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Senate committee uncovers $300bn missing crude oil revenue

Published

3 months ago

November 6, 2025

Senate committee uncovers $300bn missing crude oil revenue

The Senate has received the interim report from its ad hoc committee tasked with investigating crude oil theft and sabotage in the Niger Delta region.

The report was presented during Wednesday’s plenary session by Senator Ned Nwoko, who represents Delta North and chairs the investigative committee.

Nwoko said the committee’s findings so far indicate “massive” revenue losses of more than $300 billion from unaccounted-for crude oil proceeds over the years.

The senator said the report recommends strict enforcement of internationally recognised crude oil measurement standards at all production sites and export terminals.

He said the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) should be mandated to acquire modern measuring technology or the responsibility should be restored to the weights and measures department under the federal ministry of industry, trade and investment.

The lawmaker said the federal government should deploy surveillance technology, including unmanned aerial vehicles, to support security agencies in tackling oil theft.

He said the report also calls for the establishment of a maritime trust fund to improve maritime training, safety, and security.

“The federal government should set up a special court to promptly prosecute crude oil thieves properly and their collaborators,” Nwoko said.

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“The federal government should immediately implement the host communities development trust fund under the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA, to reduce sabotage.

“All abandoned and decommissioned wells should be completely ceded to NUPRC who should in turn hand such wells to modular refineries to reduce sabotage and increase crude availability for local
consumption.

“The ad hoc committee should be given the mandate to track, trace and recover all proceeds of stolen crude oil both locally and internationally, as forensic review by the consultant shows over $22 billion, $81 billion and $200 billion remains unaccounted.”

He said the committee should be empowered to “track and trace” proceeds of stolen crude oil locally and internationally, noting that consultant reviews suggest over $22 billion, $81 billion, and $200 billion in different periods remain unaccounted.

Abdul Ningi, senator representing Bauchi central, said the committee can trace and document losses but does not have the mandate to recover stolen funds.

Solomon Adeola, senator representing Ogun west, said the consultant must provide specific names of companies and individuals involved.

“The funds mentioned in this report, if put together, we are talking about $300 billion dollars. The consultant should come up with a detailed list of those who carried out these actions,” he said.

Ibrahim Dankwambo, senator representing Gombe north, said the final report must identify the actors involved and the specific wells, rigs, and locations where losses occurred.

Enyinnaya Abaribe, senator representing Abia south, said the document should be received as an interim report pending further action.

Lola Ashiru, senator representing Kwara south, said the estimated losses amount to “almost 10 years of Nigeria’s budget” and urged the committee to continue its work.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended the committee and said the upper legislative chamber will consider recommendations after the final report is submitted.

He instructed the committee to continue its investigation and present a comprehensive final report in due course.

Senate committee uncovers $300bn missing crude oil revenue

Related Topics:crude oil missing revenue Senate

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Court Accepts Sowore’s Tweet Calling President Tinubu ‘Criminal’ as Exhibit in Cybercrime Trial

Published

3 hours ago

January 22, 2026

Trends Admin

Former Presidential Candidate of the African Action Congress, AAC, Omoyele Sowore

Court Accepts Sowore’s Tweet Calling President Tinubu ‘Criminal’ as Exhibit in Cybercrime Trial

A Federal High Court in Abuja has admitted a tweet by activist and journalist Omoyele Sowore, in which he called President Bola Ahmed Tinubu a “criminal,” as part of the evidence in his ongoing cyberstalking and defamation trial brought by the Department of State Services (DSS).

Justice Mohammed Umar ruled on Thursday, January 22, 2026, that screenshots of the controversial posts from Sowore’s verified X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook accounts, along with video clips submitted on a flash drive, would be formally marked as exhibits in the case. The court overruled defense objections, allowing the social media evidence to form a central part of the prosecution’s case.

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The trial relates to posts published in August 2025, following President Tinubu’s official visit to Brazil. The government alleges that Sowore’s online statements were false, inflammatory, and capable of undermining public peace, contrary to provisions under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024. DSS witnesses told the court that Sowore’s posts attracted millions of views and were capable of escalating political tension and threatening national security.

Sowore, a former presidential candidate and founder of the African Action Congress (AAC), has pleaded not guilty, insisting that his posts are protected under freedom of expression and free speech rights. The court adjourned the matter to January 27, 2026, for the cross-examination of DSS witnesses and continuation of proceedings.

The case has sparked a nationwide debate over cyber defamation, limits of online political criticism, and freedom of expression in Nigeria, attracting significant attention from journalists, human rights groups, and political commentators.

Court Accepts Sowore’s Tweet Calling President Tinubu ‘Criminal’ as Exhibit in Cybercrime Trial

metro

Police Nab Woman Who Hired Armed Robbers to Steal Boyfriend’s ₦13m Gold

Published

3 hours ago

January 22, 2026

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Police Nab Woman Who Hired Armed Robbers to Steal Boyfriend’s ₦13m Gold

The Delta State Police Command has arrested a 24-year-old woman for allegedly hiring armed robbers to steal her boyfriend’s gold jewellery worth about ₦13 million, the police confirmed on Thursday, January 22, 2026.

One of the golds

According to SP Bright Edafe, Delta police spokesperson, the suspect, identified as Jessica Anthony, approached individuals she believed were armed robbers to execute the plan. Her motive, she admitted, was to raise money for her sister’s medical bills.

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The boyfriend reportedly became aware of the plot and contacted the Delta police, who arranged for the “robbers” to be intercepted. During the operation, Jessica was arrested and the gold jewellery — including a hand chain and necklace — recovered.

A video released by the Delta State Police shows the recovered items and highlights the agency’s prompt action in foiling the robbery attempt. SP Edafe warned residents against engaging in criminal activities or hiring armed criminals, stressing that such acts carry severe legal consequences.

This incident forms part of ongoing Delta police operations targeting armed robbery, kidnapping, and other violent crimes, reinforcing the command’s commitment to public safety and law enforcement across the state.

Police Nab Woman Who Hired Armed Robbers to Steal Boyfriend’s ₦13m Gold

Hungry | Carzola | Seyi | Ayra Starr | At 21 | Jaden Smith | Big Wiz | Rice for Carrick | Jarvis pic.twitter.com/LIRlDCIPRy

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Police Nab Woman Who Hired Armed Robbers to Steal Boyfriend’s ₦13m Gold

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Nigeria Political Battle: Akpabio Drags Natasha Akpoti to Supreme Court

Published

3 hours ago

January 22, 2026

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Senator Natasha Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio

Nigeria Political Battle: Akpabio Drags Natasha Akpoti to Supreme Court

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has filed a fresh case at the Supreme Court, escalating the ongoing legal dispute with Senator Natasha Akpoti‑Uduaghan over her suspension from the Nigerian Senate. The move comes after protracted proceedings in lower courts, with the apex court now set to deliver a final judgment on the matter.

According to court filings, Akpabio is seeking the Supreme Court’s approval to regularize and sustain his appeal against previous rulings from the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal, asserting that the Senate acted within its powers under Section 60 of the 1999 Constitution to regulate its internal procedures. The case, recorded under SC/CV/1111/2025, also requests leave for Akpabio’s notice of appeal and brief of argument to be deemed properly filed and served.

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The dispute traces back to February 2025, when Akpoti‑Uduaghan raised concerns over alleged procedural irregularities and parliamentary privilege issues during a Senate plenary session. The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions subsequently invoked disciplinary measures, resulting in a six-month suspension for the lawmaker.

Akpoti‑Uduaghan challenged the suspension at the Federal High Court in Abuja, arguing it violated her constitutional right to fair hearing and breached Senate Standing Orders. The Court of Appeal later struck out parts of the Senate’s defense on procedural grounds, prompting Akpabio to escalate the matter to the Supreme Court for definitive resolution.

Additionally, the dispute encompasses a related contempt proceeding, arising from a social media post by Akpoti‑Uduaghan during the litigation, which a Federal High Court deemed in violation of a restraining order, leading to a fine and public apology — a decision she is also appealing.

The Supreme Court filing effectively brings all parties before Nigeria’s apex court, with the case expected to set precedents on the limits of legislative authority, judicial review, and parliamentary discipline.