metro
Oil theft suspects reject extradition, sues FG
The crew of the crude oil carrier, MT Heroic IDUN has asked a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja to stop the Federal Government from “illegally” executing their “extraordinary rendition” of the vessel from Equatorial Guinea to Nigeria.
The PUNCH earlier reported the vessel, which can lift about three million barrels of crude oil, was seen around Total Energies Safe Anchorage operated by Akpo Field on August 7 but evaded arrest in Nigeria and fled to Equatorial Guinea, where it was later arrested.
There were speculations at the time that the vessel had lifted crude oil from the oil field.
However, the Navy admitted that the vessel arrived at Akpo Field at midnight on August 7, 2022, with the obvious intention of lifting crude oil within the field but had no chance to load before being accosted by the Nigerian Navy Ship Gongola at the oilfield terminal.
A source told our correspondent that Equatorial Guinea agreed to hand over the vessel to Nigeria on November 6 for further investigation after two months of diplomatic negotiations.
Meanwhile, the claimants told the Abuja court that because there was no extradition treaty between the two countries, any alleged attempt to pressure Equatorial Guinea to extradite them to Nigeria would be illegal and violate their rights under Nigerian and international law.
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Through their lead counsel, Babajide Koku (SAN), the crew prayed for the court’s intervention.
They recounted as false the Nigerian Navy’s claim that MT Heroic IDUN attempted to illegally load crude oil from Akpo Terminal in Nigeria, noting in particular that the Navy admitted in a statement on August 19, 2022, that it found no crude oil on MT Heroic IDUN.
They added that the vessel and crew were unlawfully arrested by the Equatorial Guinea Navy under pressure from the Nigerian Navy.
The MT Heroic IDUN, with 26 persons onboard, comprising 16 Indians, eight Sri Lankans, one Polish national, and one Filipino national, was arrested on August 22, 2022, by the Equatorial Guinea Navy shortly after the vessel left Nigerian waters.
Fearing their unlawful removal from Equatorial Guinea to Nigeria on the Nigerian Navy’s request, the 26 applicants and the vessel filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit marked FHC/ABJ/C8/2058/2022.
The Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Attorney-General of the Federation, and the Nigerian Navy are the respondents.
The applicants averred in an affidavit in support of the originating application, that “on July 18, 2022, the charterers of the vessel requested a Letter of Comfort from the owners for loading at Akpo Terminal in Nigeria (Terminal) with laycan (dates for loading) of August 17 and 18.
“On August 4, 2022, the charterers and sub-charterers instructed the vessel to proceed to the terminal and, following that, to Ceiba Marine Terminal to load a cargo of crude oil and then to Rotterdam in Holland to discharge the cargo. The lay date was then set or narrowed to August 8, 2022.”
They further averred that the sub-charterers, BP, likely failed to inform the terminal of this change and/or to ensure that the correct paperwork was in place.
Though admitting that the Nigerian Navy told them at about 9pm to follow it to the Bonny Fairway buoy for investigation, MT Heroic IDUN, however, stated that it declined because its master feared that moving close to the Nigerian shore at night was too risky because of piracy concerns.
“There was also confusion over the name of the Nigerian vessel, which at that time was misspelt “Agola” and could not be found on Google as a registered naval vessel,” they added.
The claimants averred further that the interdiction by Equatorial Guinea was unlawful and breached United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea Articles 58, 87, 97, and 100 relating to innocent passage and the right to be on the high seas without interference.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Navy Chief of Policy and Plans, Rear Admiral Saidu Garba, said, “The brazen act of defiance to constituted authority by the captain of the vessel necessitated the Nigerian Navy to invoke the collaboration of neighbouring Equatorial Guinea through the Yaoundé Architecture to arrest the vessel as we noticed that it stopped making way in the Equatorial Guinea waters.”
metro
Third Mainland Bridge Crash: 10 Injured as LASEMA Averts Train Collision in Lagos
LAGOS — At least 10 passengers have been injured in a chain-reaction crash involving two commercial buses and a trailer on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos, while emergency responders separately averted a possible train collision at Ilupeju Bypass.
The two incidents occurred on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, according to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA).
The bridge accident reportedly began when a commercial bus stopped to fix a faulty tyre. Another bus subsequently rammed into the stationary vehicle, triggering a chain reaction.
A trailer then crashed into the second bus before its driver reportedly fled the scene, leaving the injured passengers in need of emergency assistance.
LASEMA said its emergency response team arrived at the scene, administered first aid to the victims and evacuated them to a hospital for further treatment.
The damaged vehicles were subsequently cleared from the affected section of the bridge, allowing traffic to resume.
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The incident raised fresh concerns about road safety on the busy bridge, which connects Lagos Island with the mainland and carries heavy traffic daily.
In a separate incident at Ilupeju Bypass, emergency responders prevented a potential collision between a train and a commercial bus that had broken down on a railway track.
According to LASEMA, the bus became stranded on the track after developing a mechanical fault, creating a potentially dangerous situation for rail operations.
Emergency officials deployed a light tow truck to remove the vehicle from the railway line before a possible collision occurred.
The agency said its response team managed the situation and ensured that the stranded bus was removed from the track.
Following the incidents, LASEMA urged motorists to maintain their vehicles regularly and avoid stopping to carry out repairs on busy highways and bridges, warning that such actions could endanger passengers and other road users.
Motorists were also advised to exercise caution when their vehicles develop mechanical faults, particularly in locations where stopping could trigger secondary accidents.
The agency encouraged Lagos residents who require urgent assistance to contact its emergency hotlines on 767 or 112.
The incidents highlight the importance of vehicle maintenance, prompt emergency response and strict adherence to road and railway safety measures to prevent avoidable injuries and loss of life.
Third Mainland Bridge Crash: 10 Injured as LASEMA Averts Train Collision in Lagos
metro
Ebola Scare: NSCIA Directs Imams to Intensify Awareness in Friday Sermons
Ebola Scare: NSCIA Directs Imams to Intensify Awareness in Friday Sermons
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has urged chief imams, Islamic scholars and Muslim organisations across Nigeria to intensify public awareness of Ebola virus disease (EVD) following the confirmation of a case in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The council called on religious leaders to use Friday sermons, mosque gatherings and community engagements to educate worshippers about the disease, its symptoms, preventive measures and the importance of seeking prompt medical attention.
The advisory, dated Wednesday, October 21, 2026, was signed by the NSCIA Secretary-General, Professor Is-haq Oloyede, on behalf of the council, which is led by its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III.
The council said religious institutions had an important role to play in preventing the spread of the infection by providing accurate information, encouraging early reporting of suspected cases and discouraging practices that could expose people to the virus.
It also urged state councils for Islamic affairs and Muslim organisations to mobilise their networks to ensure that public health information reaches communities across the country.
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The NSCIA warned that the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, responsible for the current outbreak, has no approved vaccine or specific curative treatment. However, it noted that early detection, prompt medical care and strict preventive measures could improve survival and help prevent further transmission.
The council advised Muslims who develop symptoms suggestive of Ebola to avoid congregational prayers and other public gatherings until they have received medical assessment.
It also cautioned against attempting to treat suspected cases at home or transporting potentially infected people without guidance from health authorities.
On burial practices, the NSCIA warned family members and ordinary burial attendants against washing or handling the bodies of suspected or confirmed Ebola victims. It said safe and dignified burials should be conducted by authorised health personnel in consultation with relevant Islamic authorities.
The council further encouraged regular handwashing, environmental cleanliness and avoidance of direct contact with the blood and other body fluids of people who may be infected.
It urged Nigerians to cooperate with contact-tracing teams and comply with official public health directives, while warning against rumours, unverified remedies and the stigmatisation of affected people and their families.
The NSCIA stressed that protecting human life and seeking medical care were consistent with Islamic teachings, urging religious leaders to communicate preventive advice responsibly without creating unnecessary panic.
The advisory followed the Federal Government’s confirmation on Tuesday, October 20, of an Ebola case in Abuja involving a woman who recently travelled to Nigeria after visiting Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare said the patient was receiving medical care in isolation at a private hospital in the FCT.
Health authorities have identified 44 close contacts and commenced contact tracing to determine who may have been exposed to the infection. The contacts include healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and people linked to the patient’s travels.
The government, through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and other relevant agencies, has intensified surveillance and infection-prevention measures to contain the disease.
The NSCIA urged Nigerians to remain calm, vigilant and guided by verified information as health authorities continue their response.
The council called on imams, Islamic scholars and Muslim organisations to circulate its advisory widely and work with public health officials to protect communities from further transmission.
Ebola Scare: NSCIA Directs Imams to Intensify Awareness in Friday Sermons
metro
Jailbreak Saga: Guard Bagged 2.5 Years for Helping 10 Inmates Escape Through Toilet Hole
Jailbreak Saga: Guard Bagged 2.5 Years for Helping 10 Inmates Escape Through Toilet Hole
A former jail worker in New Orleans, Sterling Williams, has been sentenced to two and a half years in prison for his role in a daring jailbreak that saw ten inmates escape through a hole behind a toilet.
The shocking incident, which occurred in May 2025, left authorities red-faced after the fleeing inmates left behind a mocking note that simply read: “Too Easy.”
According to reports, Williams, who was entrusted with supervising the facility, compromised security protocols to facilitate the escape. Investigators revealed that the inmates managed to breach the wall behind a toilet fixture, crawling to freedom through the opening.
The jailbreak sparked a massive manhunt across the city, though all ten inmates were eventually recaptured. Williams’ sentencing brings a close to a case that exposed significant security lapses within the Orleans Parish facility.
Prosecutors argued that Williams abused his position of trust, endangering public safety. The court agreed, handing down the 30-month sentence this week.
The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office has since stated that stricter security measures and structural inspections have been implemented to prevent future breaches.
Jailbreak Saga: Guard Bagged 2.5 Years for Helping 10 Inmates Escape Through Toilet Hole
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