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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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Heavy Security Deployed at INEC Headquarters Abuja Amid Planned ADC Protest

Published

37 minutes ago

April 3, 2026

Trends Admin

Heavy Security Deployed at INEC Headquarters Abuja Amid Planned ADC Protest

Armed security forces on Thursday surrounded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Abuja as tensions escalated over a planned protest by supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The move comes amid a deepening leadership crisis within the party, which has split into rival factions, prompting agitation and nationwide attention.

Eyewitnesses reported a strong presence of Nigeria Army personnel, with armoured vehicles stationed at strategic points around the INEC complex in the Maitama district. The Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) also reinforced security, restricting movement and monitoring activities closely to prevent potential clashes.

The heightened security follows INEC’s decision to remove the names of Senator David Mark and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as National Chairman and National Secretary of the ADC from its official portal. The commission said this action complied with preservatory orders issued by the Court of Appeal, directing all parties to maintain the status quo until the Federal High Court delivers a final judgment.

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The ADC dispute has created two competing camps: one backing David Mark and the other supporting Nafiu Bala Gombe as acting chairman. Both sides have sent conflicting communications to INEC, further complicating the situation and sparking the threat of protests at the commission’s headquarters.

“The names of the current National Working Committee members led by Senator David Mark… would be removed from the INEC portal pursuant to the order of the Court of Appeal to maintain the status quo ante bellum,” INEC stated, clarifying that it would suspend recognition of any faction until judicial resolution.

Supporters of the ADC have accused INEC of bias and interference in the party’s internal affairs. Civil society groups and political commentators have urged restraint and neutrality from the electoral commission to prevent further escalation of tensions.

Security operatives set up checkpoints and roadblocks around INEC headquarters, with armed personnel maintaining a visible presence. The deployment is viewed as a preventive measure to avert potential clashes or breakdown of law and order while the legal dispute unfolds.

Political observers note that the heavy security presence at INEC highlights the growing intersection of party politics and public order in Nigeria, as the ADC leadership tussle remains unresolved and could influence upcoming electoral processes.

Heavy Security Deployed at INEC Headquarters Abuja Amid Planned ADC Protest

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Amnesty Int’l Condemns Canada for Abstaining from UN Slavery Reparations Vote

Published

1 day ago

April 2, 2026

Trends Admin

Amnesty Int’l Condemns Canada for Abstaining from UN Slavery Reparations Vote

Human rights organisation Amnesty International Canada has strongly criticized Canada for abstaining from a landmark United Nations vote on reparations for the harms caused by the transatlantic slave trade, describing the decision as a missed opportunity to uphold justice and defend the rights of people of African descent.

The UN General Assembly resolution, adopted on March 25, formally recognised the transatlantic trafficking and enslavement of African people over more than four centuries as the gravest crime against humanity. Spearheaded by Ghana, the resolution received 123 votes in favour, with three countries voting against—Argentina, Israel, and the United States—and 52 countries, including Canada, abstaining.

Amnesty International Canada and the Black Canadians Civil Society Coalition (BCCSC) welcomed the resolution as a long-overdue acknowledgment of historical truth and a necessary step toward reparatory justice. However, both organisations expressed disappointment that Canada chose not to support the resolution.

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Racial justice campaigner Melak Gebresilassie of Amnesty International Canada said, “Canada’s abstention is deeply discouraging. This was not a neutral act. It was a choice to step back from a moment of accountability, prioritising political comfort over moral clarity.” He stressed that the Canadian government must acknowledge historical wrongs, commit to reparatory justice, and stand in meaningful solidarity with Black communities to promote dignity, healing, and justice.

Hodan Ahmed, co-founder of the BCCSC, added that the resolution is “a powerful, necessary, and long-overdue acknowledgment of truth—one that survivors, descendants, scholars, and activists have demanded for centuries.” She emphasised that such recognition should serve as the foundation for concrete actions addressing the legacies of slavery, including systemic inequalities and discrimination that persist today.

The UN resolution also encourages participating states to explore reparations measures, including apologies, restitution, compensation, rehabilitation, and initiatives to tackle systemic racial inequalities. While non-binding, the resolution represents a critical step toward global acknowledgment of historical injustices and the promotion of international human rights.

Amnesty International Canada and its partners are urging the Canadian government to reconsider its abstention, actively support reparatory initiatives through the UN framework, and work domestically to address persistent anti-Black racism rooted in slavery and colonialism.

International observers have noted that Canada’s abstention risks undermining its moral authority on human rights issues and may signal hesitation to fully engage in the ongoing global dialogue on reparations and accountability.

Amnesty Int’l Condemns Canada for Abstaining from UN Slavery Reparations Vote

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EFCC Arrests Abuja House Agent Over ₦288 Million Property Fraud

Published

2 days ago

April 1, 2026

Trends Admin

EFCC Arrests Abuja House Agent Over ₦288 Million Property Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested an Abuja-based real estate agent, Hajia Adama Ahmed Adamu, in connection with an alleged ₦288 million property fraud, the agency confirmed on Wednesday.

According to the EFCC, operatives of its Ilorin Zonal Directorate apprehended Adamu following a petition from a complainant, Alhaji Tanko Yawale, who alleged that the agent collected the funds under the pretext of facilitating the purchase of a property at House 31, Haile Selassie Street, Asokoro, Abuja.

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“Following the payment, Hajia Adamu allegedly failed to provide valid property documents and became evasive, raising suspicion and prompting a formal petition to the EFCC,” the commission stated on its official X handle.

Property-related fraud continues to be a recurring concern in Nigeria’s real estate sector, particularly in major cities like Abuja, where unsuspecting buyers often fall victim to agents posing as legitimate intermediaries. In response, the EFCC has intensified enforcement against land and housing scams, urging Nigerians to verify ownership and documentation before making payments.

The suspect is currently in EFCC custody as investigations continue. The commission also reiterated a warning to the public to remain vigilant against fraudulent property schemes and to report any suspected cases promptly.