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SERAP threatens to sue Buhari for allegedly shielding oil theft perpetrators

Published

3 years ago

October 16, 2022

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately put in motion steps to expose those behind oil theft in Nigeria.

The group in a letter addressed to the President threatened to sue Buhari if he failed to publish names of such economic saboteurs.

SERAP specifically urged the President “promptly set up a presidential panel of enquiry to thoroughly, impartially, and transparently investigate the operations of illegal oil pipelines from 2001 to date, and to widely publish the names of anyone suspected to be involved.”

It said Buhari should “ensure the prosecution by appropriate anti-corruption agencies of anyone suspected to be responsible for the plundering of the country’s oil wealth and the full recovery of any proceeds of crime.”

SERAP’s letter followed the recent reports that two illegal pipelines used to steal the country’s oil wealth from Forcados Terminal, and connected to the 48-inch Trans Forcados Export Trunk line, had been uncovered.

The open letter was dated October 15, 2022 and signed by SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare.

The organisation said, “Poor and socio-economically vulnerable Nigerians have continued to pay the price for the stealing of the country’s oil wealth apparently by both state and non-state actors.”

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SERAP said, “Your government has a legal obligation to ensure that the country’s oil wealth is used solely for the benefit of the Nigerian people, and that the wealth does not end up in private pockets, for the sake of the present and future generations.”

The letter read in part, “Despite the country’s substantial oil wealth, successive governments have largely squandered the opportunity to use the wealth to improve the lives and well-being of ordinary Nigerians. This is a clear violation of the government’s anti-corruption and human rights obligations.

“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 14 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.

“SERAP urges you to consider referring the reports to the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court [ICC] to investigate whether the allegations of oil theft in the country amount to crimes against humanity within the jurisdiction of the ICC, and to surrender all suspected perpetrators for trial by the ICC.

“SERAP is concerned that the illegal pipelines have been operated for many years without notice, implying a flagrant violation of constitutional and international obligations to ensure the proper, effective and efficient management of the country’s wealth and natural resources.

“It is in the public interest to promptly investigate the discovery of the illegal pipelines, publish the names of those suspected to be involved, and ensure that they are brought to justice, and that any proceeds of crime are fully recovered.

“Taking these steps would advance the right of Nigerians to restitution, compensation and guarantee of non-repetition and improve public confidence in the fight against corruption and related crimes, especially in the oil sector.”

“As the President and Minister of Petroleum Resources, you and your government have a legal responsibility to ensure accountability for these human rights crimes, and end the culture of impunity, which is fuelling the stealing of the country’s oil wealth.

“The proposed presidential panel of enquiry should be headed by a retired justice of the Supreme Court or Court of Appeal, and its members should include people with proven professional record and of the highest integrity that can act impartially, independently, and transparently.

“The plundering of the country’s oil wealth has resulted in the downward trend in revenue and increasing level of borrowing, with reports of a projected N11.30 trillion deficit budget for 2023.

“SERAP is concerned that the unaddressed plundering of the country’s oil wealth has for many years contributed to shrinking revenue, chronic underfunding of public goods and services such as education, health, and access to safe drinking water, recurring budget deficits, growing level of borrowing, and unsustainable debt profile.

“According to our information, security agencies recently reportedly uncovered an illegal pipeline used to steal the country’s oil wealth for nine years from Forcados Terminal.

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“Another illegal pipeline connected to the 48-inch Trans Forcados Export Trunk line, at the rear of a military security post in Burutu Local Government Area, Delta State has reportedly been discovered.

“The discovery of the second illegal pipeline followed the recent destruction by security agents of a vessel allegedly used for crude oil theft off the Niger Delta creeks. About 58 illegal oil points have reportedly so far been discovered.

“Section 15 subsection (5) of the Constitution requires your government to abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power.

“The UN Convention against Corruption and the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption to which Nigeria is a state party obligate your government to effectively prevent and investigate acts of corruption and hold public officials and non-state actors to account for any violations.

“Specifically, article 26 of the UN convention requires your government to ensure “effective, proportionate and dissuasive sanctions” including criminal and non-criminal sanctions, in cases of grand corruption.

“Article 26 complements the more general requirement of article 30, paragraph 1, that sanctions must take into account the gravity of the corruption allegations.

“According to a Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) audit report, 160 million barrels of crude oil valued at $13.7 billion, was stolen in four years (2009-2012). There is also report of $17 billion debt of under-declared crude oil lifted by some international oil companies (IOCs) between 2011 and 2014.

“According to reports, Nigeria has seen increased oil theft in recent years. The country loses 470,000 barrels of crude oil monthly amounting to $700 million to oil theft.

“The country has reportedly lost $10 billion to crude oil theft in seven months, which is stated to be more than 50 per cent of Nigeria’s external reserves. The Chatham House, a think-tank based in the United Kingdom has noted that oil theft in Nigeria is ‘on an industrial scale.’”

Related Topics:Buhari Featured Oil theft SERAP

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Tinubu Commissions Gateway Airport, Pledges to Crush Banditry in Nigeria

Published

15 hours ago

April 5, 2026

Trends Admin

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Tinubu Commissions Gateway Airport, Pledges to Crush Banditry in Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu has pledged to defeat banditry, terrorism, and insecurity across Nigeria, promising continued investment in the country’s security architecture. He made the declaration while commissioning the Gateway International Airport and several other federal projects in Ogun State on Saturday.

Speaking at a reception following the inauguration, Tinubu said his administration will intensify efforts to protect lives and property across the nation. “We will win over banditry and defeat insecurity. We will continue to invest more to strengthen the security architecture of Nigeria,” he stated, emphasizing the government’s commitment to national safety.

The president described the Gateway International Airport as the economic nerve center of Nigeria’s corridor, highlighting its role in boosting the aviation sector, trade, and socioeconomic development in Ogun State and the wider region. The airport is integrated with independent gas and energy infrastructure, ensuring sustainability and operational efficiency.

Tinubu also lauded Governor Dapo Abiodun for using improved federal allocations to develop infrastructure capable of driving Ogun State to greater economic heights. He praised the state government’s focus on mobility, security, agriculture, and industrial development, noting that projects like the airport and new Gateway Airlines will enhance trade, logistics, and employment opportunities.

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Governor Abiodun, in his remarks, emphasized the transformative impact of the airport and related infrastructure on Ogun State’s economy. He noted that the state’s internally generated revenue has grown from ₦40 billion to over ₦250 billion annually, while its GDP increased from ₦4 trillion to ₦17 trillion over the past seven years. He added that the airport features a four-kilometre runway, modern control tower, advanced aviation systems, and cargo facilities, making it a centerpiece of the state’s emerging aerotropolis.

The ceremony also saw the launch of Gateway Airlines, operating Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft, alongside cargo services designed to expand trade and logistics capacity. Beyond aviation, Ogun State has invested heavily in roads, healthcare, and housing, including over 1,600 km of rehabilitated roads, more than 7,000 affordable homes, and 140 primary healthcare centers, according to Governor Abiodun.

The event was attended by prominent dignitaries including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, state governors, lawmakers, captains of industry, and traditional leaders. Both praised the collaboration between federal and state governments in delivering critical infrastructure, with Tinubu’s leadership highlighted as key to Nigeria’s development and security progress.

Tinubu emphasized that the federal government’s reforms and infrastructure investments are people-centered, aimed at improving daily life, fostering prosperity, and ensuring national security. He added that these efforts are designed to overcome violence and terrorism while positioning Nigeria for sustained economic growth.

Tinubu Commissions Gateway Airport, Pledges to Crush Banditry in Nigeria

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Mother, Six Children Kidnapped in Fresh Kaduna Bandit Attack

Published

1 day ago

April 4, 2026

Trends Admin

Commissioner of Police in Kaduna State is CP Muhammad Rabiu

Commissioner of Police, Kaduna State, CP Muhammad Rabiu

Mother, Six Children Kidnapped in Fresh Kaduna Bandit Attack

In a fresh wave of banditry in Kaduna State, a mother and six children were abducted from their home in Kurmin‑Uwa near Janjala community in Kagarko Local Government Area on Friday night. The attack comes less than 24 hours after suspected bandits kidnapped ten residents, including seven members of a single family, in Unguwar Sabon‑Titi, Katari.

According to residents, the raid occurred around 10:23 p.m., with the assailants going directly to the targeted house before whisking away the victims, identified as Ladi Malachy, Patience Malachy, Promise Malachy, Inama Malachy, Peter Malachy, and Aboyi Malachy. Witnesses said the attackers fled into surrounding forests, leaving the community in fear.

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A local resident, Ibrahim Shehu, confirmed the abduction, while a community leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed he alerted security operatives immediately after learning about the raid. However, it remains unclear whether authorities responded promptly. Kurmin‑Uwa is located about two kilometres from Kagarko town, an area that has seen repeated bandit attacks on households.

Security sources indicate that search and rescue operations have been launched, as authorities work to locate the kidnappers and secure the release of the abducted family. Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.

The back‑to‑back kidnappings have heightened tension in rural Kaduna communities, with residents calling for intensified patrols, improved security presence, and faster emergency response to prevent further abductions. Analysts warn that without swift action, such violent raids may continue to terrorise villages across the state.

Mother, Six Children Kidnapped in Fresh Kaduna Bandit Attack

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INEC Warns ADC Against Holding Convention Without Supervision

Published

2 days ago

April 3, 2026

Trends Admin

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan

INEC Warns ADC Against Holding Convention Without Supervision

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cautioned the African Democratic Congress (ADC) against proceeding with its planned congresses and national convention without proper supervision and in defiance of an existing court order.

Chairman Joash Amupitan issued the warning during an interview on Arise TV on Friday, after the ADC insisted on going ahead with its convention despite INEC’s derecognition of the leadership faction linked to David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola.

Amupitan stressed that INEC’s actions were guided by legal considerations, particularly a subsisting court order restraining the ADC from taking steps that could undermine ongoing legal proceedings. “Don’t do anything. Don’t take any step that will render any proceeding before the court nugatory,” he said.

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He explained that the ADC’s plan to conduct congresses and a national convention is already part of a pending legal process, with motions related to the activities yet to be determined by the court. Ignoring the court’s directive, he warned, could result in invalidated elections or nullified internal party decisions, citing precedents in Zamfara and Plateau states where failure to comply with court orders affected electoral outcomes.

Amupitan highlighted the risks of repeating past mistakes, stressing that while the ADC is free to act as it chooses, INEC would not risk supervising illegal or unauthorized party activities. He reinforced the importance of adhering to the Electoral Act and judicial directives to ensure that party events are legally recognised and free from future challenges.

The INEC Chairman’s warning comes amid heightened tension within the ADC, with the faction led by David Mark facing derecognition and ongoing litigation over the party’s legitimate leadership. Analysts note that the statement underscores INEC’s commitment to rule of law, legal compliance, and internal party democracy, especially as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.