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An Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan has fixed Tuesday for ruling on applications filed by the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc and other defendants in the suit instituted by the Attorney General of Osun State and one other person as claimants.

The applications before the court include one filed by UBA seeking an adjournment sine die (indefinitely) and another challenging the court’s jurisdiction, filed by counsel to the sacked APC local government chairmen, Mr Kazeem Gbadamosi, SAN. Some other parties, including the sacked APC chairmen and the PDP also filed applications seeking to be joined in the suit.

The UBA, while asking for the case to be adjourned indefinitely, told the court that the local government funds in contention were still in its safe custody and untouched by any party.

Presiding Judge, Justice Ladiran Akintola, said the ruling date was set after due consultations with all parties to allow sufficient time for a well-considered ruling on the various applications.

The court also extended its order of Interim Injunction against UBA Plc until October 14, maintaining a no-debit restriction on 30 bank accounts into which withheld Osun State local government allocations were paid by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

During Friday’s proceedings, counsel to UBA, Mr. Mutalib Adebayo Ojo, SAN, reminded the court of his earlier application that the matter be adjourned sine die pending the judgment of the Supreme Court on a related case.

He noted that the substantive dispute had already been heard by the Supreme Court, which has reserved judgment, adding that any ruling by the lower court might conflict with the apex court’s eventual decision.

According to him, ‘If this High Court proceeds to hear the suit, there is a 50-50 chance that whatever decision it makes may conflict with the outcome of the Supreme Court. The issue here concerns the hierarchy of courts. Proceeding further may amount to a waste of judicial time since the Supreme Court’s decision will ultimately prevail.’

He therefore urged the court to adjourn the matter indefinitely, assuring that the funds in question were still in the safe custody of UBA and untouched by any party.

However, counsel to the sacked APC chairmen, Mr. Gbadamosi, SAN, opposed the application, urging the court not to grant it until the issue of jurisdiction had been addressed. He described the bank’s application as ‘an anomaly’ that should not be entertained.

He argued, ‘From the defendants’ originating summons, it is clear that there is a pending suit before the Supreme Court upon which this current case and its reliefs are predicated. This present suit was filed subsequently after the Supreme Court case was instituted. That in itself constitutes an abuse of court process which this court must not condone.’

In his response, counsel to the plaintiffs, Mr. Musibau Adetunmbi, SAN, countered the submission, explaining that his clients approached the court only after discovering that federal agencies, including the CBN and the Accountant General of the Federation, had transferred the disputed funds to UBA despite the pending case at the Supreme Court.

‘If the money had not been moved from the CBN, we would not have come before this court. The Supreme Court does not have original jurisdiction over UBA, but this High Court does, hence our action,’ Adetunmbi stated.

He added that the suit could not be deemed an abuse of process since it arose from new facts, specifically, the unlawful movement of funds to UBA by federal agencies.

After hearing extensive arguments and counterarguments from all counsel, Justice Akintola retired briefly to his chambers before adjourning the matter for ruling on Tuesday next week.

Grade A Customary Court, Court 2, sitting at Mapo, Ibadan, Oyo State, has dissolved the two-year-old wedlock between a couple, Rowland and Kikelomo on the grounds of troublesomeness and domestic violence by the latter, and irreconcilable differences.

Rowland, who dragged his wife to court, stated that he could no longer stomach his wife’s atrocities.

He stated that his wife made life unbearable for him.

According to Rowland, Kikelomo has no respect for him as the head of the home and is in the habit of raining curses on him.

He also added that she was hostile to his children from his first marriage.

The plaintiff explained that the defendant cursed these children on a regular basis and further stopped them from visiting him.

He thus prayed the court to end their relationship.

Rowland sought an order restraining his wife from harassing, threatening, and interfering with his private life.

He further pleaded that the court ordered her to vacate his eight-room apartment.

Kikelomo denied all the accusations brought against her by her husband but agreed to divorce.

She stated that her husband had told her early in their relationship that all he needed was companionship and not children.

According to her, he insisted she abort the pregnancy of the only child she had for him, but she refused.

She explained that he had been indifferent to their child’s welfare, adding that he had yet to offset the debt incurred at the hospital during her delivery.

She appealed for their child’s custody and further pleaded that the court mandates her husband to be responsible for her upkeep.

Rowland testified, ‘My lord, I want an end to my two-year-old wedlock with my wife.

‘She has proved beyond measure that we are not meant for each other.

‘I can no longer stomach her atrocities. I desire to be free from her.

‘I got married to my wife in 2023 and paid her bride price, but this was returned to me.

‘I have not enjoyed a minute of peace since we got married.

‘My wife has no regard for my age, nor respect for me as the head of the home.

‘She takes delight in raining curses on me every day.

‘I warned her to desist from this habit, but she remained adamant.

‘I reported her to her parents, who also cautioned her, but rather than take their advice, she warned them never to interfere in her marital issue.

‘My children from my first marriage were not spared from my wife’s hostile behaviour.

‘She never stopped causing them.

‘Kikelomo further stopped them from paying me a visit.

‘My lord, I pray this honourable court to rule that we go our different ways.

‘I also plead that the court rule that she vacates the eight-room apartment she is staying in, which is my property.

‘I further request an order restraining my wife from harassing, threatening, and interfering with my private life.’

Kikelomo said, ‘All the allegations he brought against me are false.

‘He told me when we met that all that he needed in our marriage was companionship and no children.

‘But I became pregnant a few months after we started living together, and he demanded that I abort the pregnancy, but. I refused.

‘He has not been committed to our child’s welfare since I had her.

‘He still owes the hospital where I was delivered of our baby N35,000.

‘I agree that the court ends our union, but I also plead that the court grant me custody of our child and make my husband responsible for her upkeep, giving feeding, education, and health care a priority.

‘I want my husband to give our child N20,000 per week for food.’Ruling, the president of the court, Mrs E.O. Owoseni, stated that there was no marriage to be dissolved since no bride price was paid.

He gave the defendant custody of their children and ordered the plaintiff to pay N25,000 per month for their children’s upkeep.

My sister, how are you doing? I mean, how are you really doing? Life in Nigeria is not for the faint-hearted. Between taking care of family, running a business or working a 9-to-5, and trying to have a small life for yourself, money can become a major headache. And when debt is added to the mix, it can feel like you’re carrying a heavy load on your own. But I want you to know you are not alone, and you can get out of it. Let’s talk about some simple, practical ways to start that journey.

Step 1: Face the Music, No Judgement

The first step is always the hardest: you need to know exactly how much you owe and to whom. I know it can be scary. You might want to just close your eyes and pretend the debit alerts aren’t real. But we can’t solve a problem we don’t understand.

Grab a notebook and a pen (or your phone). List down everything – the loan from the app, the money you borrowed from your aunty, the Aso Ebi you bought on credit, the contribution you haven’t paid. Write down the total amount for each one.

Seeing the full picture is not to shame you; it’s to empower you. Now you know what you’re up against.

Step 2: Where is Your Money Going?

The next thing is to create a simple budget. Don’t worry, this isn’t some complicated accounting exercise. For one month, just track your spending. From the N5,000 airtime to the N100,000 grocery run, write it all down. You will be surprised at where your money is actually going. You might discover that the small, daily purchases of snacks or data are adding up to a lot.

Once you see your spending habits, you can create a simple plan. A good rule is the 50/30/20 rule:

50% for Needs: Rent, food, school fees, transport.

30% for Wants: A new dress, eating out, entertainment.

20% for Savings and Debt: This is the money you’ll use to attack your debt.

Step 3: Attack the Smallest Debt First (The ‘Snowball’ Method)

Look at your list of debts. Instead of trying to pay a little bit on all of them, focus your energy on the smallest one first. Pay the minimum required on all your other debts, but throw every extra naira you can find at that smallest debt until it’s gone.

Why? Because clearing that first debt will give you a powerful feeling of victory! It will motivate you to keep going. Once it’s paid off, take the money you were paying on it and add it to the payment for the next smallest debt. This is the ‘snowball’ method – your payment amount grows bigger and bigger as you knock out each debt.

Step 4: Increase Your Income, Even by a Little

Sometimes, cutting costs isn’t enough. Think about what you can do to bring in a little extra cash. Can you cook delicious meals? Maybe offer lunch delivery to a few colleagues at work. Are you good at organising things? Offer your services to a friend for a small fee. Do you have clothes or items at home you no longer use? Sell them online. Every extra N5,000 or N10,000 can make a huge difference when you put it directly towards your debt.

Final Word: Be Kind to Yourself

Getting out of debt is a marathon, not a sprint. There will be good months and tough months. The goal is progress, not perfection. Learning to say ‘no’ to some requests (yes, even from family) is not being selfish; it’s being responsible for your financial future.

You are strong, resourceful, and more than capable of handling this. Take it one step at a time, one day at a time.

A former Senate deputy Chief Whip and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo, Senator Agboola Ayoola, popularly called Alleluyah, has resigned his membership from the party.

A letter to this effect was made available to the newsmen in Ibadan on Friday.

‘I, Senator Agboola, a member of PDP and a leader, both at the state and national level, appreciate the party for the opportunities afforded me to serve the party as a member and leader, as well as the achievements made therein.

‘However, you will observe that I did not participate in all the congresses held recently, that is, the local and state congresses, due to future political pursuits which are necessary at this material time.

‘Consequently, I hereby resign my membership from the PDP effective from October 10, 2025, as I wish the party success in its activities.’

Agboola had served as former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in the administration of the former Governor, and now the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, between 2003 and 2005.

He was also nominated as Commissioner for the same portfolio by the late former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala between 2007 and 2011.

Agboola was the only elected senator under the PDP in the whole South-West region between 2011 and 2015.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said on Friday that the appointment of Professor Joash Omupitan to head the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must end the ‘inglorious era of glitches and inconclusive elections’ in the country’s democratic journey, an assignment placing a huge burden on the shoulders of the Professor of Law.

The opposition party noted that while it would not question the constitutional power of President Bola Tinubu to nominate his choice for the position of the INEC chairman, Omupitan himself must be prepared to meet the expectations of Nigerians by conducting free, fair, transparent, and credible polls at all times.

The National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Honourable Debo Ologunagba, who gave the party’s position in Abuja, also challenged the Senate to be thorough in screening the nominee by asking ‘all the relevant and important questions voters expect to hear from them.’

He said, ‘Over the years, we have said we need to have strong institutions. The Senate and the nominee must know that INEC is critical to the sustenance of democracy.

‘The nominee will have a heavy burden and will help to reduce and eliminate the concerns that Nigerians have about free, fair, and credible elections.

‘INEC has been a beneficiary of so much goodwill, and the nominee must know that Nigerians will no longer accept excuses.

‘The idea of glitches and inconclusive elections is no longer welcome.’

Ologunagba also spoke again about the defection plans of several governors from the PDP to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), clarifying that the PDP was about the people, not individuals or groups of individuals.

At least two governors, Douye Diri of Bayelsa State and Peter Mbah of Enugu State, have been rumored lately to be considering joining the APC.

Incidentally, Mbah is the Secretary of the PDP’s National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC) for its Ibadan convention scheduled for Ibadan on November 15.

Douye, last month, chaired the party’s zoning committee, which recommended the zoning of its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, a recommendation that was eventually endorsed by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the PDP.

Ologunagba argued that it would amount to ‘unnecessary waste of energy’ for the PDP to devote time to the ‘distractions of defection’ when the party’s convention was certain to be held next month.

He added, ‘There is unnecessary attention being given to defection or no defection, especially when the defections are induced by the coercion, intimidation, and harassment of the APC.

‘What will make a difference in the 2027 poll is the insecurity that is ravaging Nigeria. People will have to join the PDP in rescuing the country from the APC, from the insecurity and the hunger they have caused.

‘That is why the APC is jittery. So, defection or no defection is not sufficient to derail us.’

Oyo State Deputy Governor, Dr Adebayo Lawal, who also spoke on the rebuilding of the PDP, exuded confidence that the party would bounce back in 2027 to reclaim control of the Federal Government.

Lawal, who chairs the Sub-Committee on Venue for the Ibadan convention, explained that the determination of party loyalists to strengthen the PDP was the main reason for the convention to elect a new National Working Committee (NWC) to steer the party into 2027.

‘Nigerians are waiting for us as an alternative. We will come out united and stronger to take our place after the 2027 election’, he said soon after the inaugural meeting of his committee in Abuja on Friday.

‘PDP is forming the next Federal Government of Nigeria. There is hope, commitment, and understanding.

‘Today, we came to inaugurate our venue sub-committee. The venue of any convention is critical to the success of that particular event.

‘We can’t afford to have chaos at our convention. We have divided ourselves into further 10 sub-committees to make our work easier and faster’, the deputy Governor said.

On its part, the Labour Party (LP) called on Professor Omupitan to distinguish himself in office by serving the interests of the majority of Nigerians and not necessarily those who put him in office.

LP’s Interim National Publicity Secretary, Mr Tony Akeni, reacting on behalf of the party, stated, ‘He must choose who he will serve and the legacy he wishes to leave behind for his name and posterity.

‘He must choose whether to be honoured by more than 230million Nigerians who employed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu or to serve the unconstitutional wishes and caprices of a single man, Tinubu, who appointed him.

‘To help him make that choice, Professor Amupitan will do well to reflect how more than 230million Nigerians at home and all over the world will forever remember his immediate predecessor, Professor Yakubu Mahmood.’

The Oyo State Government has launched a critical, all-in-one health intervention, the Integrated Measles-Rubella, nOPV2 (polio), HPV, Routine Immunisation, and NTD campaign and is strongly urging every parent and caregiver to ensure their children are vaccinated.

During the flag-off ceremony in Ibadan, officials emphasized the government’s proactive commitment to child health. The First Lady’s representative appealed directly to the public:

‘I urge every parent. to take full advantage of this opportunity and ensure their children receive all vaccines,’ highlighting that this campaign is about protecting children from preventable diseases.

‘This campaign is about giving our children a fair chance at life. I urge every parents, caregivers, and guardians to take full advantage of this opportunity and ensure their children receive all vaccines, including this current round that begins here in Oyo State,’ she said.

She noted that the campaign’s commencement in Oyo State underscores the government’s proactive stance on healthcare and its commitment to ensuring that no child is left unprotected from vaccines preventable diseases.

In her goodwill message , UNICEF Health Specialist, Lagos Field Office, Dr. Ijeoma Agbo, commended the Oyo State Government for its leadership and unwavering commitment to child survival and development.

Agbo described the integrated campaign as a ‘powerful statement’ that places the health of children at the center of the state’s development agenda.

‘By combining measles, rubella, polio, HPV vaccination for nine-year-old girls, Routine Immunization, and NTD interventions, Oyo State is demonstrating coordination and efficiency that will save more lives and reach more families,’ she stated.

She emphasised UNICEF’s continued partnership with Oyo State Government through support for vaccine logistics, cold chain management, waste disposal, social and behavior change communication (SBCC).

‘Beyond providing vaccines, we must ensure that communities understand, trust, and embrace these life-saving interventions. Every child protected today is an investment in the peace and prosperity of our tomorrow,’ Agbo added.

Also in her goodwill message, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Akintunde Ayinde, said the campaign aims to reach every eligible child aged 9 months to 59 months with the measles-rubella vaccine.

He explained that the integrated campaign will also deliver Vitamin A supplementation, deworming, and health education to strengthen routine immunization and promote holistic child health.

‘No child in Oyo State should be left behind. We are taking vaccination to schools, markets, churches, mosques, and other community centers. This is a collective responsibility that requires all hands on deck,’ he said.

Ayinde appreciated the support of UNICEF, WHO, NPHCDA, and other partners for their technical and financial assistance, noting that their collaboration has been instrumental in improving vaccine coverage and child health outcomes in Oyo State.

He called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, and the media to continue mobilizing citizens and dispelling misinformation about vaccination.

‘Even if a child has been vaccinated before, there is no harm in receiving it again. Let us all work together to protect our children from preventable diseases,’ he urged.

The integrated immunization campaign is part of efforts by the Oyo State Government and partners to achieve universal health coverage and ensure that every child in the state enjoys a healthy start to life.

Nigeria has witnessed a remarkable 90 per cent reduction in crude oil theft from over 102,000 barrels per day in 2021 to 9,600 barrels per day as of September 2025.

According to Commission Chief Executive, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Gbenga Komolafe, this was as a result of the collaboration with security agencies, private contractors and community stakeholders in implementing the Upstream Measurement Regulation and the Advance Cargo Declaration Regulation.

Komolafe, who was represented by the Director in -charge of Lagos office, Paul OSU, stated this while delivering his address on ‘Nigeria’s Energy Future and the Role of NUPRC in Driving Upstream Oil and Gas Industry’s Rebound’, during the Nigeria Association of Energy Correspondents (NAEC) Conference 2025 in Lagos.

He pointed out that another transformative was the commission’s work in host community development.

According to him, by implementing the PIA’s Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT) provisions, the commission has successfully inaugurated over 90 Trusts across the Niger Delta, ensuring that development funds flow directly to communities.

This model, according to him, not only secured local ownership, but also guaranteed peace, stability and continuity in production, being key pillars for sustained energy security.

Looking into the future, he said the commission’s priorities remain clear to sustain Nigeria’s upstream rebound, achieve 2.5 million barrels of oil per day by 2027, strengthen gas monetization, protect nation’s. energy infrastructure and uphold the principles of transparency, accountability and efficiency that define regulatory mandate.

He said:’ The rebound we are witnessing in Nigeria’s upstream sector is not by chance; it is the outcome of deliberate regulatory design, anchored on transparency, efficiency and inclusiveness. The Commission’s strategic vision aligns with Nigeria’s broader economic goals and global sustainability commitments.’

The commission chief executive tasked the media on accurate reporting, saying this shaped perceptions, influences investments and builds credibility.

‘I urge NAEC members and the wider press community, to continue ensuring that their reports are factual, verified and development-oriented. Responsible reporting strengthens investor confidence and preserves national reputation; misinformation on the other hand, can distort progress and discourage the very investments our nation seeks to attract,’ he said.

Listing some of the regulatory policies’ implementation, Komolafe said that NUPRC implemented a series of transformative regulatory interventions designed to reposition Nigeria’s upstream sector for competitiveness, resilience and sustainable growth.

Through these efforts, he said the commission was able to drive the rebound of the oil and gas industry, and also shaped Nigeria’s long-term energy future.

According to him, the first major step was to enhance data transparency and accessibility, pointing out that investment decisions in oil and gas are inherently data-driven and without reliable geological information, the most promising basins would remain unattractive.

‘To address this, the commission embarked on an ambitious campaign to acquire, reprocess and digitise seismic data across frontier and producing basins.

‘Over 17,000 line-kilometres of 2D and 28,000 square kilometres of 3D seismic data have been reprocessed to global standards, significantly reducing exploration risks and unlocking new investment frontiers.

‘The commission introduced a fully digitalized and transparent licensing process.

‘During the 2024 mini-bid round, human interface was minimized and transparency maximized,’ he said.

According to the commission chief executive, working with the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, signature bonuses were reviewed downward from about $100 million to $10 million, allowing investors to commit more resources to field development.

This single decision, he said has strengthened investor confidence, encouraged early production and reinforced Nigeria’s reputation as an open and competitive upstream jurisdiction.

Beyond this, he said the Commission also prioritized production optimization and recovery enhancement, adding that by reviewing field development plans, supporting brownfield optimization and enabling the re-entry of shut-in wells, the NUPRC facilitated renewed activity across mature assets.

‘These interventions are projected to deliver incremental volumes exceeding one million barrels of oil per day, a key milestone toward achieving the national production target of 2.5 million BOPD by 2027,’ he said.

He added that the commission is also advancing Nigeria’s gas agenda as part of the ‘Decade of Gas’ and the nation’s energy transition pathway.

‘Natural gas remains our most reliable transition fuel, a catalyst for industrialisation, power generation and clean energy substitution’ he said.

By promoting gas monetisation, flare elimination and gas-based investments, he said the commission is reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to a just and balanced energy transition.

He said: ‘Globally, the context reinforces this direction. The IEA projects that upstream investment will surpass $580 billion in 2025, marking a steady recovery from pandemic lows.

‘While renewables will continue to grow, hydrocarbons will remain central to industrialization, particularly in emerging economies like Nigeria.

‘Our task therefore, is to ensure that this production is done efficiently, transparently and sustainably, consistent with international best practice,’ he said.

The Presidency has released the details of 175 convicts and former convicts granted presidential pardon and clemency by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Bayi Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, in a statement via his X account on Saturday, explained that the list includes Maryam Sanda, who stabbed her husband, Biliyaminu Bello to death and was sentenced to death in 2020.

According to him, the list also included illegal miners, white-collar convicts, remorseful drug offenders, foreigners, and capital offenders who received the president’s mercy based on the reports that the convicts had shown remorse and good conduct.

The Presidency said Sanda was granted a pardon following her family’s plea, ‘arguing that it was in the best interest of her two children. The plea was also anchored on her good conduct in jail, her remorse, and her embracement of a new lifestyle, demonstrating her commitment to being a model prisoner.’

Onanuga disclosed that Ken Saro Wiwa and the other Ogoni Eight.

Explaining further on what informed the president’s decision to grant them pardons, Onanuga said Tinubu ‘forgave some due to old age, the acquisition of new vocational skills, or enrolment in the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN). President Tinubu also corrected the historic injustice committed by British colonialists against Sir Herbert Macaulay, one of Nigeria’s foremost nationalists.

‘In all, the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, chaired by the Attorney-General and Justice Minister, Prince Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, recommended pardon for two inmates, 15 former convicts, 11 of whom have died. The committee recommended clemency for 82 inmates and commutation of sentences for 65 inmates. Seven inmates on death row also benefited from the Presidential reprieve. The committee recommended that the President should commute their death sentences to life imprisonment.

‘Prince Fagbemi presented the committee’s report at the Council of State meeting, chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,’ he added.

FULL LIST OF BENEFICIARIES OF PRESIDENT TINUBU’S MERCY

PARDONED

1. Nweke Francis Chibueze, aged 44, serving a life sentence at Kirikiri for cocaine.

2. Dr Nwogu Peters, aged 67; Serving a 17-year jail term for fraud. Sentenced in 2013.

3. Mrs Anastasia Daniel Nwaoba, aged 63. Already served a sentence for fraud

4. Barr. Hussaini Alhaji Umar, aged 58. Sentenced in 2023 to pay a fine of N150M in the ICPC case

5. Ayinla Saadu Alanamu, age 63, was sentenced to seven years for bribery in 2019 and has served the sentence.

6. Hon. Farouk M. Lawan, aged 62. Sentenced to five years in 2021 for Corrupt Practices and had served the sentence.

POSTHUMOUS PARDON

7. Sir Herbert Macaulay was banned from public office for misappropriation of funds and sentenced in 1913 by the British colonialists.

8. Major-General Mamman Jiya Vatsa, age 46, Sentenced in 1986 for treason: related to an alleged coup plot

POSTHUMOUS PARDON: THE OGONI NINE

9. Ken Saro Wiwa. Sentenced for murder

10. Saturday Dobee. Sentenced for murder

11. Nordu Eawa. Sentenced for murder

12. Daniel Gbooko. Sentenced for murder

13. Paul Levera. Sentenced for murder

14. Felix Nuate. Sentenced for murder

15. Baribor Bera. Sentenced for murder

16. Barinem Kiobel. Sentenced for murder

17. John Kpuine. Sentenced for murder

VICTIMS OF OGONI NINE HONOURED:

Chief Albert Badey

Chief Edward Kobaru

Chief Samuel Orage

Chief Theophilus Orage

PRESIDENTIAL CLEMENCY

Most of the beneficiaries showed either remorse or learned vocational skills in jail

1. Aluagwu Lawrence, aged 47, sentenced for Indian hemp (selling), 2015

2. Ben Friday, aged 60, was sentenced to 3 years or N1.3 million fine for marijuana in 2023.

3. Oroke Micheal Chibueze, aged 21, sentenced to 5 years (cannabis sativa) in 2023

4. Kelvin Christopher Smith, aged 42, was sentenced to 4 years for importing cocaine in 2023

5. Azubuike Jeremiah Emeka, aged 31, sentenced in 2021 to 5 years or N3 million fine for importing cocaine.

6. Akinrinnade Akinwande Adebiyi, aged 47, sentenced in 2023 to 3 years for dealing in Tramadol.

7. Ahmed Adeyemo, aged 38, sentenced to 15 years for cannabis. Already served nine years, 5 months at Kirikiri

8. Adeniyi Jimoh, aged 31years, sentenced to 15 years for Drugs in 2015 and served nine years at Kirikiri.

9. Seun Omirinde, aged 39, sentenced to 15 years for Drugs in 2015. Served nine years at Kirikiri

10. Adesanya Olufemi Paul, aged 61, sentenced to 14 years for theft. Had served eight years.

11. Ife Yusuf, aged 37, was sentenced for human trafficking in 2019. Had served six years at Kirikiri.

12. Daniel Bodunwa, aged 43, was sentenced in 2018 to 10 years for fraudulent intent to forge a land receipt. Had served six years in jail

13. Fidelis Michael, aged 40, sentenced to 5 years for cannabis sativa

14. Suru Akande, aged 52, sentenced to 5 years for cannabis sativa

15. Safiyanu Umar, aged 56, sentenced to 5 years without the option of a fine for possessing 5kg of Cannabis sativa, 2023

16. Dahiru Abdullahi, aged 46, was sentenced in 2016 to 21 years for possession of 3 pistols and had spent 10 years in jail.

17. Hamza Abubakar, aged 37, sentenced to 5 years for Indian hemp (selling), 2022

18. Rabiu Alhassan Dawaki, aged 52, sentenced in 2020 to 7 years for criminal breach of trust.

19. Mujibu Muhammad, aged 30, sentenced in 2022 to 5 years, no option for a fine for cannabis.

20. Emmanuel Eze, aged 49, sentenced in 2022 to 5 years for Heroine.

21. Bala Azika Yahaya, aged 70, sentenced in 2017 to 15 years for cannabis.

22. Lina Kusum Wilson, aged 34, sentenced to death in 2017 for culpable homicide, had spent eight years in jail.

23. Buhari Sani, aged 33, sentenced in 2022 to 5 years for possession of 558 grams of cannabis.

24. Mohammed Musa, aged 27, was sentenced in 2022 to 5 years for possession of 16 grams of cannabis.

25. Muharazu Abubakar, aged 37, sentenced in 2022 to 5 years for selling Indian hemp. Already spent 3 years in Katsina Prison

26. Ibrahim Yusuf, aged 34; jailed 5 years in 2022 for possession of 5.7 grams of Indian hemp.

27. Saad Ahmed Madaki, aged 72; sentenced in 2020 for a 419 offence. Had served 4 years in Kaduna prison

28. Ex-Corporal Michael Bawa, aged 72: sentenced to life imprisonment for murder in 2005. Had spent 20 years in Kaduna prison

29. Richard Ayuba, aged 38. Sentenced to 5 years in 2022 for Indian hemp

30. Adam Abubakar, aged 30 and sentenced in 2022 to five years for possession of 2kg of tramadol.

31. Emmanuel Yusuf, aged 34; sentenced in 2022 to 4 years for possession of 2kg of tramadol

32. Edwin Nnazor, aged 60; sentenced in 2018 to 15 years for cannabis. Had spent 6 years, nine months at Zamfara prison

33. Chinedu Stanley, aged 34. Sentenced in 2023 to three years for fake lubricant oil.

34. Joseph Nwanoka, aged 42: sentenced in 2022 to five years for drugs

35. Johnny Ntheru, Aged 63, sentenced in 1989 to life imprisonment for robbery. Had spent 36 years in Umuahia Prison

36. John Omotiye, Aged 28, sentenced to six years for Pipeline vandalism

37. Nsikat Edet Harry, Aged 37, sentenced in 2023 to 5 years for Illegal possession of Indian hemp, Cocaine, and Heroin.

38. Jonathan Asuquo, Aged 28, sentenced in 2022 to 5 years for possession of Indian hemp and other drugs

39. Prince Samuel Peters, aged 54, sentenced in 2020 to 7 years for obtaining money by false pretence. Had spent 4 years, 3 months in Ikot Ekpene Prison

40. Babangida Saliu, Aged 35, sentenced in 2024 to 3 years for unlawful mining.

41. Adamu Sanni, aged 39, sentenced in 2024 to 3 years for unlawful mining.

42. Abdulkarem Salisu, aged 30, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining.

43. Abdulaziz Lawal, aged 18, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining.

44. Abdulrahman Babangida, aged 20, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining

45. Maharazu Alidu, aged 22, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining.

46. Zaharadeen Baliue, aged 38, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining.

47. Babangida Usman, aged 30, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining.

48. Zayyanu Abdullahi, Aged 28, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining, 2024

49. Bashir Garuba, Aged 20, sentenced in 2024 to 3 years for unlawful mining

50. Imam Suleman, aged 25, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining, 2024

51. Abbeh Amisu, Aged 28, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining, 2024

52. Lawani Lurwanu, Aged 20, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining, 2024

53. Yusuf Alhassan, aged 33, was sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining in 2024.

54. Abdulahi Isah, aged 25, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining, 2024

55. Zayanu Bello, aged 35, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining

56. Habeeb Suleman, aged 22, sentenced in 2024 to 3 years for unlawful mining.

57. Jubrin Sahabi, aged 23, was sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining.

58. Shefiu Umar, aged 28, was sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining.

59. Seidu Abubakar, age 29, sentenced in 2024 to 3 years for unlawful mining.

60. Haruna Abubakar, Aged 24, was sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining

61. Rabiu Seidu, aged 26, sentenced in 2024 to 3 years for unlawful mining.

62. Macha Kuru, Aged 25, sentenced in 2024 to 3 years for unlawful mining

63. Zahradeen Aminu, Aged 25 years, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining.

64. Nazipi Musa, aged 25. Sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining in 2024

65. Abdullahi Musa, aged 30 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining.

66. Habibu Safiu, aged 20 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining

67. Husseni Sani, aged 21 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining

68. Musa Lawali, aged 25 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining

69. Suleiman Lawal, aged 23 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining

70. Yusuf Iliyasu, aged 21 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining

71. Sebiyu Aliyu, aged 20 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining

72. Halliru Sani, aged 18 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining

73. Shittu Aliyu, aged 30 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining

74. Sanusi Aminu, aged 27 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining

75. Isiaka Adamu, aged 40 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining

76. Mamman Ibrahim, aged 50 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining

77. Shuaibu Abdullahi, aged 35 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining

78. Sanusi Adamu, aged 28 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining

79. Sadi Musa, aged 20 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining

80. Haruna Isah, aged 35 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining

NB: Senator Ikra Aliyu Bilbis signed an undertaking to be responsible for the rehabilitation and empowerment of all the convicted illegal miners granted presidential clemency.

81. Abiodun Elemero, aged 43. Sentenced to life imprisonment for cocaine hawking in 2014. Had spent 10 years plus in Kirikiri,

82. Maryam Sanda, aged 37, was sentenced to death in 2020 for culpable homicide and had spent six years, eight months at Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre. Her family pleaded for her release, arguing that it was in the best interest of her two children. The plea was also anchored on her good conduct in jail, her remorse, and her embracement of a new lifestyle, demonstrating her commitment to being a model prisoner.

LIST OF INMATES RECOMMENDED FOR REDUCED TERM OF IMPRISONMENT

1. Yusuf Owolabi, aged 36. Sentenced to life in 2015 for Manslaughter. Had spent 10 years at Kirikiri.Prison term reduced to 12 years for showing remorse and learning vocational skills.

2. Ifeanyi Eze, aged 33. Sentenced to life in 2021 for Manslaughter and had spent four years at Kirikiri. Prison term reduced to 12 years for showing remorse and learning vocational skills.

3. Malam Ibrahim Sulaiman, aged 59. Sentenced to life in 2022 for Armed robbery and possession of illegal firearms. Sentence cut to 10 years based on good conduct

4. Shettima Maaji Arfo, aged 54. Sentenced in 2021 to seven years for Corrupt Practices. Sentence reduced to four years, because of good conduct and ill-health

5. Ajasper Benzeger, aged 69 and sentenced in 2015 to 20 years for Culpable homicide. Sentence reduced to 12 years, based on old age and ill-health.

6. Ifenna Kennechukwu, aged 42. Sentenced in 2015 to 20 years for drugs (cocaine import) and had spent close to 10 years in Kirikiri. Prison term reduced to 12 years based on remorse and the acquisition of vocational skills.

7. Mgbeike Matthew, aged 45. Sentenced to 20 years in 2013 for the import of 3.10kg. Following remorsefulness and the acquisition of vocational skills at Kirikiri. Sentence reduced to 12 years.

8. Patrick Mensah, aged 40. Sentenced in 2015 to 17 years for drugs. Sentence reduced to 11 years

9. Obi Edwin Chukwu, aged 43 and sentenced in 2017 to 15 years for drugs. Sentence reduced to 10 years.

10. Tunde Balogun, aged 32 and sentenced in 2015 to 15 years for drugs. Sentence reduced to 10 years.

11. Lima Pereira Erick Diego, aged 27 and sentenced in 2017 to 15 years or a fine of N20million for drugs. Sentence reduced to 10 years.

12. Uchegbu Emeka Michael, aged 37. Sentenced in 2017 to 15 years or a fine of N20million for drugs. Sentence reduced to 10 years

13. Salawu Adebayo Samsudeen, aged 46 and sentenced in 2016 to 15 years for drugs. Sentence reduced to 10 years.

14. Napolo Osariemen, aged 61 and sentenced in 2022 to 15 years for 2 kilos of Indian hemp. The sentence was reduced to seven years.

15. Patricia Echoe Igninovia, aged 61 and sentenced in 2023 to seven years for trafficking in persons. Sentence reduced to five years.

16. Odeyemi Omolaram, aged 65 and sentenced in 2017 to 25 years in prison for drug. The sentence was reduced to 12 years based on the defendant’s remorsefulness and advanced age.

17. Vera Daniel Ifork, aged 29 and sentenced in 2020 to 10 years for trafficking in persons. Sentence reduced to eight years.

18. Gabriel Juliet Chidimma, aged 32 and sentenced in 2022 to six years for drug (cocaine). Sentence reduced to four years.

19. Dias Santos Marcia Christiana, aged 44 and sentenced in 2017 to 15 years for import of cocaine. Sentence reduced to 10 years.

20. Alh. Ibrahim Hameed. Aged 71 and sentenced in 2023 to seven years for illegal property (obtaining property under false pretence). Sentence reduced to five years.

21. Alh. Nasiru Ogara Adinoyi, 65, was sentenced in 2023 to 14 years for obtaining property by false pretence. The sentence was reduced to seven years.

22. Chief Emeka Agbodike, aged 69, was sentenced in 2023 to seven years for obtaining property by false pretence. Sentence reduced to 3 years.

23. Isaac Justina, aged 40. Sentenced in 2022 to 10 years for cannabis sativa and had spent 3 years in the Abeokuta Custodial Centre. Sentence reduced to four years.

24. Aishat Kehinde, aged 38 and sentenced in 2022 to five years for unlawful possession of cannabis. The prison term being served in Abeokuta has been reduced to four years.

25. Helen Solomon, age 68. Sentenced in 2024 to five years for cannabis sativa. Sentence reduced to three years.

26. Okoye Tochukwu, aged 43 and sentenced in 2024 to six years for cannabis sativa. Sentence reduced to 3 years.

27. Ugwueze Paul, aged 38 and sentenced in 2024 to six years for cannabis sativa. Sentence reduced to three years.

28. Mutsapha Ahmed, aged 46 and sentenced in 2022 to seven years without a fine option for criminal breach of trust. The sentence was reduced to five years.

29. Abubakar Mamman, aged 38 and sentenced in 2020 to 10 years in Kebbi Custodial Centre for Possession of firearms. Sentence reduced to seven years.

30. Muhammed Bello Musa, aged 35. Sentenced in 2020 to 10 years in Kebbi Custodial Centre for illegal possession of firearms. Sentence reduced to seven years

31. Nnamdi Anene, aged 67 and sentenced in 2010 to life imprisonment at Katsina Custodial Centre for illegal dealing of arms. Sentence reduced to 20 years.

32. Alh. Abubakar Tanko, aged 61, was sentenced in 2018 to 30 years at the Gusau Custodial Centre for Culpable Homicide. Sentence reduced to 20 years.

33. Chisom Francis Wisdom, aged 30; sentenced in 2018 to 20 years in Umuahia Custodial Centre for kidnapping. Sentence reduced to 12 years.

34. Innocent Brown Idiong, aged 60, sentenced in 2020 to 10 years for possession of 700 grams of Indian Hemp. Has already spent 4 years and 3 months at Ikot Abasi Custodial centre. Jail term reduced to six years.

35. Iniobong Imaeyen Ntukidem, aged 46, was sentenced 2021 to seven years in jail at the Uyo Custodial Centre. Prison term reduced to five years.

36. Ada Audu, aged 72, was sentenced in 2022 to seven years in Kuje Custodial Centre and had spent 2 years and 7 months in prison. Prison term reduced to 4 years because of old age.

37. Bukar Adamu, aged 40 and sentenced to 20 years in 2019 for advance fee fraud. Prison term reduced to nine years.

38. Kelvin Oniarah Ezigbe, 44, was sentenced in October 2023 to 20 years for kidnapping, which took effect in 2013. The sentence was reduced to 13 years for showing remorsefulness and attending the National Open University.

39. Frank Azuekor, aged 42. Sentenced in 2023 for kidnapping and jailed in Kuje Custodial Centre for 20 years, and had spent 12 years behind bars from 2013. The sentence was reduced to 13 years, based on good conduct and attendance at the National Open University.

40. Chukwukelu Sunday Calisthus, aged 47 and sentenced in 2014 to life at Kuje Custodial Centre for drugs. He had spent 11 years at Kuje. Sentence reduced to 13 years.

41. Professor Magaji Garba, aged 67. Sentenced in 2021 to seven years for obtaining money by false pretence and had spent 3 years at Kuje Custodial Centre. The prison term was reduced to four years due to good conduct and advanced age.

42. Markus Yusuf, aged 41. Sentenced in 2023 to 13 years for culpable homicide. Sentence reduced to 5 years based on ill-health

43. Samson Ajayi, aged 31 and sentenced in 2022 to 15 years for drugs. He had spent five years at Suleja Custodial Centre. The sentence was reduced to seven years.

44. Iyabo Binyoyo, aged 49. Sentenced in 2017 to 10 years for drugs and sentenced to nine years at Suleja Custodial Centre, due to good conduct.

45. Oladele Felix, 49, was sentenced in 2022 to five years without a fine option for conspiracy and exploitation. Based on good conduct and remorsefulness, the sentence was reduced to four years. Felix is spending the term at Suleja.

46. Rakiya Beida, aged 33 and sentenced in 2021to seven years, without a fine option, for theft and cheating. The sentence, being served at Suleja, was reduced to three years based on good conduct

47. Nriagu Augustine Ifeanyi, aged 44 and sentenced in 2018 to 10 years in Ikoyi Custodial Centre, for exporting cocaine. The sentence was reduced to eight years.

48. Chukwudi Destiny, aged 36 and sentenced in 2022 to six years in Ikoyi Custodial Centre for heroin import. The sentence was cut to four years.

49. Felix Rotimi Esemokhai, aged 47 and sentenced in 2022 to five years for heroin. The sentence was reduced to four years.

50. Major S.A. Akubo, aged 62, was sentenced in 2009 to life at Katsina Custodial Centre for illegally removing 7,000 assorted weapons. Following good conduct and remorsefulness, the sentence was commuted to 20 years.

51. John Ibiam, aged 39, was sentenced in 2016 to 15 years for manslaughter and served 9 years and one month in the Afikpo Custodial Centre. The sentence was reduced to 10 years after the individual showed remorse and acquired vocational skills.

52. Omoka Aja, aged 40 and sentenced in 2016 to 15 years for manslaughter, served 9 years and 1 month in Afikpo Custodial Centre. The sentence was commuted to 10 years.

53. Chief Jonathan Alatoru, aged 66, was sentenced in 2021 to seven years for conspiracy to cheat. The sentence served in Port Harcourt Custodial Centre has been reduced to five years.

54. Umanah Ekaette Umanah, aged 70 and sentenced in 2022 to 10 years in Port Harcourt Custodial Centre for forgery. Sentence reduced to five years due to old age and remorsefulness.

55. Utom Obong Thomson Udoaka, 60, was sentenced in 2020 to seven years in Ikot Ekpene Custodial Centre for obtaining money by false pretence. He had served four years and two months at Ikot Ekpene. Due to his old age and good conduct, the Initial Sentence has been reduced to five years.

56. Jude Saka Ebaragha, aged 44. Sentenced in 2020 to 12 years at Ikoyi Prison and a fine of N1million for conspiracy to hijack a fishing vessel. The sentence was commuted to six years, and the N1m fine was waived.

57. Frank Insort Abaka, 46, was sentenced in 2020 to 12 years and a N1M fine at Ikoyi Custodial Centre for conspiracy to hijack a Fishing vessel. The sentence was reduced to six years, and the fine was waived.

58. Shina Alolo, 42, was sentenced in 2020 to 12 years and a N1M fine at Ikoyi Custodial Centre for conspiracy to hijack a fishing vessel. Like others, the N1m fine was waived, and the sentence was reduced to 6 years.

59. Joshua Iwiki, aged 50: Sentenced in 2020 to 12 years at Ikoyi Prison and a fine of N1M for conspiracy to hijack a fishing vessel. A N1m fine was waived, and the sentence was commuted to six years in prison.

60. David Akinseye, aged 44: Sentenced in 2020 to 12 years and N1M fine for conspiracy to hijack a fishing vessel. His sentence was commuted to 6 years, and the fine was waived.

61. Ahmed Toyin, aged 46: Sentenced in 2020 to 12 years and N1M fine for conspiracy to hijack a fishing vessel. Sentence also commuted and fine waived.

62. Shobajo Saheed, age 57: Sentenced in 2020 to 12 years and a fine of N1M for conspiracy to hijack a fishing vessel. He got a similar reprieve like the others.

63. Adamole Philip, aged 52 years: Sentenced to 12 years and a N1M fine for conspiracy to hijack a fishing vessel, 2020. Philip also got his term reduced to seven years and the fine waived.

64. Mathew Masi, aged 39: Also sentenced to 12 years and a fine of N1million for conspiracy to hijack a fishing vessel. The sentence was reduced to six years, and the fine was waived.

65. Bright Agbedeyi, 46, was also sentenced in 2020 for conspiracy to hijack a fishing vessel. Like the others in his category, he got a reprieve from President Tinubu.

List of Inmates on Death Row Reduced to Life Imprisonment

1. Emmanuel Baba, aged 38: sentenced to death in 2017 for culpable homicide. On death row in Kuje Custodial Centre for the past 8 years. The sentence was commuted to life imprisonment based on good conduct and remorsefulness.

2. Emmanuel Gladstone, aged 45, was sentenced in 2020 to death for murder and had spent five years at Katsina Custodial Centre. Death sentence commuted to life imprisonment due to good conduct and remorse.

3. Moses Ayodele Olurunfemi, aged 51: sentenced to death in 2012 for culpable homicide and had spent 13 years on death row in Katsina. President Tinubu commuted the death sentence to life imprisonment, citing the individual’s good conduct and remorse.

4. Abubakar Usman, aged 59: Sentenced to Death in 2014 and had spent 14 years on death row in Katsina. His sentence was commuted to life because of his remorse and good conduct.

5. Khalifa Umar, aged 37: Sentenced to death in 2014 and had spent 11 years on death row in Kano Custodial Centre. His sentence has been commuted to life imprisonment.

6. Benjamin Ekeze, age 40. Sentenced to death in 2017 for armed robbery and conspiracy, and had spent 12 years on death row at Kirikiri, Lagos. The sentence was also commuted to life.

7. Mohammed Umar, 43: Sentenced to death in 2018 for culpable homicide and had spent seven years on death row in Onitsha Custodial Centre. He got the Presidential reprieve, commuting the death sentence to life imprisonment.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum has said it does not control or interfere with the personal decisions of its members who choose to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

It explained that at best, a governor intent on leaving the party could only be advised to reconsider their position, adding that where such intervention failed, the forum would not prevent the defection.

The Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed, made the clarification in Abuja on Saturday amid reports that the Governor of Enugu State, Mr Peter Mbah, planned to join the APC.

Mbah, who also serves as the Secretary of the PDP’s National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC) for its forthcoming November 15 Ibadan convention, is expected to be formally received by the APC on Tuesday next week, a move already widely publicised by the ruling party.

However, the Enugu governor has not personally made any official statement regarding the defection.

Mohammed noted that while the PDP remained resolute in its determination to reclaim power from the APC in 2027, the forum would continue to work with members committed to the project but would not stand in the way of those choosing to leave.

The Bauchi governor, who also chairs the Media and Communication Sub-Committee for the convention, emphasised that it would be difficult to ‘determine the decisions or actions’ of any governor.

He stated, ‘If you ask me whether I’m concerned about our governors leaving for APC, I am more than concerned. But leadership is a burden. As a leader of a group of equal status, I cannot determine the decisions or inactions of my colleagues, but certainly, a lot of work is being done behind the scenes.’

He continued, ‘I cannot say that my colleagues are wrong; they are free to do whatever they choose. But I have been advising them that even those who left are not finding it easier because most of the people at the grassroots level are PDP and are not happy with the defections.

‘Sometimes it is done because of permutations and calculations. I will not denigrate or speak negatively about my colleagues.’

Mohammed explained that what the PDP and its stakeholders would strongly oppose was any attempt by a defecting member to demarket the party or damage its reputation before leaving.

The governor also dismissed speculation that he, too, planned to defect.

‘For me, I am assuring you that I am not going anywhere. I am in PDP, my state is PDP and Nigeria is PDP.

‘What I don’t like is for you to demarket the PDP. Just go if you want to go.

‘I am sure we are still going to come up with a new set of leaders in 2027 to address all the challenges,’ he added.

Speaking specifically about Governor Mbah, the Bauchi governor said he had yet to communicate any defection plans to the Governors’ Forum.

‘Actually, governor Mbah has not told us his position. It is a personal decision. We cannot remove his picture before he leaves. When he leaves, we will replace him with another person. Up till now, he has not told me he’s leaving.

‘I have discussed this issue with him separately, and he has given me assurances. He is a governor like me. I respect him and his decisions. If he goes, we will replace him,’ he said.

Addressing PDP reporters at the Legacy House, Abuja, where his committee was inaugurated, Mohammed also spoke about the purported plan to draft former President Goodluck Jonathan into the 2027 presidential race with him (Mohammed) as a running mate.

He described the Jonathan speculation as part of the ‘permutations that make the PDP thick’ and affirmed that it reflected the enduring interest Nigerians still had in the party.

The governor noted that several names, including Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and himself, had been mentioned, adding that such developments showed that Nigerians still loved the PDP and wished it well.

Mohammed, who said he was ready to serve in any capacity within the party, observed that the most significant message emerging from the ongoing permutations ‘is that we have removed personal interests. We are united and will come up with leadership that will be the best choice for Nigerians to put in Aso Rock, inshallah.’

The Media and Communication Sub-Committee is primarily responsible for publicity for the Ibadan convention. The National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Honourable Debo Ologunagba, serves as the Secretary of the committee.

On Saturday, the committee was further divided into five additional sub-committees – Content Development, Print Media, Electronic Media, Social Media, and Foreign Media – to simplify its assignments.

All sub-committees are to report to Governor Mohammed, as the party charged members with the task of promoting the PDP by rekindling in voters the ‘sweet memories’ of its years in power between 1999 and 2015.

‘We have to change governance entirely as a country. We, as Nigerians, have suffered under the APC.

‘Since we left office in 2015, nobody took over; what we have is a vacuum in Nigeria. We have to work and sensitise Nigerians,’ Mohammed charged the members.

A United Kingdom-based energy watchdog, Impact Investigators Platform (IIP), has dismissed allegations that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery imported substandard petrol into Nigeria, describing the claims as ‘technically inaccurate, commercially implausible, and unsupported by verifiable evidence’.

In an investigative report signed on Friday by its lead investigator, Raymond Neil, the IIP said its independent assessment of shipping data, customs declarations, and refinery process documentation found no indication that the refinery imported or sold finished Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) with sulphur levels above Nigeria’s approved limit of 50 parts per million (ppm).

Neil said the IIP launched its own investigation after media reports claimed that a vessel had delivered high-sulphur petrol to the Dangote Refinery under the guise of locally refined products.

The investigator, however, noted that the cargo in question was an intermediate feedstock; a raw material commonly traded among refineries worldwide for further processing, not a finished fuel for retail.

‘Our analysis confirms that the shipment being referenced was a blending component, not a finished petrol product,’ Neil said.

‘It was imported within the context of refinery optimisation and was never intended for direct distribution or public sale. The claim that Dangote Refinery imported dirty fuel into Nigeria is therefore misleading and inconsistent with both technical and commercial realities.’

He emphasized that global refinery complexes, including those in Europe and Asia, regularly import intermediate streams such as high-sulphur catalytic gasoline (HSCG) or straight-run naphtha to balance their production yields.

‘This is normal industry practice and it does not in any way imply that substandard or harmful fuel is being sold to consumers,’ the expert said.

According to the IIP report, the Dangote Refinery’s import documentation and regulatory clearances were consistent with the rules of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), which oversee feedstock imports and quality assurance.

The refinery, it said, also operates under a free trade zone licence, meaning that all materials brought in are subject to internal refining before entering the domestic fuel market.

Neil noted that his organisation’s review included a verification of laboratory test results, refinery capacity utilisation records, and inspection certificates filed with port authorities in both the United Kingdom and Nigeria.

He said none of the reviewed documents supported the claim that the refinery imported petrol ready for local consumption.

‘The sulphur levels cited in the reports were associated with intermediate-grade gasoline used as a processing input, not finished fuel. To suggest otherwise is to misunderstand how refineries work. The Dangote complex is designed to upgrade such feedstocks into ultra-low-sulphur petrol through hydrodesulphurisation and other advanced refining processes,’ Neil clarified.

He stressed that misreporting such technical details could erode public confidence in the refinery at a time when Nigeria is seeking to strengthen domestic refining capacity and reduce dependence on imported fuel.

‘The Dangote project remains a strategic national asset. Public debate around it must be grounded in fact, not conjecture,’ Neil said.

The IIP also urged Nigerian authorities to establish a rapid-response mechanism for verifying refinery operations and product quality claims to prevent misinformation from spreading unchecked.

‘Transparency is key. But transparency also requires responsible reporting and technical understanding of what the data means,’ Neil said.

The IIP report further commended the refinery for what it described as its ‘proactive compliance culture,’ noting that its internal audit systems mirror the standards applied by the European Refining Association and the American Petroleum Institute.

‘Our review shows that every product stream leaving the Dangote Refinery is accompanied by a certificate of quality issued by an ISO-certified laboratory,’ Neil said.

‘We also found evidence that these certificates are regularly submitted to NMDPRA before any local dispatch. This is the kind of governance structure that should be encouraged, not vilified.’

He concluded by reaffirming the group’s readiness to share its findings with relevant Nigerian institutions and civil society organisations to foster evidence-based discourse around the refinery’s operations.

‘The energy transition requires accuracy, not alarmism. Our findings clear the Dangote Refinery of the claims of importing dirty fuel. What we found instead is a refinery engaged in legitimate global trade practice, subject to regulation, and committed to delivering cleaner fuels that meet international standards,’ Neil said.