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Tinubu faces pressure to retain Mele Kyari as NNPC boss

Published

1 year ago

February 11, 2025

Group Managing Director of NNPC, Mele Kyari

Tinubu faces pressure to retain Mele Kyari as NNPC boss

President Bola Tinubu is reportedly under pressure to retain Mele Kyari aa the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC.

The president is said to be facing mounting pressure from civil society groups and stakeholders to retain Kyari, with some saying any change in the leadership of the NNPC could harm Nigeria’s oil sector.

At a press conference held at the Abuja Press Centre on Monday, February 10, Comrade Friday Maduka, Chairman of the Forum of Civil Society Organizations of Nigeria, warned against any attempt to remove Kyari.

His words: “Mele Kyari’s leadership at NNPC has been a beacon of hope and transformation in the oil sector.

“His vision, expertise, and dedication have yielded unprecedented results, including the renewed functioning of refineries, stabilization of oil prices, and a greater focus on sustainable economic integration and development.”

He reiterated that under Kyari’s leadership, the NNPC had experienced major reforms, including the company’s transition into a limited liability corporation, which significantly improved transparency and accountability.

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Maduka expressed his concern over what he described as efforts driven by jealousy and envy, aimed at destabilizing the current leadership.

“In light of these achievements, it is puzzling that certain factors, driven by envy and jealousy, are seeking to undermine Mele Kyari’s leadership and the progress that has been made at NNPC.

“These underhand moves, campaigns, and shibboleths are not only a threat to the stability of the oil sector but also to the overall economic development of Nigeria,” Maduka stated.

Maduka emphasized the importance of allowing Kyari to complete his tenure, which began in 2023 and is scheduled to end in 2026 according to the extant laws governing the NNPC.

He argued that Kyari’s tenure is vital for the continued success of the corporation and the broader Nigerian economy.

“We strongly believe that he should be allowed to consummate his outstanding work, thereby enabling the NNPC to attain its full potential and reach unprecedented heights,” he added.

Maduka also referenced the legal framework that supports Kyari’s extended tenure, particularly the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which allows for a tenure extension beyond 2026.

He urged all Nigerians and civil society organizations to support Kyari in ensuring the sector continues to thrive.

“It is expected that it should terminate in 2027 in compliance with Section 59 (2) of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 which states that ‘The Composition of the Board of the NNPC Limited shall be determined in accordance with the Companies and Allied Matters Act and its Articles of Association’,” Maduka explained.

He also lauded Kyari’s efforts in reducing fuel prices and promoting alternative energy solutions, particularly gas, as part of Nigeria’s broader energy strategy.

He further called for greater unity and collaboration across all sectors to maintain the momentum of progress at NNPC.

“Mele Kyari’s tenure has adroitly modulated the transition from the hitherto unbearable PMS Price regime to the incremental progressive lowering of the Petrol pump price by importuning all stakeholders to the imperative for lower pump fuel prices for all Nigerians,” he concluded.

Tinubu faces pressure to retain Mele Kyari as NNPC boss

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Court Screens Video Showing NDLEA Allegedly Helping Cocaine Smugglers at Enugu Airport

Published

10 hours ago

March 16, 2026

Trends Admin

Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.)

Court Screens Video Showing NDLEA Allegedly Helping Cocaine Smugglers at Enugu Airport

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday screened a video evidence in the ongoing trial of DCP Abba Kyari and four other police officers, revealing how operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) allegedly assisted drug traffickers at Enugu Airport.

The video, tendered by the Nigeria Police Force through Inspector El‑John Nwoke, details confessions from two convicted traffickers — Chibunna Patrick Umeibe and Emeka Alphonsus Ezenwanne — about their repeated smuggling of cocaine into Nigeria and how NDLEA officers reportedly cleared their luggage without proper inspection.

Inspector Nwoke told the court that the traffickers explained their handlers would send photos and descriptions of them to NDLEA officers before flights, allowing the officers to identify them upon arrival. “When we get to the checking point, they will know that we are the ones. They will open the bag, do a normal search, and say we should go,” Umeibe said in the video. Ezenwanne confirmed he had previously carried cocaine in 2021 and 2022 and that NDLEA officers had allowed them to pass through checkpoints without detection.

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The video, recorded by police on January 20, 2022, is 27 minutes long and was admitted into evidence as “Exhibit D‑3” after the court overruled objections from the NDLEA. It captures detailed confessions showing how traffickers moved cocaine via night buses after being cleared at the airport. The 21.55kg cocaine seizure by Kyari’s Intelligence Response Team (IRT) followed shortly after the alleged NDLEA clearance.

Kyari, former head of the IRT, is being tried alongside ACP Sunday J. Ubua, ASP Bawa James, Inspector Simon Agirgba, and Inspector John Nuhu on charges including conspiracy, obstruction, and dealing in cocaine. The case has drawn attention to alleged internal collusion within Nigeria’s anti-narcotics agencies, though NDLEA has denied any complicity.

Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned the case to May 20 for continuation, including further examination of the video evidence and witness testimonies. The footage is expected to play a crucial role in determining the extent of alleged collusion between NDLEA operatives and traffickers.

The trial underscores ongoing concerns about airport security, drug enforcement effectiveness, and internal oversight within Nigeria’s anti-narcotics agencies.

Court Screens Video Showing NDLEA Allegedly Helping Cocaine Smugglers at Enugu Airport

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Court to Rule on ICPC’s Request for 14‑Day Detention Extension for El‑Rufai

Published

15 hours ago

March 16, 2026

Trends Admin

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El‑Rufai

Court to Rule on ICPC’s Request for 14‑Day Detention Extension for El‑Rufai

A Magistrate Court in Abuja is set to deliver a ruling on Tuesday, March 17, regarding the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC)’s request to extend the detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El‑Rufai, by another 14 days.

The court, presided over by Magistrate Okechukwu Akweke, will decide whether to approve or reject the ICPC’s application as the anti‑graft agency continues its probe into allegations against El‑Rufai, including money laundering, abuse of office, and illegal interception of communications linked to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

El‑Rufai has been in ICPC custody since February 18, 2026, following an earlier 14‑day remand order obtained from a Magistrate Court in Bwari, Abuja. That initial remand expired on March 5, 2026, prompting ICPC to seek a fresh extension as investigations continue.

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The former governor’s legal team, relatives, and supporters have criticised the continued detention, describing it as unlawful. They argue that since the initial remand expired, El‑Rufai should either be released or formally charged before a competent court. In response, he has filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, naming the ICPC, EFCC, DSS, and Attorney-General of the Federation as respondents.

The ICPC maintains that it is acting within the law, insisting that the fresh 14‑day remand order is valid and necessary to conclude ongoing investigations, which involve forensic examination of electronic devices, financial records, and other evidence recovered from El‑Rufai’s Abuja residence. The agency has filed an inventory listing 67 items retrieved during the search, including laptops, phones, and storage devices.

El‑Rufai’s lawyers, however, contend that some of the searches were irregular, violating his constitutional rights, and have challenged the admissibility of the evidence in court. The FCT High Court is also considering claims for ₦1 billion in damages for alleged rights violations related to the searches.

Observers say the outcome of Tuesday’s ruling will be critical in determining whether El‑Rufai remains in ICPC custody beyond March 19, or whether he will be released or granted bail while legal proceedings continue. The case has drawn national attention, highlighting ongoing debates over anti-corruption investigations, rule of law, and the rights of former public officials.

Court to Rule on ICPC’s Request for 14‑Day Detention Extension for El‑Rufai

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Tinubu Orders Nationwide Free Rice Distribution for Ramadan, Lent Support

Published

15 hours ago

March 16, 2026

Trends Admin

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Tinubu Orders Nationwide Free Rice Distribution for Ramadan, Lent Support

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Renewed Hope Ambassadors (RHA), a political support group aligned with his administration, to implement a nationwide free rice distribution programme aimed at assisting Nigerians observing Ramadan and Lenten fasts.

The directive, announced on Saturday by Senator Hope Uzodinma, Governor of Imo State and Director-General of RHA, emphasizes the government’s commitment to national unity, social solidarity, and interfaith inclusivity. According to Uzodinma, the initiative is designed to ensure that families across Nigeria feel the spirit of togetherness and compassion during these spiritually significant periods.

“Ramadan and Lent are seasons that remind us of sacrifice, charity, and care for one another. Through this distribution, the Renewed Hope Ambassadors will ensure that families across Nigeria benefit from the intervention,” the statement read.

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The programme will be coordinated through the RHA’s nationwide grassroots network, in partnership with state and local authorities, traditional leaders, and community groups, to guarantee transparent and equitable delivery. Both Christian and Muslim communities will be included, reflecting President Tinubu’s focus on religious harmony and inclusivity.

Officials noted that the initiative follows the success of a similar distribution carried out during the recent Christmas season, which aimed to ease the burden of vulnerable households during key festive and religious periods. Analysts welcomed the move, highlighting that it addresses food security concerns amid rising prices of staples and demonstrates government responsiveness to citizens’ needs.

The distribution is expected to cover low-income families, the elderly, and internally displaced persons (IDPs), providing crucial support to those most affected by economic challenges. The Federal Government, through the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, has committed to ensuring the programme reaches every state and local community across Nigeria.

Governor Uzodinma reassured the public that the exercise is being implemented with full accountability and oversight, encouraging citizens to participate by helping identify households in need. The initiative is also intended to strengthen the sense of national unity by fostering a culture of generosity and shared responsibility during the holy periods of fasting.