regarding the use and nature of the assets it seeks to attach and did not fully disclose to the court as required by law,” he said.

He said the Federal Government was not under any contractual obligation with the Chinese company.

“The case in which Zhongshan is trying to use every unorthodox means to strip our offshore assets is between the company and the Ogun State government.

“The Federal Government is fully aware of efforts being made by the Ogun State government to reach an amicable resolution on the matter,” said Onanuga.

He said the company had no solid ground to demand restitution from Ogun government based on the facts regarding the 2007 contract between the company and the state government to manage a free-trade zone.

He said that when the contract with Ogun was revoked in 2015, the company had only erected a perimeter fence on the land earmarked for a free trade zone. 

According to him, while the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice was working with the Ogun government on an amicable resolution, Zhongshan obtained two orders from the Judicial Court of Paris.

He said the court orders were dated March 7, and August 12, but no notice was duly served on the Federal Government of Nigeria and Ogun government.

“This arm-twisting tactic by the Chinese company is the latest in a long list of failed moves to attach Nigerian government-owned assets in foreign jurisdictions,” said Onanuga.

He said unscrupulous and questionable individuals were falsely presenting themselves as investors with the sole objective of undercutting and scamming governments in Africa.

He said the same Chinese company had tried to enforce its questionable judgment in the UK and USA but failed.

He was emphatic that foreign companies were trying to defraud Nigeria with the collaboration of some bureaucrats.

“Zhongshan appeared to have sold the judgment they got to a venture capitalist seeking to make money by embarrassing the Federal Government and President Bola Tinubu.

“We want to assure Nigerians that the Federal Government is working with the Ogun government to discharge this frivolous order in Paris immediately.

“Nigerian government will always work to protect our national assets from predators and shylocks who masquerade as investors,” said Onanuga.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the contract between Ogun and Zhongshan to manage a free-trade zone was executed in 2007. 

The parties entered into a dispute in 2015, and arbitration began in 2016.

By 2019, the arbitration hearing had been concluded.

The Arbitral Panel awarded over 60 million dollars against the Federal Government of Nigeria, a co-defendant, when all Zhongshan had done was build a perimeter fence around the free-trade zone.

Based on legal advice, the Ogun government resolved to resist the enforcement of the award.

The resistance was successful in eight different jurisdictions. There are pending appeals against recognition orders issued in both the US and UK. 

Ogun State also engaged Zhongshan in settlement discussions on reasonable terms.

The last meeting, held in September 2023 in London, was attended by several officials of Ogun, including Gov. Dapo Abiodun and Prince Lateef Fagbemi, Attorney General/Minister of Justice.

Zhongshan’s initial reasonable readiness to consider Ogun State’s offer was surprisingly reversed by the second day when it insisted on the government paying the full arbitration debt.

This led to a breakdown of the mediation, with parties agreeing to meet again in the first quarter of this year.

But Onanuga said since then, Zhongshan has been evasive.

“Instead, it embarked on a series of enforcement proceedings, which the legal team appointed by the Federal Government and Ogun successfully opposed.

“In cases similar to the present one, where Zhongshan obtained an ex-parte order, Ogun State successfully set aside the orders.

“Ogun has not given up on a reasonable settlement option, with the most recent letter sent to Zhongshan last week.

“Zhongshan only responded after obtaining this latest illegal order,” said Onanuga

The presidency has clarified claims that a member of President Bola Tinubu‘s Economic Coordination Council, Abdulkabir Adisa Aliu, is one of Malta’s biggest importers of petrol.

Naija News reported that the chairman of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Aliko Dangote, had claimed that officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPCL), oil traders and terminals had established a blending plant in Malta.

However, the group chief executive officer of the NNPC, Mele Kyari, immediately denied Dangote’s claim, saying he did not have any vested interest in any plant in Malta.

But a report from The Cable disclosed that one of the biggest importers of petrol from Malta is Aliu.

In an interview with the aforementioned publication, Aliu denied any wrongdoing in his business practices and promised a full response to the newspaper’s questions.

According to an insider who shared confidential documents with the publication, over 200,000 tonnes of petrol from Malta were discharged into the Matrix jetty in Warri, Delta state, in July 2024 alone.

Reacting, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, in a statement via X on Saturday, said Aliu has been in the petrol business for over 20 years, and it would be wrong to accuse him of importing bad fuel into the country.

Ajayi clarified that Aliu as an active player in the downstream sector, had nothing to do with his membership in President Tinubu’s economic council.

The statement reads, “It appears @thecableng just wants to create a storm in a teacup because I can’t seem to understand the link between where Matrix Energy imports petroleum products from and the Chief Executive’s membership of President Tinubu’s Economic Council.

“The man has been in the business for over 20 years. It is not enough to accuse someone of importing bad fuel into the country without evidence just because another businessman, seeking to protect his own turf, made the allegation.

“Matrix is an active player in the downstream sector. Whatever business arrangement the company has with NNPC has been on for many years before the current administration that is barely a year old.

“The company runs over 150 retail stations across the country and is reported to have three vessels for its operations. Matrix Energy, arguably, owns one of the largest independent product storage facilities in Nigeria.

“Certainly, it wasn’t the CEO’s membership of President Bola Tinubu’s Economic Council that made him an active player in the sector where he has operated for over twenty years.

“Members of President Tinubu’s Economic Council are drawn up from leaders of big businesses in critical sectors of the economy. Other members of the Council announced on March 27, 2024 include Mr. Segun Agbaje, Group CEO of GTBank Holding Company, Aliko Dangote, Mrs. Funke Okpeke, Tony Elumelu, Patrick Okigbo, Ms Amina Maina, Abdulsamad Rabiu, Dr. Doyin Salami among others.”