Olu of Warri Denies N2.7tn Pipeline Deal, Demands Evidence From Dokubo

The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, has rejected an allegation by Niger Delta activist Asari Dokubo that the monarch receives N2.7 trillion annually from pipeline surveillance contracts, challenging him to produce documentary evidence to support the claim.

The monarch’s position was conveyed by his Sole Representative to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and its joint venture partners, Prince Collins Edema.

Edema described the allegation as unfounded and said it had been categorically rejected by the monarch’s representatives.

He challenged Dokubo to provide the documents on which the allegation was based, stressing that claims involving pipeline surveillance contracts should be subjected to proper scrutiny.

Dokubo had made the allegation while discussing pipeline surveillance arrangements in the Niger Delta, questioning why former militant leader Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, had faced criticism over pipeline security contracts while, according to him, other individuals were allegedly receiving larger sums.

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Dokubo alleged that the Olu of Warri and Osahon Idahosa were receiving N2.7 trillion annually for protecting oil pipelines.

However, the monarch’s representative rejected the claim and called for evidence to substantiate the allegation.

Edema argued that concerns over pipeline security arrangements should be addressed through relevant contracts, procurement records, corporate documents, government approvals and other verifiable records.

He also said allegations of wrongdoing should be directed to the appropriate government institutions for investigation rather than being settled through public accusations.

The controversy comes amid continued scrutiny of pipeline surveillance contracts in the Niger Delta, where private security arrangements involving former militant leaders and other stakeholders have generated public debate.

The security of oil pipelines remains a major issue for Nigeria because disruptions to crude oil production can affect government revenue, foreign exchange earnings and the broader economy.

The Olu of Warri’s representatives therefore maintained that anyone making claims about the monarch’s involvement in pipeline surveillance contracts should provide documentary evidence to support the allegations.

The monarch’s office has continued to deny the N2.7 trillion claim.

Olu of Warri Denies N2.7tn Pipeline Deal, Demands Evidence From Dokubo

Troops Crush Four-Front ISWAP Assault, Kill Over 25 Terrorists In Borno

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have repelled a coordinated ISWAP attack on a military position in Kukawa, Borno State, with the Nigerian Army reporting that more than 25 terrorists were neutralised during the fierce encounter.

The ISWAP terrorists reportedly launched the attack on troops of the 101 Special Forces Battalion from four different directions in an apparent attempt to overwhelm the military position.

The troops responded with superior firepower, tactical manoeuvres and coordinated battlefield operations, supported by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai. The military said the counter-offensive inflicted heavy casualties on the attackers and forced surviving fighters to flee.

According to Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North-East), a preliminary assessment indicated that over 25 terrorists were neutralised, while 14 bodies had been recovered from the battlefield.

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The Army also said troops recovered a cache of arms and ammunition, including six AK-47 rifles, during an exploitation operation after the attack.

Further operations were underway to recover additional weapons, track the fleeing terrorists and prevent them from regrouping, the military said.

The encounter, however, came at a cost to the military, as the Army confirmed that some soldiers were killed during the fierce fighting.

The Nigerian Army expressed condolences to the families of the fallen personnel, commending their courage and sacrifice in the fight against terrorism.

The successful repulsion of the attack, the Army said, demonstrated the combat readiness and resilience of troops operating in the North-East Theatre, while highlighting the importance of air-ground coordination in disrupting terrorist operations.

The latest clash adds to ongoing military efforts to maintain pressure on ISWAP and other armed groups operating in Borno and the wider Lake Chad Basin.

The Army said its troops would continue offensive operations, intelligence-led patrols and coordinated actions with other security agencies to disrupt terrorist networks, prevent regrouping and protect communities in the region.

Troops Crush Four-Front ISWAP Assault, Kill Over 25 Terrorists In Borno

Yayi, Adebule, Muslim Leaders, Others for Imodi-Ijebu Turbaning, ₦1bn Fundraiser

• The Nation’s Adebanjo, ex-Dean, ex-NAHCON chief, 17 others to be turbaned Saturday

Prominent political, religious and community leaders, including Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi; Senator Idiat Oluranti Adebule; National Missioner of Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Sheikh AbdurRahman Ahmad; and Grand Mufti of the Conference of Islamic Organisations, Sheikh Dhikrullah Shafi’i, are expected at the turbaning ceremony of the Imodi-Ijebu Muslim Community in Ogun State on Saturday.

The ceremony, scheduled for 10am at the Tititlayo Agbaje Memorial Comprehensive High School (TAMCO), Imodi-Ijebu, will also feature a major ₦1 billion fundraising campaign aimed at advancing education and empowerment initiatives within the Muslim community.

Senator Adeola, the Ogun State APC governorship candidate, will serve as the Chief Launcher, while the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Mabtech Electrical Engineering Services Limited, Abuja, Alhaji Engr. Abdul Waheed Yusuf, will be the Co-Launcher.

The Bashorun of Offa Kingdom, Alhaji (Dr) Najeemdeen Usman Yasin, is Chairman of the Day, while the Olumodi of Imodi, High Chief Musibau Adewale Okusajo, will serve as the Royal Father of the Day.

Other Fathers of the Day are Alhaji G.O. Mustapha, Alhaji Ogunwo Daud Owolabi and the Baba Adeen of Lagos, Alhaji Sikiru Alabi Macfoy.

The Mothers of the Day include Senator Idiat Oluranti Adebule, representing Lagos West Senatorial District, and the Ogun State APC Deputy Governorship candidate, Alhaja Kudirat Adegunwa Balogun.

Among the Special Guests of Honour are the President of the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo; Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer of MTN Nigeria, Mr Modupe Kadri; and Lagos State Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Moruf Akinderu Fatai.

The National Missioner of Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Sheikh AbdurRahman Ahmad, will deliver the Guest Speaker’s address, while former Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Alhaji Zikrullah Olakunle Hassan, and the Grand Mufti of the Conference of Islamic Organisations, Sheikh Dhikrullah Shafi’i, will deliver keynote addresses.

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The Chief Imam of Imodi Central, Fadhilat Sheikh Mos’ud Akorede Titilope Raheem, is the host of the ceremony.

Olufowobi, Adebanjo, Sanni, others to receive titles

The event will also witness the conferment of traditional Islamic titles on distinguished members of the community and prominent personalities whose contributions to Islamic affairs and community development have been recognised.

Among the honourees is former Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Science, The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Dr Chief Abdulfattah Owolabi Olufowobi, who will be installed as Baba Adeen of Imodi-Ijebu.

Senior Correspondent with The Nation Newspaper and National Secretary-General of the University of Lagos Muslim Alumni (UMA), Alhaji Tajudeen Adegboyega Adebanjo, will receive the title of Giwa Adeen of Imodi-Ijebu.

Also to be honoured is the retired Director of Procurement at NAHCON, Alhaji Ishaq Sanni, who will be installed as Aare Adeen of Imodi-Ijebu.

Other nominees include Alhaja Hafsat Gbadamosi, Otun Iya Sunnah; Chief Ibraheem Opeyemi Mustapha, Otun Arowasadinni; Chief Araazim Ambali, Akeweje Adeen; Alhaji Abdul Wakeel Akorede Baoku, Alatunse Adeeni; Alhaja Sherifat Epenuse, Iyalode Adeen; Alhaja Arowolo Risikat, also known as Alawofin, Otun Asiwaju Adeen Obirin; and Chief Abdul Mojeed Agbaje, Otun Mogaji Adeen.

The titles are expected to go beyond ceremonial recognition, with the recipients saddled with responsibilities to contribute to the spiritual, educational and social advancement of the Muslim community.

They are also expected to support initiatives promoting unity, youth development, education, welfare and sustainable development in Imodi-Ijebu.

Community targets ₦1bn for education, empowerment

A major attraction of the ceremony is the ambitious ₦1 billion fundraising initiative for education and empowerment, designed to strengthen human capital development in the community.

The initiative is expected to support educational opportunities, empower young people and create sustainable avenues for socio-economic advancement.

Beyond raising funds, the project underscores the community’s growing emphasis on investing in its people, particularly through education, skills development and empowerment programmes capable of producing long-term benefits.

A community with deep Islamic heritage

Imodi-Ijebu has a long-standing Islamic heritage, with Islamic scholarship, worship and education playing significant roles in the community’s development over the years.

The growth and sustenance of Islam in the area have been driven by the contributions of Imams, scholars, families and community leaders who have supported religious education, established institutions and promoted Islamic values.

The Muslim community has also continued to place emphasis on unity, moral development, education and service while maintaining strong ties with the wider Imodi-Ijebu community.

The Saturday ceremony is therefore expected to combine the preservation of that Islamic heritage with a renewed commitment to education, empowerment, leadership and community development.

Yayi, Adebule, Muslim Leaders, Others for Imodi-Ijebu Turbaning, ₦1bn Fundraiser