Category: Business Day

Despite efforts to stabilise Nigeria’s main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, to ensure that it plays its roles effectively, internal bickerings, orchestrated by vested interests continue to hold the party down.

When the party announced that it will zone the presidential ticket to the Southern part of the country, many rekindled their faith in its ability to challenge the ruling All Progressive Congress APC,

But as Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State recently observed, some forces have continued to spearhead plans to destabilise the party from the inside.

Many were surprised when Samuel Anyanwu sent petitions to the Department of State Security DSS, the Inspector General of the Police IGP and the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, over claims that the party forged his signature in documents sent to the INEC authorising preparations for the party’s National Elective Convention fixed for November 15 and 16.

The forgery allegation has further introduced a new twist into the internal crisis rocking the party, ahead of its forthcoming convention in Ibadan, Oyo State capital. The party which has been hit by a wave of defections in recent times has been looking forward to convention as an avenue to re-strategise ahead of 2027. Anyanwu, in the petition, asked the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Inspector General of Police, IGP to order a full investigation into the situation and punish those culpable.

Worst still, the petition expanded the many battles the party has been struggling to tackle. This is as some political pundits believe that the petition could prompt the INEC or the law enforcement agencies to open independent investigations, especially if the affidavit is made public or copied to them.

Blessing Isha, an Abuja based legal practitioner told BusinessDay, that the party must do everything possible to put its house in order and prevent a last minute litigation that could scuttle its convention

‘For the PDP, it’s now or never. The party cannot afford such litigation as it may lead to a perpetual injunction, restraining the party to stop the convention until all matters related to the case are delt with.

The party is however of the opinion that these internal crisis have external sponsors who are bent on destabilising it.

This is as the PDP Governors have vowed to ensure that nothing comes between the party and the November convention.

The host, Governor Makinde likened the convention to a ‘ moving train’

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says Nigeria has recorded a decline in road crash fatalities compared to previous years.

The FRSC Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed disclosed this on Monday in Abuja at a press briefing to mark the inauguration of the 2025 Ember Months road safety sensitisation campaign.

Mohammed said that the ember month campaign was an annual tradition through which the FRSC intensified advocacy and public enlightenment on safer road use, especially during the high-travel season.

According to him, the ember period is often characterised by increased movement, heavy traffic, and a rise in road crash injuries and fatalities, which the Corps seeks to curtail through strategic sensitisation.

He expressed appreciation to members of the press for their consistent support and commitment to promoting road safety awareness across the country. He also described the media as a critical partner in orientation and enlightenment, hence the need for the engagement.

Speaking on the campaign theme, ‘Take Responsibility for Your Safety: Stop Distracted Driving,’ Mohammed said that it underscored the human factor.

This, he said, accounted as one of the major causes of road crashes, stressing that drivers were largely responsible for incidents on the highways.

According to him, between January and September 2025, the Corps recorded 6,858 road crashes, in which 3,433 persons were killed and 22,162 injured nationwide. Mohammed added that the records showed the major causes of crashes were linked to driver fatigue.

‘Others are overloading of persons and goods, conveyance of passengers in haulage vehicles, and traveling with fuel in plastic containers,’ he said.

He stressed that driver behaviour remained a fundamental element in ensuring safety on Nigerian roads.

Mohammed added that the 2025 end-of-year campaign was expected to deepen awareness and encourage motorists to take safety more seriously. ‘The choice of this year’s theme was deliberate and well thought-out.

‘It is aimed at addressing driver-induced infractions such as failure to obey traffic rules, speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, seat belt violations, and road rage, among others,’ he said.

He assured that the Corps would sustain enforcement and public education efforts to ensure safer highways during the yuletide and beyond.

The Corps Marshal urged motorists to demonstrate discipline, patience, and responsibility while on the road.

He stressed that collective adherence to safety rules would help reduce crashes and related deaths across the country.

Fermin Lopez scored a sensational hat-trick, while Marcus Rashford netted twice as Barcelona thrashed Olympiacos 6-1 on Tuesday night to return to winning ways in the UEFA Champions League.

After a disappointing loss to Paris Saint-Germain in their previous European fixture, Hansi Flick’s men bounced back in style, with Lamine Yamal also on target in a dominant display that lifted the Catalan giants to third in their group.

Lopez struck twice in the first half to give Barcelona control before Ayoub El Kaabi pulled one back from the penalty spot for the Greek champions. However, Olympiacos midfielder Santiago Hezze’s red card opened the floodgates as Barca, missing key players including Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha, ran riot.

Rashford, who has struggled for form in recent weeks, looked rejuvenated and added a well-taken brace, while Lopez completed his hat-trick to seal a morale-boosting victory ahead of Sunday’s El Clásico against Real Madrid. ‘I’m very happy, we needed a win like this,’ Lopez told Movistar after the match. ‘We ended it feeling good, and now it’s time to think about the Clasico. I’m grateful to the team and want to continue in this dynamic.’

Despite a nervy start, with Daniel Podence testing Wojciech Szczesny early on after a mistake by Alejandro Balde, Barcelona soon found their rhythm. Balde made amends with a surging run that set up Yamal’s chance, which Lopez converted from close range to open the scoring.

With the Clasico looming, Flick will be encouraged by the attacking brilliance of Lopez and Rashford, though defensive lapses still remain a concern for the injury-hit side.

The federal government as part of efforts to boost power generation in the country has pledged to revive the Rusal Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON), located at Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State, by ensuring its connection to the national grid.

Adebayo Adelabu, Minister of Power, made this commitment during a working visit to the company.

The minister, in a statement issued to Journalists on Tuesday, decried that several years after its establishment, the company had suffered lack of alternative electricity supply which he said has hindered the country from benefiting from the huge investment.

He however stated that when revived and fully operational, the plant will add 540 megawatts of electricity to the grid, while providing direct and indirect employment opportunities for about 15,000 Nigerian professionals and the teeming youth population.

According to him, the company has an installed capacity of 540 MW, comprising of six turbines of 90 MW each. He also reiterated the relevance of the company in the supply of raw materials to downstream aluminium companies.

He said, ‘These huge investments by the country have suffered from lack of power supply in the last 27 years, as they have not been connected to the grid, and we are very much aware of the huge potential of an institution like this in the upstream, midstream and downstream conversion of aluminium, that can create a lot of employment for our teeming youths, that can also serve as a supplier of raw materials to every downstream aluminium company and save us huge foreign exchange for imports of these raw materials.

‘We have determined what the short-term solution is to connect this company to the national grid, and we have also agreed on what the medium-term solution should be. But the most important part of this meeting is the fact that the company also has the potential of supplying 540 MW of power onto the national grid when fully completed.

‘Once all the infrastructures are put in place, the 330/132KV substation, which is being constructed by the Niger Delta Power Holding Company, together with the 330kv DC lines from Ikot- Ekpene to Ikot-Abasi, we will be able to evacuate the entire of this 540MW to the national grid’, he said.

The minister speaking further, hinted on the possibility of expanding the capacity by about 120 MW. He noted an open circuit line which gor him can be made a combined circuit, by which an additional 20 MW per turbine can be added to make 660 MW of power.

‘You can imagine what this will add to the national grid capacity. So I’m happy that I came here today. I’ve listened to the company, I’ve listened to all the stakeholders, and we have a solution in sight. All we need to do now is to go back and work on all the agreed action lines, which I will personally supervise. ‘And I believe that once, within the next 90 days, we’re able to achieve the short-term solution, the country will feel the impact of this company beginning operations. From the number of employments they will generate for us in the country, they have the potential of employing up to 3,000 employees here,’ he added.

Speaking on gas supply challenge affecting power generation in the country, Adelabu said that it is imperative for parties to agree on an appropriate price.

He maintained that if the price is right, the gas company will supply, adding that the gas market is a highly competitive market, and the preference will be given to those that pay higher.

‘So we believe they can sit down with the gas companies and agree on a commercially viable price and ensure that gas is supplied.

‘That’s the least of the problems here. I believe this can be resolved with appropriate pricing. The gas pipeline is working very well. There’s a power company here that is getting gas. This is less than 500 meters from here. So the gas pipeline is working well. It’s a matter of agreeing to the correct price, or the right price, with the gas company, and the turbines will be fired immediately’, he said. Also speaking, Viacheslav Krylov, development advisor noted the challenges in ALSCON which had hampered operation since the presidential directives in July 2024 to restart operations in the plant.

He said the plant could not begin operation as there was no alternative source of electricity, adding that the current energy options at the plant were completely inadequate to restart the plant.

Krylov, however hinted that plans were ongoing, to ensure the plant achieve full production capacity of 200, 000 MT in the sixth year with over 15, 000 direct and indirect employment for Nigerians.

Coronation Registrars Limited has been named Best Registrars Company of the Year at the 2025 BusinessDay BAFI Awards, underscoring the firm’s ongoing commitment to service excellence, regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and innovative client solutions.

The recognition, announced on Saturday, 11 October 2025, at the Lagos Continental Hotel, reflects the company’s leadership in the Nigerian capital market and its dedication to a client-centric approach, rigorous governance, and forward-looking initiatives that elevate the registrar profession and enhance the experiences of clients and stakeholders. The company accepted the honor as a testament to the unwavering integrity and reliability that define its operations.

In accepting the accolade on behalf of the leadership team, Bankole Osebeyo, Chief Financial Officer, spoke about the collective effort behind the achievement. He described the award as a reflection of the hard work and dedication of every member of the team and expressed gratitude to BusinessDay BAFI for recognizing Coronation Registrars Limited’s efforts and setting a benchmark for excellence in the industry. He emphasized the firm’s focus on delivering seamless, secure, and trusted registrar services for all clients, reinforcing their commitment to dependable service and ongoing innovation.

Coronation Registrars Limited recently launched a fully automated bond processing workflow, a development that significantly enhances efficiency and accuracy in bond administration. It has also digitized probate services, transforming processes that were once manual and improving turnaround times for beneficiaries. These achievements illustrate the company’s ongoing investment in client-centric solutions, robust governance, and digital platforms designed to streamline registrar services for both corporate and individual clients.

Beyond the award, Coronation Registrars Limited is recertified with the Management Systems Evaluation and Certification Body (MSECB) for two critical international standards: ISO 22301:2019 for Business Continuity Management and ISO/IEC 27001:2022 for Information Security Management. These certifications reinforce the firm’s commitment to resilience, information security, and best-in-class practices across all operations.

Coronation Registrars Limited describes itself as a premier registrar services provider serving corporate and individual clients across Nigeria’s capital market. The company’s emphasis on integrity, reliability, and innovation is supported by robust governance, digital platforms, and a steadfast dedication to exemplary client service. As Coronation Registrars Limited continues to invest in client-centric solutions and secure, scalable platforms, it remains focused on elevating industry standards and delivering value for its clients and stakeholders.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has warned that anyone working against the sovereignty and unity of Nigeria would be treated as an enemy of the state.

Musa issued the warning on Tuesday in Birnin Kebbi, while addressing the General Assembly of the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council (NTRC) tagged: ‘Kebbi 2025: Strengthening Community Collaboration for Lasting Peace and Security in Northern Nigeria.’

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to defend the nation’s territorial integrity and urged all Nigerians to unite in safeguarding its peace and stability.

‘Anyone found doing anything negative against the government and the sovereignty of Nigeria is an enemy of the state, and we will go after such person,’ Musa declared.

The CDS commended the Sultan of Sokoto and other northern traditional rulers for their continuous role in promoting peace, unity and stability in the region.

‘We underscore the vital role of our traditional rulers as custodians of values and morality.

‘They remain indispensable to our collective efforts in ensuring stability in the North and the entire country,’ he said.

Musa described traditional rulers as the bedrock of governance and the first line of engagement between government and the people. He emphasised that peace and security could not be enforced, but built through trust, dialogue, and cooperation among communities, security agencies, traditional institutions, and civil society groups.

‘Our desire is for every community in Nigeria to be peaceful. The collaboration between security agencies and traditional authorities has never been more crucial,’ he revealed.

The CDS urged members of the armed forces to act decisively against criminals threatening the lives and property.

‘No member of the armed forces should tell you he has not been ordered to take down any criminal killing or destroying property. You are authorised to act,’ he said.

Musa assured Nigerians that the military remained committed to protecting democracy, adding that President Bola Tinubu had continued to provide the armed forces with all necessary support. In his remarks, the Sultan of Sokoto and Chairman of the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, said the assembly’s theme was chosen to address the pressing challenges of insecurity in the North.

He said the assembly would come up with a communiqué to be presented to northern governors at their forthcoming meeting in Kaduna State.

The Sultan urged Nigerians to stop criticising the military, instead, continue to pray and support them in their operations.

‘Without the military, we wouldn’t be where we are now. There are challenges and shortcomings, and that’s why we are here, to find solutions,’ he said.

The CDS also called for regulation of social media to curb the spread of false and harmful information capable of inciting unrest.

‘People sit in the comfort of their rooms, create fake stories and share them until they go viral. It is dangerous. We must verify information before posting or sharing,’ the Sultan warned.

He dismissed several fake reports circulated on social media, including claims of attack on a mosque in Sokoto and alleged divisive statements credited to him.

The royal father reaffirmed the council’s commitment to democratic governance and pledged continued support for elected leaders at all levels to move the country forward.

Also speaking, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu, commended the security agencies for their sacrifices and urged citizens to appreciate and support them to discharge their duties diligently.

Bagudu noted that the President had prioritised funding for all tiers of governments to enhance national development and security.

‘The economy is taking the right direction, and we are putting in more work.

‘Nigeria will soon become the pride of Africa, given the laudable works President Tinubu is doing in human capital and infrastructural development,’ he assured.

On his part, Gov. Nasir Idris of Kebbi, commended the traditional rulers for their foresight and contribution to strengthen the security, peace and unity in the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event, held at the Presidential Lodge, Birnin Kebbi, brought together traditional rulers, senior government officials, security chiefs, and community leaders from across the North to deliberate on strategies for lasting peace and security in the region.

European Union states have agreed to ban Russian oil and gas imports by 2028, taking a decisive step to sever one of the continent’s last major economic links with Moscow. The move, hailed by Brussels as a milestone for Europe’s energy independence, is designed to cut off a key source of revenue that the bloc believes has helped fund Russia’s war in Ukraine.

At a meeting in Luxembourg on Monday, almost all EU energy ministers backed the plan, which will phase out new Russian gas contracts from January 2026 and fully prohibit imports of both pipeline oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) by the start of 2028. The legislation, a central element of the EU’s REPowerEU roadmap, still needs approval from the European Parliament – a step that is widely expected to pass.

‘This is an ambitious signal of Europe’s determination to achieve a resilient and independent energy market,’ the Council of the European Union said in a statement. ‘Imports of Russian gas will be prohibited from January 1 2026, with a transition period for existing contracts until January 2028.’

The plan marks the bloc’s most ambitious energy reform since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, when Europe began weaning itself off Russian fossil fuels amid global price shocks and political pressure from allies, including the United States. Washington has long urged Europe to ‘stop funding the war against itself’, as Donald Trump United States president put it.

Lars Aagaard Denmark’s energy minister, whose country currently holds the EU’s rotating presidency, said the agreement was ‘crucial’ for European security.

‘Although we have worked hard and pushed to get Russian gas and oil out of Europe in recent years, we are not there yet,’ Aagaard said. ‘An energy-independent Europe is a stronger and more secure Europe.’

Under the proposal, member states will be required to submit national diversification plans, outlining how they intend to secure alternative energy supplies and overcome potential disruptions. Countries that can demonstrate they no longer import Russian energy directly or indirectly will be exempt from the requirement.

The regulation also sets up new mechanisms for information-sharing between governments, the EU Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) and the European Commission, alongside a review clause that will assess progress two years after implementation. A suspension clause allows temporary lifting of the import ban in case of severe threats to energy security.

Despite strong backing from most member states, Hungary and Slovakia, two countries that remain heavily reliant on Russian energy and maintain warmer ties with Moscow, voted against the proposal.

Their opposition, however, was not enough to block the decision, which only required support from a weighted majority of 15 countries.

The EU has already slashed its dependence on Russian oil to around 3 percent of total imports, down from nearly 30 percent before the war. Russian gas still accounts for about 13 percent of EU gas imports, worth roughly pound 15 billion annually, according to the European Council.

Analysts say that while the new regulation may not significantly dent Russia’s overall fossil fuel revenues – much of which now comes from exports to China, India and Turkiye – it underscores Europe’s political resolve to decouple from Moscow and invest in a more diversified energy future.

If approved by the European Parliament in the coming weeks, the new rules will formalise a complete phase-out of Russian energy from the EU market within the next three years.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has debunked claims by Samuel Anyanwu, the party’s National Secretary that the party forged his signature in document sent to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

This is as Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has declared that the November 15 and 16 elective convention of the party will proceed as planned despite the challenges faced by the party.

Adeleke stated in Abuja while speaking with journalists after the inaugural meeting of the accomodation sub-committee of the convention, headed by him.

‘We just finished the inaugural meeting of the accomodation sub-committee. Everybody was present at our recent meeting, and we have resolved everything that needed to be sorted out so that the convention can proceed smoothly’ he said

Adeleke expressed confidence the convention will be very successful, noted that the ‘PDP believes in proper organisation, in doing things the right way, and in accordance with the rule of law.’

‘We have successfully organised many conventions in the past, and this one will be even more successful’, adding that the ‘PDP will continue to grow from strength to strength.’

He also assured that the party will resolve it differences internally.

‘It is a family affair. We do not want anyone outside to add sugar, pepper or salt to the matter, we are handling it ourselves. The PDP is a family, and we know how to manage our affairs.’

Adeleke, while also speaking on defections of some governors to the APC, said it was within the rights of the defectors to make their decisions and live with them.

‘I’m not concerned. Anybody, whether a governor or a minister, has the right to make their own decision. That does not change anything in the PDP. We still have strong membership and widespread support across Nigeria. They are adults and have their reasons for leaving, but I am not worried.’

The Osun State Governor used the opportunity to debunk claims that he was planning to also join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

‘Some people say I might be planning to join the APC because I have friends there or have been seen attending their events. I’m a very civilised person. If I have friends in the APC and they invite me to a wedding or social function, I will attend.

‘That doesn’t mean I’m joining them. As we speak, I am the Deputy Chairman of our convention, which holds on the 15th and 16th of November, and I remain a loyal member of the PDP. I also chair the accommodation sub committee.

‘The PDP does not believe in propaganda or endless talk. Many people from other parties are also defecting, that’s politics. Nobody knows what will happen tomorrow, but everyone has the right to do as they wish.

‘Our focus is on unity, organisation and success. By God’s grace, our convention will be a great success, and the PDP will continue to grow from strength to strength. Thank you, and God bless you all.’

Speaking on the allegations of forgery, Debo Ologuagba, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, recalled that at the 101 NEC meeting, the party, had mandated Anyanwu and Umar Damagum, the party’s National Chairman to kick start work on the convention by communicating with relevant agencies, including the INEC

According to Ologuagba, the ‘NEC approved the 2025 elective national convention schedule of activities and timetable.

‘Under the approved timetable, we have the elective national convention to elect new set of national officers of our party that will hold on Saturday, 15th to 16th November, 2025 in Ibadan, Oyo state capital.

‘Consequently, NEC directed the national chairman, Damagum, and the national secretary, Senator Samuel Ayamu, to officially write to inform INEC. This was the meeting of 24th of July.

‘NEC directed the national chairman and national secretary to officially write to inform the independent national electoral commission, INEC, of the time, the venue, and the agenda for the national elective convention. In accordance with the requirement of section 82.1 of the electoral act 2022, and part two, of the regulations and guidelines for political parties 2022.

‘Accordingly, NEC also approved the membership composition of the national convention committee, which we call the National Convention Organizing Committee, as well as membership composition of the National Convention Zoning Committee, which was approved at the 101 meeting of 24th of July.

‘Now, fast forward the 102nd NEC meeting, which was on the 25th of August, 2025. The chairman and the national secretary, Senator Anyamu, wrote letters.

‘That meeting of the 25th of August was preceded by a meeting of governors, NWC members, leaders of the party, in this building, in the office of the national chairman, where every member here from the NWC were present.

‘Others at the meeting are; Umaru Fintiri, the governor of Adamawa State; Bala Abulkadir Muhammad, the governor of Bauchi state, he was there at the meeting before the NEC meeting, in the office of the chairman, where Senator Anyamu was present. The legal adviser was present. The national organising secretary was present.

‘Ademola Jackson Adeleke, the governor of Osun State was present; Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo State; Dauda Lawa, governor of Zamfara State. Senator Bukola Saraki were present. Kabiru Tamiru Taraki, SAN, was present. Babangida Aliu was present. All National Working Committee (NWC) members were present.

‘At that meeting, four letters were signed, on the 25th of August, before this gentleman and members that are seated here, four letters were written and signed in their presence in the office of the national chairman and these are the letters, I will identify them.

‘The letter to INEC, signed by Senator Anyanwu and the chairman. The 101 NEC meeting directed them to issue a letter of notice, conveying time, date, venue, and agenda of the national convention at Ibadan.

‘The letter on the elective convention, with the date, and of course the venue, was signed by him. Another letter that was signed that day, by him, with the chairman, was the composition of the elective national convention membership, which was signed by him and the chairman.

‘That’s the second letter that was signed. The third letter that was signed at that same meeting, at the same time, before the same gentleman, was notice, and listen to this, notice of repeal of the Southeast 2025 Zonal Congresses of People’s Democratic Party, in accordance with section 82-1.

‘That letter was signed by him and the chairman. And the last letter was notice of repeat congresses in Anambra and Ebonyi State, post one to section 82-1 of the electoral act. So these four letters were signed at the same time, at the same venue, before these gentleman.’ he said.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has reported a drastic collapse in its profitability, with its Profit After Tax (PAT) falling to N216 billion in September 2025, the company revealed in a report.

This development indicated a staggering 71 percent decline from the N748 billion recorded just six months earlier in April, according to an analysis of the company’s monthly report summaries.

This sharp and sustained downturn, detailed in summaries from April to September 2025, signalled a significant reversal of fortune for the state-owned oil giant and raises concerns about its financial contributions to the nation’s treasury amid volatility in the sector.

In April, the NNPC reported N748 billion profit after tax. PAT then rose to N1.05 trillion in May, and declined to N905 billion in June.

The state-owned oil company continued on a downward slope in July, recording N185 billion PAT in the period. Meanwhile, profit rose to N539 billion in August before declining again in September.

‘The PAT recorded in September included adjustments to cost of sales and income tax,’ the report stated.

The decline could be linked to the recorded decline in crude oil production in September, on the back of the 3-day industrial action of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association (PENGASSAN). Earlier, Bayo Ojulari, GCEO of the NNPC, disclosed that Nigeria lost 200,000 barrels per day of crude oil to the recent strike action embarked upon by the nation’s oil workers, culminating in a total of over 600,000 barrels during the three-day supply disruption.

He said: ‘I think it was unfortunate that the Dangote and PENGASSAN issue led to strike and whenever there is strike and critical staff manning critical facilities are not available and optimum production is almost impossible.

‘In this particular case, we actually lost significant production of over 200,000 bpd that was deferred.

‘We also have gas production that was deferred, we also have power generation that was impacted by about 1.2 megawatts of power that was affected by that strike,’ he said.

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) also shared the same sentiment, stating that Nigeria’s crude oil production fell to 1.39 million barrels per day in September from 1.43 million barrels per day (mbpd) recorded in August 2025.

Meanwhile, the NNPC recorded N4.269 trillion in revenue in September, falling from N4.655 trillion reported in August.

‘Revenue reflects the aggregate of groupwide revenues, including intercompany transactions,’ the company stated. ‘All production, sales and financial figures are provisional and subject to reconciliation with relevant stakeholders.’

According to the NNPC, production levels during the period were temporarily moderated due to planned maintenance activities, including those at NLNG alongside the phased recovery of previously shut-in assets and delays in the commencement of operations at OMLs 71 and 72.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the trial of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on alleged cybercrime charges to November 24.

The trial was scheduled to begin on Monday before Justice Mohammed Umar but was stalled due to a protest at the court premises.

The protest, led by Omoyele Sowore, called for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Justice Umar’s courtroom on the third floor of the court complex remained locked, and proceedings were suspended.

The case was rescheduled to November 24 when court activities resumed on Tuesday.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was arraigned on June 30 on a six-count charge filed by Mohammed Abubakar, the director of Public Prosecution of the Federation.

She is accused of transmitting false and injurious information electronically, with intent to incite, endanger lives, and disturb public order offences under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Amendment Act, 2024.

The charges stem from comments she allegedly made on April 4 in Ihima, Kogi State, where she accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of instructing former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello to harm her. She is also alleged to have repeated the claim during a television interview.

Following her arraignment, she was granted bail, and the court initially fixed September 22 for the trial. However, proceedings were halted when her counsel, Ehiogie West-Idahosa (SAN), filed a preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction.

West-Idahosa argued that the case represented an abuse of the prosecutorial powers of the Attorney General of the Federation and noted that the defence had not been served witness statements. As the prosecution was about to call its first witness, the objection stalled the process.

Justice Umar ruled that the objection must be addressed before the trial could proceed.

With Monday’s disruption, the case has now been adjourned to November 24.