Amidst lingering supply bottlenecks in the petroleum downstream sector, the uncertainty around pricing has pitched the management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and that of Dangote Refinery in a battle to determine petrol price acceptable to all stakeholders in the petrol supply value chain.
The bone of contention includes the social impact factor in balancing market with affordability.
Vanguard learned that a wide gap exists between offer prices given by both parties, a situation which has stalled the negotiations for over two weeks now, making it difficult for Dangote to go ahead with rolling out its product to local marketers.
Insider sources told Vanguard that while NNPCL is going for a subsidy-compatible pricing, Dangote is positioning for a market-reflective pricing.
But the source said both parties are fully aware of each others’ constraints, and they are now going for a middle ground that will ensure stability and sustainability in both supply and pump price.
Another round of meeting, according to the source, has been scheduled for today at NNPCL headquarters where a likely shift in grounds may be achieved.
Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, Olufemi Soneye, who confirmed the negotiations, told Vanguard that they are optimistic that a mutually-agreeable price and other terms would be reached eventually.
He, however, said that NNPCL will be guided by its obligations as provided under the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA, in agreeing to any price.
We are working to clear supply backlog —NNPC
Meanwhile, the NNPCL said its purchasing portal will be reopened as soon as backlog of orders for petrol is cleared.
Marketers had complained about the portal shutdown, adding that it encourages round-tripping of product supplies, while driving up prices of petroleum products.
In a press statement yesterday, Soneye, said: “We have a significant backlog to address. The closure is intended to prevent us from holding marketers’ funds for an extended period.
“It will be reopened once the backlog has been sufficiently reduced. We are working to address it as soon as possible.”
However, speaking at a just-concluded webinar – ‘Optimising the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry’ – Chairman, Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria, MEMAN, Huub Stokman, called for increased collaboration among oil and gas downstream stakeholders to provide quality products and services to consumers.
Stokman stressed the importance of unity among businesses, government agencies, and regulatory bodies to ensure affordable services and products.
He said: “Our primary focus should be on our customers. While running our organizations is important, our ultimate responsibility is to deliver quality goods and services.”
Stokman noted the need for better infrastructure, such as roads and pipelines, to improve product distribution across Nigeria, adding hoarding and high operating costs, due to inflation and inadequate logistics, were impacting the sector.
He also stressed the importance of energy transition and environmental sustainability, urging a shift towards Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), and renewable energy sources, including solar power and electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure before proposing the formation consultative committees similar to Nigeria’s Bankers Committee.
Similarly, the Chief Executive Officer, Rainoil Limited, Gabriel Ogbechie, noted that the price of petrol has surged by 60 per cent to approximately N1,230 per litre in the past few weeks.
Ogbechie made a case for increased investment in infrastructure, including ports to enhance delivery of products and services to consumers.
On his part, President of the Petroleum Retail Outlet of Nigeria, Dr Billy Gillis-Harry, stressed the benefits of deregulation, including increased efficiency, government revenue, and regular availability of petroleum products.
Also, Executive Secretary of the African Refiners and Distributors Association, ARDA, Anibor Kragha, harped on energy security, while stressing the need for value addition in the midstream and downstream sectors.
Marketers petitioned President Tinubu over diesel price —Dangote
In a related development, indications have emerged that a new pricing template for diesel may be underway, as marketers of petroleum products in Nigeria, yesterday, petitioned President Bola Tinubu over the low price of diesel at N900 per litre.
Dangote refinery has consistently reduced price of the product from N1,200 to N1,000 and now N900 per litre, in the past few months.
Vice President, Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, who disclosed this development, said marketers of petroleum products in Nigeria, have complained that the relatively low price has affected their revenue and profit margins.
Speaking at a Twitter Space session organized by Nairametrics, Edwin said the refinery currently struggles to sell about 29 tankers of diesel daily due to low patronage from marketers of petroleum products.
Edwin said the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) wrote to President Bola Tinubu that the price cut affected their business “due to the large inventory of imported AGO”.
Edwin highlighted some challenges facing the Dangote Refinery while stressing its impact on Nigeria’s fuel supply and prices.
He said: “As a result of this poor local patronage, the refinery exports most of its diesel and aviation fuel.
“We have been exporting aviation fuel, we have been producing kerosene, we have been producing diesel, but yesterday, we started the production of PMS (petrol). So, that was the last stage. The only thing now left out is petrochemicals.
“So, the good news for the country is we have started producing PMS from our refinery,” he had said on a radio programme.
He stated further: “But if the traders or NNPC are not buying the product we will end up exporting the PMS as we are doing with the aviation jet and diesel.
“The philosophy is to take the crude, and instead of exporting the crude, refine it, add value; export the finished products, and supply the finished products locally. But unfortunately for us, we started facing challenges with the crude supply.
“What is happening today? We are struggling to get the crude. We are now importing crude from the US, we are importing from Brazil, and from other parts of the world. So, the whole philosophy has gone upside down. After all these decades, we are exporting crude, importing products.
“The same thing is continuing. We are not getting enough crude allocation, and the crude is still being exported. We are forced to import crude from outside. Yes, we are getting some crude locally, but it’s not adequate.”
In its recent statement, the company quoted the Economist Intelligence as stating that further delays in crude oil feedstock to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals could jeopardise Nigeria’s economic recovery and put additional pressure on the naira.
It stated: “The research and analysis division of the Economist Group said the Dangote Refinery which began production in January has encountered setbacks in petrol production due to a shortage of crude oil feedstock.
“It said the $20 billion facility has successfully exported various products, including fuel oil, naphtha, nitrogen fertilisers, gas oil, jet fuel, and diesel but has been able to ramp up petrol production due to challenges in sourcing adequate crude oil.
“These delays are expected to have significant economic repercussions for Nigeria, potentially worsening the already strained relationship between public finances and the management of the naira, the country’s currency.”
Edwin also disclosed that Dangote Refinery has been forced to export 97 per cent of its refined products due to low patronage by local oil marketers.
His words: “The conglomerate of all the importers is refusing to buy from us. It is very strange that after putting up the refinery to supply the products locally, I have to export every diesel and jet fuel because they do not want to buy from us,” Edwin said.
He added: “We started selling the diesel, we fixed the price, and it was lower than the prevailing market price. Then, we brought the price further down and they (marketers) wrote to the president, complaining.
“I’m selling 2 per cent to 3 per cent to small traders who are willing to buy, while the rest 95 to 97% I’m forced to export.”
He said the refinery may also be forced to export its petrol “if they are not willing to buy”.
Confirming the negotiations with NNPCL over price and other conditions of sell, he said: “But to be very frank and straightforward, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) has come forward.
“They have been discussing. Although the discussion has been going on for almost three weeks and it is not yet concluded, they are working to agree with us on the quantity of crude they can sell and they said they will monitor the products.
“They are going to have a team of 10 people sitting in the refinery. They will see the crude which we are going to receive, ensuring that everything is coming into the refinery, and they would watch whether we are producing and processing everything and then, they would watch whether we are giving back all the products,” Edwin said.
Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese footballer, is celebrating 1 billion followers across all his social media platforms.
In an Instagram post on Thursday, the 39-year-old Al-Nassr forward thanked his supporters for believing in him through “all the highs and the lows”.
Ronaldo also reflected on his journey from a young boy in Madeira to becoming “one of the greatest players of all time”.
“We have made history — 1 BILLION followers! This is more than just a number,” he wrote.
“From the streets of Madeira to the biggest stages in the world, I’ve always played for my family and for you, and now 1 billion of us stand together.
“You’ve been with me every step of the way. This journey is our journey, and together, we’ve shown that there are no limits to what we can achieve.
“Thank you for believing in me, for your support, and for being part of my life. The best is yet to come, and we’ll keep pushing, winning, and making history together.”
With this new feat, Ronaldo is the most-followed person on social media — including Instagram (638 million), X (113 million), Facebook (170+ million), and YouTube (60+ million).
On August 21, Ronaldo launched his YouTube channel. The footballer also set a new Guinness World Record (GWR) for the most YouTube subscribers gained in 24 hours.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid player has won five Ballon d’Or awards, three UEFA Men’s Player of the Year Awards, and four European Golden Shoes, the most by any European player.
The Portuguese international has also scored 895 senior career goals and is the leading all-time goal-scorer in the world.
According to the latest issue of Forbes, Ronaldo is also the highest-paid athlete in the world in 2024 with an estimated total earnings of $260 million.
[TheCable]
Ahead of the September 21, 2024 Local Government Council polls in Imo state, members of the ruling All Progressives Congress and the opposition parties are wary of the process leading to the election, Tony Icheku reports.
About two weeks to Imo State’s first local government council polls in five years, furrows have formed on the foreheads of the All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirants, and their eyes are red and bleary from sleeplessness and worry. They are no more certain that the process would be transparent, free and fair as they grapple with the contradictions in executing the letters of the party’s constitution concerning internal democracy.
In early June, 2024, Chairman of the Imo state Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC), Chief Charles Ejiogu announced Saturday, September 21, 2024 as the date for local government council polls in the 27 local government areas (LGAs) of Imo State. He assured critical stakeholders and all registered political parties in the State of ISIEC’s preparedness and readiness to offer all a level playing ground. “It will be free, transparent, and credible”, he said.
APC loyalists quickly embraced the exercise. They looked forward to a seamless and rancour-free process: The governor may have nothing at stake, they reasoned, that he is in his second and last term. Expectations were high that he would play the unbiased umpire and allow loyalists who have stood with him through thick and thin to finally have their day in the sun.
In a twinkle of an eye, over 800 councillorship hopefuls purchased nomination forms to jostle for 305 councillorship seats at N1 million each and 200 chairmanship hopefuls shelled out N3 million to jostle for 27 chairmanship seats.
The weeding out process would be through primary, the party and ISIEC assured them stressing that the principles of internal democracy would be duly observed, but after four postponements, the message finally sank in that it may not all be smooth sailing after all.
By the tail end of August, 2024, after several postponements of the primary, Governor Hope Uzodimma finally intervened and prescribed consensus as his preferred option for the selection of chairmanship and councillorship candidates. The governor while addressing all chairmanship and councillorship aspirants, state leaders and stakeholders at APC’s Secretariat in Owerri, the state capital explained that the party constitution allows for three methods of producing candidates for election, namely direct primaries, indirect primaries and consensus.
The Imo Governor also declared that party aspirants who failed to clinch the party ticket will be refunded their expenses, but on the condition that they exhibit good behavior during and after the process, stressing that the decision to opt for consensus candidates was taken to promote unity and cohesion in the party as well as stability of politics in the State. He reminded the party members that APC was one family in the State, urging them to make sacrifices for the victory of the party.
His words: “I will plead with the party to go into the contest with one spirit. Those who win, we will encourage them to work with those who didn’t win”.
According to him, the 27 chairmanship and the 305 ward councillorship candidates would emerge through consensus. He added that where the consensus option fails to select a candidate, the party will conduct a primary election, either direct or indirect. The decision became imperative following the high number of interested candidates in the polls, he said.
Uzodimma was economical with details of how the consensus candidates would emerge. And it is also pertinent to recall that earlier in the race, he recommended zoning of the positions as one of the factors in determining the flagbearers for the chairmanship slots.
Aspirants left the meeting holding their breath in suspense which turned to bewilderment few days later when Local Government chairpersons of the party were forbidden from holding meetings in their domain forthwith.
Uzodimma’s current posture and body language are at variance with his earlier stand that he is “not going to influence the Local Government Election, it will be transparent. We must go by the rules and ensure that credible people that will serve the people are elected.”
He advised those angling for positions as either chairman or councilor to go to their people and sell themselves since they will be accountable to the people at the end of the day.
Analysing the issue, a journalist and public affairs analyst, Henry Ekpe stated that Governor Uzodimma’s position on zoning and consensus option are opaque and ambiguous as “there are clear differences between zoning formula and consensus, including Direct or Indirect primaries.
“While zoning means the rules must be followed to balance the political equation in each given LGA based on their age long way of sharing political positions, but consensus means arriving on immediate acceptable solution based on what is on ground, not minding if it met balancing or not”
Again Ekpe maintained that the consensus option renders the delegates impotent while transferring powers to a clique or a powerful leader to produce the candidates. So, who ever, between a leader or group of leaders who manage to foist a chairman on a LGA become automatically a kingmaker or kingmaker(s).
“Under this consensus option, the Imo APC chairmanship and councillorship primaries have been left on the altar of the survival of the fittest, lacking in democratic norms, but the end justifying the means, with a looming implosion”, he submitted.
Ekpe argued that the true pictures would emerge if Uzodimma’s next political agenda is known – Will he be running for elective office after his governorship or simply interested in installing his successor? Either way, he would want only his trusted allies to hold power as Executive Chairperson or Councillor under the LG’s new financial autonomy dispensation where they would be very influential.
In its reaction to the development, a civil society organisation, the National Youth Alliance (NYA) Imo State chapter described the consensus option as a confrontational attack on the psyche of Imo people and a brutal attack on democracy and rule of law.
According to the NYA Imo coordinator, Comrade ChinonsoNonsokwa, the consensus option is “…totally unlawful, illegal, undemocratic, unacceptable, tyrannical, dictatorial and grossly dehumanising of all aspirants in that party who truly believed there would be primary election”.
Beyond the controversy over the emergence of APC candidates, the insecurity challenge has also reared its ugly face as ISIEC recently declared that the scheduled elections may not hold in three local government councils namely: Onuimo, Okigwe and Orsu LGAs due to insecurity l.
ISIEC Chairman, Ejiogu, while speaking during an interactive session with the various security outfits in the state, proffered that the major operational challenges facing the Commission in the discharge of its duties ahead of the upcoming elections is protection of staff and movement of election materials.
He noted that electoral officers cannot get easy access to some LGAs for routine verification of polling units and collation centres in line with operational guidelines.
Nevertheless, the ISIEC boss affirmed that the Saturday, September 21,2024 date for the LG Polls in other LGAs of the State remains sacrosanct in the absence of any circumstances beyond the Commission’s control.
The LG election is definitely an APC affair as the major opposition parties have distanced themselves from it.
Speaking with THISDAY, DrVinUdokwu, the Coordinator of the Rebuild Imo Movement, comprising former Governor EmekaIhedioha’s loyalists that pulled out from the PDP ruled out the participation of the movement in the LG elections which he described as being programmed to produce a predicted outcome.
Udokwu, a former Chief of Staff to former Governor AchikeUdenwa, maintained that it is an established tradition for LG election conducted in a particular state to be won by members of the ruling party in the State.
“The parties which field candidates in these elections fully understand the game and they only use the elections for sensitisation and mobilisation of members, at worst a very popular party may win one or two councillors, but definitely not the chairmanship”.
The Imo State chapter of the Labour Party (LP) has emphatically distanced itself from the election and described the Imo State LG Polls as coronation of selected persons to man the 27 Local Government Councils in the State and not an election.
Speaking exclusively to THISDAY in Owerri, the Imo LP State Chairman, MrCallistusIhejiagwa maintained that LP chose to boycott the LG elections as it refuses to lend itself to be used to endorse the shenanigan and coronation of cronies of Governor Uzodimma to man the LG Councils.
“Imo State LP have no confidence in the democratic credentials of Governor Hope Uzodimma and we do not see ISIEC as completely independent. Go and find out, the word on the streets is that Uzodimma and the Imo APC have already compiled a list of those who would be announced as winners in the so-called election. The LP refuses to be part of such coronation. The Party will not lend itself to endorse such shenanigans”, Ihejiagwa stressed.
The LP State Chairman described the electoral process as flawed from the beginning even as he argued that Uzodimma have an agenda for scheduling the LG elections so early in his second term, stressing that in his first four years the Imo governor refused to hold any LG elections.
Commenting on the forthcoming LG polls, the State Organising Secretary of the APC, Hon IkechukwuUmeh, refuted the allegations that the GovUzodinma has already endorsed certain candidates ahead the September 21 council polls, describing the allegations as false and misleading.
The Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the governor on Electronic Media, Ambrose Nwaogwugwu stated: “We want to categorically state that this claim is false and misleading. Governor Uzodimma has not endorsed any aspirant for the elections, neither privately nor publicly.
“There is no list of endorsed aspirants existing anywhere, and the Governor has not made any statements to that effect and will not make”.
Across the State, the political environment is like lifeless ashes after a a big fire as the aspirants wind down on the hitherto hyperactive political activities as they wait directives from the APC leadership.
[ThisDay]
In a heartfelt gesture, the Veteran Ex-Enugu Rangers International Footballers of the post Nigeria civil war era of 1970-1975 honoured Chief Ben Etiaba during a grand dinner held in Enugu. The event was in celebration of the Chief Medical Director of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Prof. Joseph Ugboaja, OON. The dinner, chaired by Prof. Chinedu Nebo, CON, also had Enugu Rangers International Football Club’s Chief Executive Officer, Amobi Ezeaku, Esq., as the Special Guest of Honour.
Chief Ben Etiaba was presented with a plaque signed by legendary footballers Christian Chukwu MFR, Emmanuel Okala MON, Dr. Johny Egbuonu, Dominic Nwobodo, Patrick Iluno, and Francis Nwosu. The presentation was made in appreciation of his benevolence, mentorship, brotherliness, and compassion toward the Veteran Ex-Rangers group.
“I am deeply honoured to receive this plaque from these football icons who have given so much to our people,” Etiaba said while acknowledging the award. “Their contribution to rebuilding the spirit of the Igbo nation after the civil war cannot be overstated.”
Christian Chukwu, representing the Veterans, expressed their gratitude for Etiaba’s constant support, noting that he has been a beacon of hope and strength for the group. “Chief Etiaba has shown us that he truly values our legacy and the sacrifices we made,” Chukwu said. “This plaque is a symbol of our deep appreciation for his unwavering commitment.”
In his response, Chief Etiaba reflected on the impact the Ex-Rangers team had on the Igbo community after the civil war. “Every war signifies the failure of conflict resolution mechanisms, but what comes afterward is equally important—rebuilding confidence in the people,” he stated. “These men brought joy and hope back to a people deeply wounded by war.”
Emmanuel Okala added his voice to the recognition, praising Etiaba’s dedication to the cause. “He is a rare gem who has continued to stand by us and uplift our spirits in difficult times. His compassion is second to none,” Okala remarked.
Dr. Johny Egbuonu, also signing the plaque, emphasized the unity between sports and nation-building. “Rangers were not just a football team; they represented the hope of an entire people. Chief Etiaba understands this and has supported us in keeping this legacy alive.”
The dinner in honour of Prof. Ugboaja provided a fitting backdrop for such a tribute, with Prof. Chinedu Nebo commending both the Ex-Rangers and Chief Etiaba for their contributions to the Igbo cause. “What we see here is a beautiful fusion of health, sports, and leadership, and it is truly inspiring,” Nebo said.
R-L: Enugu Rangers Int’l FC CEO Amobi Ezeaku Esq, Ben Etiaba, Dr. Johny Egbuonu, Dominic Nwobodo, Patrick Iluno
Dominic Nwobodo, another Veteran who signed the plaque, described Chief Etiaba as a symbol of resilience. “In times when others may have forgotten us, Chief Etiaba has remained steadfast. His generosity and kindness know no bounds,” Nwobodo affirmed.
As the night drew to a close, Amobi Ezeaku, Special Guest of Honour, noted the significance of the recognition. “Chief Etiaba’s consistent support for the Veterans is a testament to his leadership and character. He is a true supporter of the Rangers’ spirit,” Ezeaku said.
Chief Etiaba closed his remarks by once again thanking the Ex-Rangers and reaffirming his commitment to their cause. “I will always stand by you, just as you stood by our people in those dark times. Your legacy will forever be remembered,” he concluded.
The dinner not only honoured Prof. Ugboaja but also served as a celebration of history, unity, and the power of sport in healing a wounded people.
The Lagos State Police Command said the body of a 17-year-old boy, identified as Adeolu Olubade has been found buried in a shallow grave at an apartment on Jesus Assembly Omoguwa Street in the Ejigbo area of Lagos.
The deceased boy’s family had alleged that a suspect was responsible for the death of the teenage boy while the unnamed 30-year-old suspect has been arrested for questioning.
Spokesperson of the Command, Benjamin Hundeyin, a Superintendent of Police disclosed this to newsmen on Thursday.
“On September 3, 2024, at about 8:00 am, a family member of the deceased approached and reported at the station that his 17-year-old cousin was discovered dead and buried in one of the rooms at Jesus Assembly Omoguwa Street, Ejigbo.
“They suspected the crime was carried by a 30-year-old suspect of the same address between 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm.
“Based on this report, a team of detectives was dispatched to the crime scene and took photographs of the shallow grave before the corpse was exhumed
Mohbad’s Widow Wunmi Pens Heartfelt Tribute On First Anniversary Of His Death
“The body has been taken to the Isolo General Hospital for post-mortem examination and the suspect mentioned has been apprehended, and the shovel suspected to have been used to bury the victim has been recovered, taken to the station, and registered as an exhibit,” Hundeyin said.
The police image-maker added that the case file, the suspect, and the exhibits are transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Yaba for further investigation.
Dele Agbeyo, Nigerian gospel singer popularly known as Dele Gold, has passed away.
His death was confirmed by fellow gospel artist Alayo Melody, who took to social media on Wednesday to share the tragic news.
In an Instagram post, Melody expressed shock and sadness, writing: “Dele Gold died kee?? Ahhh This is getting too much ooo!!!! May God help us stop this untimely death. Dele Agbeyo, May your soul rest well.”
Wonder Doyin Kujore, another gospel singer, also expressed his grief on Instagram.
“Nothing in this world… let us live today and leave tomorrow for God. It saddens my heart to post about those who die prematurely, but I have to pay my last respects. Rest in peace Dele Agbotikuyo, Dele Gold,” he wrote.
In 2019, Dele Gold made headlines when he collaborated with Juju music legend Ebenezer Obey on one of his albums, solidifying his place in the Nigerian gospel music scene.
He recently celebrated his birthday in April, where he reflected on what he described as “rare blessings and favour.”
His death follows that of another gospel singer, Aduke Ajayi, better known as Aduke Gold, who died from cervical cancer in August. Ajayi was laid to rest in Lagos on August 23.
Dele Gold’s passing marks a somber moment for the Nigerian gospel community, which has now lost two of its voices in quick succession.
A 30-year-old motorcyclist, Michael Olorunfemi, has been arrested for allegedly raping his wife’s 17-year-old sister inside the bush, in Akure, the Ondo State capital.
The suspect, a father of four, was said to have raped the victim sometime in August 2024, at 10 p.m., in the Onigaari area of Irese Road, Akure.
Police source told Vanguard that the suspect had confessed to the crime.
A source said that the suspect confesses that “The victim approached me to take her to her boyfriend’s house, and on our way, I stopped near a bush and raped her.
“I promised to give her money, which I did not. She then reported me to her mother, which led to my arrest.”
Contacted, the police image maker, Funmi Odunlami said that the suspect had been charged to court.
Odunlami said the suspect has been remanded at Olokuta prison by the court, over the alleged rape.
The police prosecutor, Inspector Taiwo Oniyere, said the defendant committed the offence sometime in August 2024, at 10p.m., in the Onigaari area of Irese Road, Akure.
Oniyere added that the defendant unlawfully had carnal knowledge of the 17-year-old girl (name withheld).
The offence, according to the charge, contravened Sections 357 and 358 of the Criminal Code Law of Ondo State, 2006.
Police prosecutor, Oniyere, urged the court to remand the defendant in prison custody pending advice from the office of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, DPP.
The trial Chief Magistrate, Kolawole Aro, has, therefore, ordered that the defendant be remanded in Olokuta prison and that the case file be transferred to the DPP for advice.
Magistrate Aro has adjourned the case till October 31, 2024, for review
Sweden’s government said, on Thursday, it would drastically increase grants for immigrants who choose to leave the country.
As of 2026, immigrants who voluntarily return to their home countries would be eligible to receive up to 350,000 Swedish kronor ($34,000).
This is up from the current 10,000 kronor.
The amount, $34,000, is N55,930,000, using the recent exchange rate of N1,645/$.
The move is to encourage more migrants to make the choice.
The right-wing government, which is propped up by the anti-immigration Sweden Democrats, made these known in a statement.
Wunmi, the widow of late Nigerian singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, has shared an emotional tribute on social media to mark the one-year anniversary of his death.
In her heartfelt message on Instagram, Wunmi expressed how deeply she and their son, Liam, have missed Mohbad since his passing.
She reflected on the plans they had together and prayed for his soul to find peace, asking God to forgive his shortcomings.
In the lengthy tribute, she wrote: “llerioluwa mi, Husband of my youth, my best friend! It’s been a year today-a year since you left me and our Liam in this cold world. It’s been so hard. I miss you so much. Liam misses you too. I wish you were here to see him; you would have been an incredible father.
“I still don’t know how I’ve survived without you. God, I wish you were here every single day-every millisecond of the day. Your passing brought me unbearable pain, but it has also shaped me. I’ve learned so much, and I’m still learning. I’ll never be okay with you not being here; it messes with my head.
“I keep thinking it’s a nightmare I’ll wake up from, but 366 days have passed, and I haven’t. Oko mi, we had so many plans together, and you had so much more to give to this world. It hurts deeply to know that all our dreams, everything you worked so hard for, are now gone with you.
“I want you to know that Liam and I are holding on to the strength and love you gave us. Every day, I see pieces of you in him-your kindness, your smile, your spirit. I promise to raise him with the same love and care you would have given him, keeping your memory alive in every step of his life.
“But today, I choose to celebrate you. Today, I choose to honor your legacy. Today, I choose to give all glory to God for blessing me with you, llerioluwa. Today, I choose to be grateful for the gift of Liam-the beauty for our ashes.
“My love, I pray for your soul today. I ask that God forgives you of all your shortcomings and welcomes you to rest at His right hand. I hope it’s always a celebration up there for you. I love you so much. Thank you for Liam-I’m forever grateful for the gift of him! Fly high with the angels, love of my life.”
Her emotional message touched many fans and followers, who offered their support in the comments, as they remembered Mohbad on this solemn occasion.
The All Progressive Congress (APC) has blamed Nigerians for the removal of fuel subsidy by President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking on the removal of fuel subsidy, the National Publicity Secretary of APC, Felix Morka, said what President Tinubu did was to implement what the law stipulated.
He argued that the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) passed into law by the National Assembly canceled payment of subsidy.
He explained that Nigerians failed to speak to their representatives in the National Assembly against passing the PIA.
Speaking with Arise TV, on Wednesday, Morka stated that what President Tinubu did was to permit the law.
“What has happened is not a function of politics or a proclamation by the president. It is a function of law the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) eliminated the system of subsidy as we knew it under the former administration of President Muhammadu Buhari. Now as of the signing into law of the PIB, petroleum subsidy was gone. Meaning that Nigeria, this new government succeeded President Buhari could not pay subsidies because the law didn’t permit it.
“So what President Bola Tinubu did on the day of his inauguration was simply communicate what the law had declared.
“And I think this point is critical to make that we should be mindful that what the President did on the first day of his inauguration was to declare the state of the law.”
Morka explained that subsidy was also unsustainable. He noted that the problem was that Nigerians have become dependent on fuel subsidy against international practice, but refused to call their National Assembly representatives to order.
The APC spokesman noted that NNPC did not completely remove fuel subsidy to avoid a complete shutting down of the economy.
“He didn’t do anything of his own free will. It had been legislated by the National Assembly and signed into law by the previous president. Anyone who read the national budget. including some of the supplementaries there’s no provision for subsidies at all.
“NNPC, being now a quasi public-private entity continued in some way shape or form to some degree to manage that recognizing that a wholesale complete total removal of subsidy would in fact further exacerbate existing economic conditions for the time being.
“The point I’m making is that that subsidy regime had become completely unsustainable. You cannot have a country where all of the earnings, the gross earnings of a country, was expended subsidizing one single product for the people.
“I understand that historically we’ve created the dependency on subsidy, so our people are used to buying fuel at almost nothing compared to what others are buying elsewher.
“However, now that it’s become obvious that we cannot sustain that system. That system had to go and it was removed by law. Nigerians have representatives in that National Assembly. They could have told their representatives object to the removal of subsidy when that discussion was taking place. There were public hearings done,” Morka explained further.
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One year after the mysterious death of rapper Ilerioluwa Aloba, better known as MohBad, head of the Aloba family’s legal team, Taiwo Odumosu, has shared the difficulties in securing pathologists for the case.
Odumosu revealed in an interview with The Punch that the investigation is proceeding through various channels, including a second autopsy and toxicology test, as directed by the court.
According to Odumosu, forensic experts have sent the specimen abroad for analysis, opting for a European lab rather than the USA due to the controversies surrounding the initial autopsy.
The court is also expected to rule on objections raised by Wunmi regarding the DNA test on October 18.
“Presently, we are approaching the issue from different angles. The second autopsy and toxicology test is being conducted as directed by the court. We hope this will shed more light on the circumstances leading to the death of MohBad. Presently, the specimen has been taken abroad by forensic experts for the toxicology examination.
“Given the controversy generated by the first autopsy, the forensic experts in their professional estimation believed the laboratory in Europe would be better. So they avoided the USA altogether. The DNA test too. Wunmi brought preliminary objection on some flimsy grounds. We have argued the objections and the ruling is reserved by the court for October 18,” Odumosu revealed.
Securing pathologists has proven challenging as Odumosu disclosed that attempts to engage four different experts from locations such as Kaduna and Maiduguri were unsuccessful, as they declined due to the influence of powerful figures involved in the case.
Odumosu said, “Getting pathologists to attend to the matter was a bit tough. We got in touch with four pathologists: one from Kaduna, another from Maiduguri and one other place but they said powerful individuals were interested in the matter and declined to take it on.
“We also consulted those in America. However, because of the controversy trailing the first autopsy, we decided to boycott America altogether. For those who agreed to help us now, we thank them. The way to justice is always strewn with thorns. But we have the firm belief we shall get there.”
Odumosu noted that the decision to enlist a forensic pathologist from the northern region was driven by concerns over potential compromises in the process.
“We don’t want anybody to compromise the process. We suspected that the delay of transferring the previous specimen to America took a long time. We also suspected government intervention and institutional laxity on the part of the police, so we decided to look elsewhere to do what we wanted. But we eventually got somebody,” he added.
Speaking on the key challenges the legal team has faced in seeking justice for Mohbad’s family, Odumosu said, “The biggest challenge we have had so far is from the Nigerian Police. Apart from the shoddy investigation that is clear even to the novice, they have refused to cooperate with us on certain levels.
“It is an open secret that the court granted the Aloba family an order to conduct another autopsy and toxicology test after the government-assisted toxicology test led to inconclusiveness. We sent a letter to the police informing them of the order of the court and the need for them to release documents and exhibits to the forensic experts.
“They didn’t acknowledge nor release the documents to the forensic pathologists. We sent a reminder to them and still, they ignored it. This sort of attitude does not commend the police to the populace.”
A Nigerian working as a nurse in the United Kingdom, Ruth Auta, has been sentenced to three years in prison for neglecting her 10-week-old baby, Joshua Akerele, who died while she was at work.
The 28-year-old single mother had reportedly left Joshua alone in her nurse’s accommodation for eight hours on December 20, 2022, to complete her shift, according to a Daily Mail report.
On returning, she discovered her son lifeless in his cot and immediately called 999, reporting that he was not breathing.
The infant died an hour after the ambulance arrived despite resuscitation efforts. Tests revealed that he might have overheated due to excessive layers of clothing and bedding.
The report further claimed that Auta, who worked at the Royal Bolton Hospital, was charged with cruelty to a child.
She pleaded guilty at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on May 24, 2024, while her sentencing was delayed by a month.
On June 6, while attempting to board a flight to Nigeria, she was apprehended at Gatwick Airport with a one-way ticket.
She had told the police she had collected Joshua from a childminder, fed him, and then fell asleep with him on her bed. She claimed she found him unresponsive upon waking.
However, CCTV footage and incriminating text messages contradicted her story.
The footage showed Auta leaving and returning to her accommodation without Joshua, and texts revealed she had instructed her childminder to falsely state she was caring for Joshua that day.
The childminder later confirmed she had not seen the baby for several days.
Giving her judgement, District Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West Sara Davie, stated, “Ruth Auta failed to provide the care her baby needed and chose to leave him alone.
“As a nurse, she should have been aware of the dangers of leaving her child unattended. Her attempts to evade justice further demonstrate her lack of remorse.”
Armed bandits have obstructed the busy Gusau–Funtua highway, kidnapping an unspecified number of travellers.
According to Channels Television, Yusuf Tsafe, a commuter stranded in the area, said that the bandits set up a roadblock at the Tazame axis early on Thursday.
Armed with about 50 motorcycles, each carrying three people, the bandits abducted several travellers and remained on the road for hours.
Tsafe described how the bandits began their operation around 7 am and continued until at least 9 am.
Despite military efforts to address the situation, the road remains blocked, and no vehicles have been allowed to pass. Another commuter confirmed that the Magazu–Kucheri Road, which links Gusau to Funtua, has also been blocked by the bandits.
“They entered the road around 7 am, and till around 9am, they were still there, we just parked by the roadside waiting for the military to clear the road, we are seeing the bandits taking people inside the bush.
“The military guntruck moved to the area earlier, we were just hearing gunshots, but they are yet to open the road. Till now, no vehicle has been allowed to pass.”
Another commuter also confirmed to Channels Television that Magazu – Kucheri Road, which is also the road linking Gusau to Funtua, have been blocked by bandits this morning
“The military men asked us to stop because the bandits blocked the road, we are still waiting for them to clear the road,” the source said.
Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the Zamfara State Police Command, ASP Yazid Abubakar, stated that additional troops, including operatives from the Nigerian Police Mobile Squad, have been deployed to clear the road.
Zamfara State, along with other regions in northwestern and central Nigeria, has been plagued by armed gangs carrying out mass abductions for ransom and engaging in widespread looting and destruction.
The people of Moriki town in the Zurmi Local Government Area of the state are in fear as the deadline given to them by notorious bandit kingpin, Bello Turji, to pay an imposed N30m levy expired, PUNCH Online earlier reported.
But reacting to the development, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, described the bandit kingpin as a deranged person, wowing that the military would soon capture him.
No fewer than three persons lost their lives in April when bandits invaded a market in Tsafe town.
In May 2024, bandits attacked no fewer than 50 communities in the Zurmi Local Government Area of the state.
Nigerian comedienne Anita Afoke Asuoha, popularly known as Real Warri Pikin, has shared how a motivational speaker nearly drove her to attempt suicide.
She made this revelation in a post on her Instagram page, on Wednesday, in recognition of World Suicide Prevention Day.
The comedienne revealed that in 2018 her husband fell into debt after being persuaded by a motivational speaker to explore various business ventures in the quest for financial success.
Her husband, motivated by the advice, tried his hand at several businesses in hopes of achieving financial success, but instead, they found themselves in debt amounting to ₦22 million.
Asuoha shared the emotional story as part of her commemoration of World Suicide Prevention Day. She revealed that, feeling overwhelmed by the financial burden, she attempted suicide in June 2018.
“I tried suicide so you don’t have to, in 2018, June 6, 3 pm to be precise, I attempted suicide, I gave up on life because the burden was too much.
“Life just dey hit me left right and center, life dey turn me round like barber chair. And I felt like the only way to escape is to end the pain,” she said in a video clip shared on her Instagram page.
In a video posted alongside her message, the comedienne disclosed that a family member arrived just in time to prevent her from ending her life.
She urged her followers not to see suicide as an option, no matter how tough life may seem, reminding them that life is made up of seasons and phases.
“Suicide is making a permanent decision to a temporary problem. And most of all, hold on to God and do the one your power reach,” the comedienne said.