The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has apprehended nine suspects involved in crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism.

The operation was carried out by the NSCDC Commandant-General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG’s SIS).

The CG, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, commended the squad for their dedication and effectiveness during the operation.

According to the information made available to THE WHISTLER on Thursday by CSC Babawale Afolabi, the National Public Relations Officer of NSCDC, the arrests were made in the dense forest area of Ommuma/Owaza, located at the boundary between Rivers and Abia States.

The SIS Commander, DC Appolos Dandaura, who gave details of the operation, revealed that the squad had conducted strategic surveillance based on sustained intelligence on the crime scene.

He noted that the suspects were caught in the act of refining stolen crude oil from a vandalized oil wellhead, adding that during the operation, a local refinery under construction, with the capacity to produce 60,000 liters of crude oil, was also discovered.

“Based on sustained intelligence we placed strategic surveillance on the crime scene and apprehended 9 suspects caught in the act of illegally refining stolen crude extracted from a vandalized Oil Well Head; we also discovered an ongoing construction of a local refinery with the capacity to produce 60,000 litres of crude at once.

“While on operational tour across the terrain, we uncovered about 3 well constructed illegal local refineries where crude is being siphoned through the vandalized well head with large hoses connected to transmit crude to Cooking ovens and later channelled to reservoirs after processing; thereafter loading is finally done.

“Visibly at the massive illegal bunkering site you will notice how large hoses and galvanized metal pipes were laid to transfer stolen crude across the processing channels; the site occupied over 15 Modular ovens with 4 fabricated reservoirs and 30 pits dug out to store processed AGO,” said DC Dandaura

The arrested suspects were identified as, ”Oghene Wede (M) 32years, Moses James (M) 25years, Chidi Nwosu (M) 53years, Samuel John (M) 24years, Emmanuel Paul (M) 20years, Oghenevo Nwebi (M) 43years, Martina Whinnypeter (F) 38Years, Nwabuchi Nwogu (M) 41 years and David Okere (M) 20years.”

Dandaura further stated that some exhibits recovered during the operations are: RWD 5.0 GFE-6500 Power Generating Set, 2 Yellow Colour Pumping Machines, Metal and Plastic buckets, Cutlasses, Saw, Mats, Welding Machine, Galvanized metal pipes, different heavy-duty hoses, Head flashlights, some Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) illegally processed in cooking ovens.

He said an investigation is underway to determine the level of involvement of each suspect and identify their sponsors and upon completion of the investigation, the suspects will be charged to court to serve as a deterrent to others engaging in similar activities.

The Federal Government has disclaimed two leaked documents circulating in the media purporting to contain details of President Bola Tinubu’s new fiscal policy proposals.

In a statement issued on Thursday by the President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the presidency urged the public and media to disregard the documents, saying they are not officially approved policies of the government.

One of the leaked documents titled “Inflation Reduction and Price Stability (Fiscal Policy Measures, etc.) Order 2024” was being shared as if it were an executive order signed by President Tinubu.

The other was a 65-page draft titled “Accelerated Stabilisation and Advancement Plan (ASAP),” containing suggestions on improving the Nigerian economy.

Earlier reports based on the leaked documents had claimed that President Tinubu was considering suspending import duties and tariffs on food, drugs and other basic commodities for six months starting May 2024.

The reports also said the purported order authorized rice millers to import paddy rice at zero duty and VAT for a period.

However, Onanuga stated that the documents are merely “policy proposals that are still subject to reviews at the highest level of government.”

He quoted the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, as saying: “The Federal Government is committed to mitigating the effects of this removal and easing the cost of living pressures on Nigerians.

“Our strategy focuses on addressing key factors such as food inflation, which is significantly impacted by transport costs. With the implementation of our CNG initiative, which aims to displace high PMS and AGO costs, we expect to further reduce these costs.

“Our commitment to ending unproductive subsidies is steadfast, as is our dedication to supporting our most vulnerable populations”.

Edun also used the opportunity to reiterate that the Federal Government’s position on fuel subsidy has not changed from what President Tinubu declared on May 29, 2023 that the regime has ended.

He dismissed speculation of N5.4trn being provisioned for fuel subsidy in 2024 as untrue.

“It is important to understand that policymaking is an iterative process involving multiple drafts and discussions before any document is finalised.

“We assure the public that the official position on the documents will be made available after comprehensive reviews and approvals are completed,” Edun affirmed.

Operatives of the National Drug Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested four intending pilgrims with plans to ingest 200 pellets of cocaine in their hotel rooms ahead of their Hajj trip to Saudi Arabia.

The Agency revealed this in a statement, signed by its spokesperson, Femi Babafemi on Thursday.

The NDLEA said the pellets of cocaine weighing 2.20 kilograms were found in their possession when its operatives stormed their rooms at an undisclosed hotel in Lagos, where they were lodged.

The suspects: Usman Kamorudeen, 31; Olasunkanmi Owolabi, 46; Fatai Yekini, 38; and a lady, Ayinla Kemi, 34 were scheduled to leave on a Wednesday, for the ongoing Hajj when they were arrested.

“One hundred wraps of the Class A substance were recovered from each of the two rooms bringing the total seizure to 200 wraps. Two suspects were to swallow 100 wraps each,” the Agency revealed.

While commending the NDLEA operatives, the NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig.-Gen., Mohamed Marwa said the agency will continue to spread its dragnet to track, trace and apprehend criminal elements who may want to hide under pilgrimage to carry out their nefarious activities.

He said, “The Agency will work with our counterparts in Saudi Arabia to ensure that the designated recipients of seized illicit drug consignments in any part of Saudi Arabia are also traced and dealt with accordingly.”

Comfort Stevens Industries, a collaboration between US, Chinese, and Brazilian companies, has announced plans to establish a footwear factory in Owerrinta, Abia.

Dr. John Nwankwo, CEO of Comfort Stevens, disclosed this on Wednesday, during a meeting with the Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti.

He stated that the factory, with a daily production capacity of 15,000 shoes, aims to boost local manufacturing, create jobs, and strengthen the “Made-in-Aba” brand.

Mr. Levi Sotomayor, a foreign partner, emphasized the importance of a public-private partnership for success and the establishment of an artisan academy.

This collaboration according to Sotomayor would facilitate knowledge and technology transfer, bolster local manufacturing, and support large-scale export of finished leather products.

Another foreign partner, Mr. Hon Chik, added that the project would integrate Abia State into the global footwear industry, which holds substantial promise for the region.

He expressed confidence in the project’s potential for success.

Governor Otti welcomed the investment and reaffirmed his administration’s focus on revitalizing local manufacturing and creating a business-friendly environment.

He acknowledged the importance of local production for economic development and expressed admiration for the resilience of Aba’s existing shoemakers.

“One of our government’s key priorities is job creation. We sometimes prioritize job opportunities for our youth over company analysis.

“Our administration is willing to collaborate with Comfort Stevens to establish an academy for artisans and enhance footwear production in the state.

“We are encouraged by your plans to train and upscale our shoemakers. Many of them lack the right tools, skills, and patience. It would be beneficial for Comfort Stevens to not only produce products but also run a finishing school for our youth. Introducing technology to them will significantly improve their output,” Otti said.

Governor Otti assured that the government would ensure a steady power supply to the Owerrinta shoe factory and noted ongoing infrastructure improvements, such as the dualization of the road from Imo River to Umuikaa Junction, to facilitate seamless transportation.

A Sydney court has sentenced a Salvation Army youth support worker from Nigeria, Friday Fredrick Jeremiah, to a minimum of six months in jail for having sex with a 17-year-old girl in his care at a homeless shelter.

Jeremiah, 35, pleaded guilty to the charge and was sentenced to nine months in jail with a non-parole period of six months.

The court heard that Jeremiah exploited the girl’s vulnerability and engaged in sexual activity with her in a nearby park.

“This caused the victim to feel uncomfortable and she did not say much.

“The therapeutic youth support worker later led the victim away from the shelter to a nearby park, grabbed her head and kissed her which she said also made her feel uncomfortable,” the court was told.

According to reports, Jeremiah thereafter led the teenage girl to a tree and pulled down her pants before engaging in sexual activity with her.

The court was also informed that Jeremiah returned to the shelter, telling the girl to wait 10 minutes before coming back, so as not to draw suspicion.

The girl then messaged a friend to narrate her ordeal with Jeremiah.

“Jeremiah continued to message her for months after the incident, even after she left the shelter for long-term accommodation.

“At one stage, he sent her a picture of his genitalia with the message: ‘Let the sleeping dog lay’ to which she did not respond.

The judge noted Jeremiah had a good work history and was an active volunteer at his church, he stated however that, “his good character was reduced to some extent because the offender relied on his good character to become a carer for vulnerable people such as the victim.”

He will be eligible for parole on December 3.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has rewarded the overall best student of the Lagos State University (LASU), Olaniyi Olawale, with N10 million. 

The governor made this announcement at the university’s 27th Convocation and 40th Anniversary in Lagos on Thursday. 

Yusuf, from the Department of Accounting Education, graduated with cumulative grade point average of 4.98 in the 2022–2023 academic session. 

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media, Jubril Gawat, made this known in a tweet on X on Thursday.

He wrote, “FLASH: Governor of Lagos State, Mr #jidesanwoolu has announced a token of N110m for the overall best graduating student of Lagos State University (#LASUOfficial), Olaniyi Mubaraq Olawale, Accounting Education, who graduated with a CGPA of 4.98. 

“Mr Governor made this announcement today at the Lagos State University (LASU) Grand Finale of the 27th Convocation Ceremony.”

Immediate past governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-rufai on Wednesday responded to his indictment of the State House of Assembly probing his 8-year administration in the state.

El-Rufai said he led a government of integrity and competent governance between May 29, 2015 and May 29th 2023 when he governed the state.

In an apparent reference to the his indictment by the ad hoc committee of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, El-Rufai’s Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Muyiwa Adekeye, affirmed his principal’s integrity while dismissing what he described as a “scandalous claims being aired as the report of the committee.”

El-Rufai’s reaction, made available to THE WHISTLER, read:”We are aware of news that the Kaduna State House of Assembly has adopted the report of the ad-hoc committee it asked to probe the El-Rufai government.

“We have not been availed a copy of the report, to which we would respond robustly whenever we obtain it. We affirm the integrity of the El-Rufai government and dismiss the scandalous claims being aired as the report of the committee.

“Malam Nasir El-Rufai is immensely proud of his record of governance and the legacy he left in Kaduna State. This record of consistently high performance in public and private office cannot be altered by any malicious effort to use the auspices of a state legislature for defamation and undeserved smears.

“Many of the officials who served in the El-Rufai government appeared before the ad-hoc committee because of their confidence in the quality of their service and the rectitude in which they served Kaduna State.

“They were under no illusion that they were participating in a fair process. It was obvious that the ad hoc committee was merely going through the motions of an inquiry just to give some gloss to predetermined conclusions.

“It is sad to see such a shameful departure from any notion of decency and fairness by a state legislature. We dismiss with contempt the claims being peddled in connection with the report.

“Malam El-Rufai wishes to assure discerning Nigerians that he has served Kaduna State with integrity and to the best of his capacity, assisted by a hardworking and patriotic team.

“He complied with all extant laws in all his activities while he was the governor. This jaundiced probe should be disregarded as the politically motivated hatchet job it is.”

Recall that the probe by the state Assembly was necessitated following the lamentation of the incumbent Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, that El-Rufai left him a huge debt profile.

Sani, who spoke during a town hall meeting in Kaduna, said he inherited a lean treasury, adding that he could not pay workers’ salaries.

Sani said, “Despite the huge debt burden of N587m, N85bn, and N115bn contractual liabilities sadly inherited from the previous administration, we remain resolute in steering Kaduna State towards progress and sustainable development.

“We have conducted a thorough assessment of our situation and are sharpening our focus accordingly.”
The revelation by Sani had generated reactions from several quarters, including El-Rufai’s son, Bashir, who took to his social media handle and accused his father’s successor of shying away from his responsibility.”

Meanwhile, ad hoc committee set up by the Kaduna State House of Assembly to investigate all finances, loans and contracts awarded under the former governor, Nasir El-Rufai, on Wednesday, submitted its report to the House.

The Committee indicated the former governor saying that most of the loans obtained under El-Rufai’s administration between 2015 and 2023, were not used for the purpose for which they were obtained.

The Committee led by Hon. Henry Zacharia, who’s also the Deputy Speaker of the House, recommended the prosecution of El-Rufai, some other indicted members of his cabinet by security and anti-corruption agencies for abuse of office and money laundering while in office as well as plaguing Kaduna State into heavy debt.

In 2024, the world’s richest people hold significant influence due to their groundbreaking ideas, investments, and guidance.

The top 10 richest people globally come from various fields like technology and luxury goods. They’ve contributed to space exploration, digital communication, e-commerce, and high-end fashion, shaping their industries profoundly while amassing immense wealth. 

Below is a summary of their standings and net worths, per figures from Financial Express:

Net worth: $210 billion

Big time businessman and investor, CEO of Tesla , spaceX and also X previously known as Twitter, Elon Musk tops the list. His ventures have made significant impacts in the fields of space exploration, electric vehicles, and renewable energy. Musk’s forward-thinking approach has led to groundbreaking developments in technology and sustainability.

2. Bernard Arnault 

Net worth: $202 billion

Bernard Arnault oversees a vast empire of luxury brands, including Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, and Sephora. Under his leadership, LVMH has continued

3. Jeff Bezos

Net worth: $194 billion

Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, has maintained his position among the world’s wealthiest through his significant shareholding in the company. He also owns Blue origin a private aerospace manufacturer, and The Washington Post.

4. Mark Zuckerberg

Net worth: $163 billion

Mark Zuckerberg is the co founder and CEO of Meta platforms (formerly Facebook). These platforms have grown since into one of the world largest social media companies. Meta also owns Instagram,Whatsapp, Messenger,Oculus VR,Threads.

5. Lari Ellison

Net worth: $146 billion

Larry Ellison co-founded Oracle Corporation and grew it into one of the largest software companies globally, specializing in database management systems.

6. Larry Page

Net worth: $142 billion

Larry Page is a cofounder of Google and now part of Alphabet. His wealth primarily comes from his 6% stake in Alphabet and various other investments.

7. Warren Buffet

Net worth: $137 billion

Warren Buffet known as the “Oracle of Omaha” leads Berkshire Hathaway. His stash features significant stakes in insurance, energy distribution, railroads, and consumer products. Buffett is also a standout do-gooder, donating billions towards different causes

8. Sergey Brin

Net worth: $136 billion

Sergey Brin is also a co-founder of Google. He was in on creating Google’s search engine alongside Larry Page. He was the tech boss at Google and later took on the same gig at Alphabet, Google’s parent company. His riches mainly flow from his 6% share in Alphabet and other investments.

9 .Bill Gates

Net worth: $129 billion

Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft is a well-known philanthropist and business magnate. He played a significant role in the personal computer revolution, shaping the technology industry as we know it today. Through his foundation, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, he has made substantial contributions to global health, education, and poverty alleviation efforts. His riches consist of a 1.4% share in Microsoft and different investments via his private company, Cascade Investment.

10. Steve Ballmer

Net worth: $123 billion

Steve Ballmer was the CEO of Microsoft after Bill Gates. During his time as CEO of Microsoft, Ballmer shaped the company’s directions and strategies. Currently, Ballmer owns the Los Angeles Clippers NBA team​. His riches consist of a 4% share in Microsoft, the Clippers, and other assets such as The Forum and Intuit Dome.

The House of Representatives on Thursday resolved to investigate the alleged fraudulent allocation of title documents to some real estate developers.

This followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved by the member representing Karu/Keffi/Kokona Federal Constituency, Nasarawa State, Mr Jonathan Gbefwi.

Moving the motion, Gbefwi, noted that before the appointment of Wike by President Bola Tinubu in August 2023, several title land documents in the FCT were issued to some real estate developers “In a highly suspicious manner.”

He said, “The House wonders if the Director of Lands or any official of the Federal Capital Territory Development Administration issued the Right of Occupancy, purportedly in the name of the Minister of FCT. at the period when the office of the Minister was vacant, have the legal right or authority to do so.

“The House is concerned that some of the lands affected were subject to litigations which were yet to be resolved

“We are disturbed that some of the beneficiaries of these alleged fraudulent allocations are already using them to forcibly grab disputed land which is a recipe for conflicts

“We are convinced that if the title document of any land is fraudulently issued or procured, whatever is built on it should not stand in the interest of the public.”

Following the resolution of the House, the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu who presided over plenary, directed the Committee on FCT to “Investigate all allocations of land in the name of the Minister of FCT. Abuja, given from January to August 2023.”

The House also resolved “That all such lands which are subject to litigation or multiple allocations, should be identified and their allocation withdrawn by the Minister pending the resolution of the matter.”

The committee is expected to report back to the House in four weeks.