FG Raises Fresh Fraud Claims against P&ID Ahead $11bn Trial - Newstrends
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FG Raises Fresh Fraud Claims against P&ID Ahead $11bn Trial

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•Nigeria moves to prove firm secured contract through bribery, lies

Nigeria has levelled fresh claims of fraud against a little-known offshore firm, Process and Industrial Developments (P&ID), which earlier won an $11 billion arbitration award against the country, ramping up the pressure ahead of one of the biggest London trials to take place next year.

The federal government would seek to prove to the court that P&ID did not make full disclosure to the court in the first place in the course of the case.

As it attempts to show the court that the contract was corruptly procured, it would also urge the firm in the eye of the storm to answer the following questions:

“Did P&ID, or any individual or company associated with P&ID, make, procure to be made by any other person, or promise to make payments” to or on behalf of various Nigerian officials, including one Ms Taiga, Mr. Tijani, Mr Dikko, Mr. Rilwanu Lukman or Mr Ibrahim?

“Did P&ID collude with and/or communicate with and/or enter into a corrupt agreement with and/or make payments to Mr Shasore and/or any other person directly or indirectly involved in the FRN’s defence (including Ms Adelore and Mr Oguine), before, during or after the arbitration, with a view to influencing the conduct of the FRN’s defence in the arbitration?

“In what circumstances did the FRN engage Mr Shasore (and/or his firm) in respect of the arbitration? Did Mr Shasore conduct the arbitration in a manner contrary to Nigeria’s interests and/or instructions, and if so, why?”

“Did P&ID induce Ms Taiga or any other Nigerian official to depart from the terms of the FRN’s model arbitration clause in the Gas Sales and Purchase Agreement (GSPA)?” according to court filing.

An update on the legal tussle also showed that the Federal Government of Nigeria (FRN) has been successful in its bid at the London High Court to obtain further documentation in support of its efforts to set aside the $11 billion arbitration award.

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In the recent hearing, Mr. Justice Jacobs judged that the approach taken by P&ID to providing disclosure of WhatsApp/SMS messages had not been entirely satisfactory to date and as such it would be reasonable and proportionate for P&ID to disclose further information related to private WhatsApp/SMS messages sent between key figures associated with the company over a period of several years. Nigeria’s government hoped that disclosure of the messages would further reveal the questionable activities of the company ahead of the High Court trial due to begin in January 2023.

A spokesperson for the Federal Republic of Nigeria who pleaded to remain anonymous, was quoted to have said: “The Federal Republic of Nigeria remains dedicated to overturning arbitral award of around $11 billion and is leaving no stone unturned in its fight through the courts.

“This is another step in our long running effort to reveal who stands to benefit from one of the world’s largest scams. Today’s judgment will help us have greater access to messages sent between the senior figures associated with P&ID which is vital ahead of the trial which will begin in the High Court in January 2023.”

However, a Bloomberg report yesterday stated that Nigeria would try to overturn the penalty by proving that P&ID secured a gas-supply contract and the subsequent arbitration victory through bribes and lies.

The federal government had sought to convince a United Kingdom (UK) High Court that the purported $9.6 billion contract, which had now generated additional interest with P&ID, for a 20-year deal to turn Nigeria’s gas reserves into electricity, was a scam ab initio.

The lawyers representing the Nigerian government told Sir Ross Cranston, head of the court, that P&ID knew from the beginning that there was no deal, noting that it was only a facade to fleece the Nigerian people.

P&ID founded by the late Michael Quinn and Brendan Cahill, the lawyers told the court, had no intention to perform any obligation concerning the purported contract, reason the company went about bribing Nigerian government officials at the time.

The company had taken legal action against Nigeria for alleged breach of contract, with a panel of three arbitrators voting 2-1 to award P & ID the full sum of its claim of $6.6 billion at the time, plus interest, which spiked the arbitration value to about $9.6 billion.

In January 2010, Nigeria allegedly signed the gas-processing project, but two years later, the company began an arbitration process, alleging breach of contract.

In July 2015, a London tribunal gave judgement in favour of the company and in January 2017, gave the final award of $6.6 billion, with an interest rate of seven per cent, pre and post judgement.

Citing fraud, the federal government had ordered an investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and in January requested a hearing to present evidence that the so-called deal was a fraud.

The project first started under the petroleum minister at the time, Mr. Rilwanu Lukman, who died in 2014, whom the Nigerian legal representative said yesterday spearheaded the alleged fraud.

The federal government told the judge that Lukman and several government officials knew the agreement was a sham and stood to make financial gains.

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A tribunal granted the company the damages in early 2017, after finding that the government had breached the original agreement.

P&ID didn’t respond to a request for comments, according to Bloomberg, but had repeatedly denied the allegations. It insisted that President Muhammadu Buhari’s government concocted the claims to avoid its legal obligation to compensate the British Virgin Islands-registered company.

The potentially costly crisis for Nigeria stems from a deal struck in 2010, where the government agreed to provide gas to a plant P&ID proposed to build.

Buhari’s administration now argues the project was a “sham” from the outset designed by the company and corrupt public officials to engineer the successful arbitration claim that a tribunal delivered more than five years ago.

 The government introduced the fraud allegations after a UK judge ruled in August 2019 that P&ID could enforce the award, which has increased with interest from an initial $6.6 billion.

Nigeria discovered late last year that P&ID was, “in possession of numerous documents which might be privileged and confidential” to the government, it said in documents prepared for a London court hearing last month.

While the “full details” of how P&ID obtained the documents “remain obscured,” it was to be “inferred” they were provided to the company by a former legal director at the petroleum resources ministry and “other corrupted individuals” acting on behalf of the government, Nigeria claimed.

Granting Nigeria permission to proceed to a full trial, Judge Cranston had said in September 2020 the government had established a strong case that the contract was “procured by bribes” and the arbitration was “tainted.”

 There is “a possibility” that Olasupo Shasore, the state’s lawyer during most of the arbitration, was “corrupted,” he had said.

Shasore didn’t respond to a request for comments, according to Bloomberg.

P&ID rejected Cranston’s conclusions in its skeleton argument last month, telling the court that Nigeria’s allegations are “clearly unfounded.” The eight-week fraud trial is scheduled to start in January.

The Nigerian government “keenly awaits the opportunity to present its case before the High Court” and “is confident that justice will finally be served,” a spokesman told Bloomberg by email.

An image of at least one of the privileged documents was supplied to P&ID by Adetunji Adebayo, a Nigerian businessman active in the oil and gas industry, who signed an agreement with the company in 2014 instructing him to facilitate negotiations around a potential settlement during the arbitration, according to the government’s skeleton argument.

Adebayo was entitled to up to half of any pay-out above $1 billion, the court document said.

The company’s co-founder, Brendan Cahill, secured the “silence” of one of his former employees who had offered in 2020 to act as a witness in the trial by entering an agreement that is “contingent on P&ID succeeding in its claim,” Nigeria further alleged last month. Neither Adetunji nor Cahill responded to requests for comments.

Following the most recent London hearing, another London judge ordered P&ID to disclose additional information, including WhatsApp and text messages.

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NNPCL delivered less than 25% of expected crude under naira-for-crude programme — Dangote

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July 22, 2026

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NNPCL delivered less than 25% of expected crude under naira-for-crude programme — Dangote

NNPCL delivered less than 25% of expected crude under naira-for-crude programme — Dangote

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has disputed claims by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) that it fully met its obligations under the Federal Government’s naira-for-crude programme, revealing that the national oil company supplied only three of the 14 crude oil cargoes expected under the arrangement.

The refinery said the deliveries represented less than 25 per cent of the crude volumes it anticipated receiving through the initiative, forcing it to source the majority of its feedstock from international suppliers to keep operations running.

The clarification follows NNPCL’s recent assertion that it supplied all crude cargoes made available under the naira-for-crude programme and did not withhold feedstock from the 650,000 barrels-per-day Dangote Refinery.

Responding to the claim, Dangote Refinery maintained that the crude volumes supplied under the arrangement fell significantly short of its operational requirements.

According to refinery officials, the facility received only about four million barrels of crude per month, compared with an expected allocation of roughly 13 million barrels monthly under the programme. The shortfall, the company said, made it impossible to rely solely on domestic crude supplies.

To bridge the gap, Dangote Refinery said it turned to international crude suppliers, purchasing additional feedstock from global trading companies and producers in Africa, the Middle East and other oil-producing regions.

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The refinery noted that the naira-for-crude initiative remains an important policy designed to support local refining, reduce pressure on Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves and improve the availability of petroleum products in the domestic market. However, it stressed that the programme can only achieve its objectives if adequate volumes of crude are consistently supplied to local refineries.

The disagreement comes shortly after Dangote Refinery announced plans to begin selling refined petroleum products in United States dollars, citing rising production costs caused by inadequate domestic crude supply and increased dependence on imported crude purchased at international market prices.

The company explained that buying crude in dollars while selling refined products in naira had become increasingly unsustainable, particularly amid exchange rate volatility and higher global crude prices.

Industry analysts have warned that continued reliance on imported crude could increase production costs, place additional pressure on Nigeria’s foreign exchange market and ultimately affect domestic fuel prices.

At the same time, analysts noted that higher international oil prices could improve Nigeria’s export earnings, partially offsetting some of the economic pressures associated with increased crude import costs.

For its part, NNPCL maintained that it fulfilled its obligations by delivering every crude cargo allocated under the programme, arguing that crude supply depends on production levels, availability, contractual commitments and operational schedules.

The differing positions highlight the broader challenge of ensuring sufficient domestic crude supply for local refineries despite Nigeria being Africa’s largest crude oil producer.

Since commencing operations, Dangote Refinery has increasingly relied on a combination of domestic and imported crude to maintain production. The refinery is expected to play a pivotal role in reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products, improving energy security and expanding exports of refined fuels across Africa.

Industry stakeholders say strengthening the implementation of the naira-for-crude policy and guaranteeing consistent crude supply to domestic refiners will be critical to achieving the Federal Government’s goal of making Nigeria self-sufficient in refined petroleum products.

NNPCL delivered less than 25% of expected crude under naira-for-crude programme — Dangote

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Jetour Nigeria Unveils RELY R8, Rugged Luxury Pickup Built to Dominate Work, Adventure

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July 20, 2026

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Jetour Nigeria Unveils RELY R8, Rugged Luxury Pickup Built to Dominate Work, Adventure

 

Jetour Nigeria has unveiled the RELY R8, a premium pickup truck designed to combine rugged performance with luxury, advanced technology and exceptional versatility, setting a new benchmark for work and recreational vehicles in Nigeria.

Engineered to thrive in the country’s demanding terrain, the RELY R8 is built for agriculture, construction, logistics, security escort operations and weekend adventures, offering the toughness of a workhorse without sacrificing the comfort and refinement of a modern SUV.

The pickup boasts high ground clearance, impressive approach and departure angles, and a reinforced chassis designed to withstand harsh road conditions while delivering excellent stability, even in strong crosswinds.

Its all-terrain capability is enhanced by multiple driving modes, allowing drivers to switch effortlessly between mud, sand and paved roads. Whether tackling heavy-duty tasks or venturing off the beaten path, the RELY R8 is built to perform with confidence.

Inside, the vehicle departs from the traditional utilitarian pickup design, featuring a spacious SUV-inspired cabin that comfortably accommodates five adults while offering a premium driving experience.

Speaking on the new model, Jetour Nigeria representative, Kemi Adeola, described the RELY R8 as a perfect blend of strength, innovation and comfort.

“The RELY R8 delivers strength, reliability and advanced technology in one vehicle. It offers the capability of a modern workhorse without compromising on premium comfort or safety,” she said.

The pickup is equipped with a high-performance processor that powers its L2+ intelligent driving assistance system. It also features a 12.3-inch HD touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and remote engine start for enhanced convenience.

Safety is another major highlight of the RELY R8, with features including Intelligent Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist and Autonomous Emergency Braking, all designed to provide greater confidence and protection on every journey.

Jetour Nigeria has continued to strengthen its presence in the country’s automotive market, earning recognition as the Fastest Growing Auto Brand in Nigeria, while its Jetour Dashing SUV won the prestigious Car of the Year award. The company has served as the sole authorised distributor of Jetour vehicles in Nigeria since 2022.

The RELY R8 is backed by comprehensive manufacturer support, genuine spare parts and professional after-sales service through Jetour Nigeria’s network of authorised dealers, including Elizade Nigeria Limited, New Era Autovehicle Services Limited, Kojo Motors, Germaine Auto Centre, R.T. Briscoe Plc, TAB Autos Limited and Mandilas Motors.

Jetour Nigeria has invited prospective customers to visit any of its authorised dealerships nationwide to book a test drive and experience firsthand the RELY R8’s blend of rugged capability, cutting-edge technology and premium comfort.

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No Hiding Place for Traffic Offenders as FRSC Unleashes 12 Special Operations Nationwide

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July 20, 2026

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No Hiding Place for Traffic Offenders as FRSC Unleashes 12 Special Operations Nationwide

 

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has launched one of the most ambitious nationwide road safety operations in its history, deploying 12 intelligence-driven, code-named special enforcement campaigns across the country’s Zonal Commands in a decisive bid to curb road crashes, crack down on traffic offenders and save lives.

The coordinated initiative, known as the Zonal Special Intervention Patrol (ZSIP), commenced on July 20, with all 12 Zonal Commands simultaneously rolling out operations specifically designed to tackle the peculiar road safety challenges within their jurisdictions.

The operations are peration Fushin Zuma (Anger of the Bee) in Kaduna, Operation Ride Safe in Bauchi, Operation Shark Smile in Port Harcourt, Operation ABO (Safe Passage) in Lagos, Operation Sauka Lafia in Abuja, Operation Kasolayo in Ilorin, Operation Kwushi Ihe Mberede in Enugu, Operation Sanity in Osogbo, Operation Total Compliance in Benin, Operation Harbin Kunama (Scorpion Sting) in Yola, Operation Hadarin Kalangu in Jos, and Operation Daidaita Loading in Zone 10.

The Corps said the coordinated intervention reflects its determination to confront the major causes of road traffic crashes through intelligence-led enforcement, aggressive public enlightenment, enhanced operational visibility, stakeholder engagement and strategic collaboration with other security agencies.

Approved by the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, the Special Intervention Patrol is designed to empower each Zonal Command to tackle the unique crash patterns and traffic violations prevalent in its area of responsibility.

According to the Corps Marshal, the initiative marks a significant departure from conventional traffic enforcement, shifting instead to targeted, intelligence-based operations capable of delivering measurable results in reducing road crashes and fatalities.

He explained that each operation had been carefully crafted to address dangerous driving behaviours and recurring traffic offences responsible for avoidable deaths and injuries on Nigerian roads.

Mohammed disclosed that the operations would witness massive deployment of FRSC personnel to highways, motor parks, loading points and other critical traffic corridors across the country.

The enforcement exercise, he added, would be complemented by sustained public awareness campaigns, stakeholder engagement and close collaboration with sister security agencies to ensure effective enforcement and prompt emergency response.

He warned motorists, commercial vehicle operators and fleet owners that there would be no hiding place for traffic offenders, stressing that anyone found violating traffic regulations would face firm but professional enforcement in line with the Corps’ statutory mandate.

The Corps Marshal, however, assured law-abiding road users that the operations were not designed to harass or punish responsible motorists but to safeguard lives and property.

He urged Nigerians to cooperate with FRSC patrol teams by obeying traffic regulations, avoiding dangerous practices such as overloading, mixed loading and reckless driving, while encouraging members of the public to report unsafe road users.

Mohammed also called on transport operators to embrace voluntary compliance, noting that road safety remains a shared responsibility requiring the collective commitment of government, transport stakeholders and every road user.

Summing up the Corps’ renewed determination to reduce road carnage on Nigerian highways, he declared: “Every Zone has a mission. Every patrol has a purpose. Every operation is a commitment to saving lives.”

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