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Yar’Adua stopped refinery sale to Dangote over due process, paltry amount – Falana replies Obasanjo

Published

1 year ago

January 4, 2025

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) and ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo

Yar’Adua stopped refinery sale to Dangote over due process, paltry amount – Falana replies Obasanjo

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) yesterday attributed federal government’s cancellation of a Public, Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement for the management of the Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna refineries approved by the Obasanjo government in 2007 to the questionable circumstances surrounding the deal.

Falana, responding to the Thursday statement by ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo on how his successor, the late Umaru Yar Adua, refunded the $750 million paid by a consortium to run the refineries, said the deal lacked transparency.

The activist, in a statement on behalf of Alliance on Surviving Covid and Beyond (ASCAB), recalled how Obasanjo “in utter breach” of the Privatisation and Commercialisation Act, allegedly sidelined Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who was the Chairman of the National Council on Privatisation (NCP), and “took over the privatisation of a number of public enterprises.”

The NCP was established to oversee the privatisation and commercialisation of public enterprises

He said: “On May 17, 2007, President Obasanjo sold a 51% stake in the Port Harcourt refinery to Bluestar Oil for US$561 million.

“In another transaction that took place on May 28, 2007, President Obasanjo sold 51% shares in Kaduna Refinery to Bluestar Oil for $160 million.

“Bluestar Oil was a consortium of three domestic companies, including Dangote Oil, Zenon Oil and Transcop.

“Before the deal, President Obasanjo had acquired large shares in Transcorp through ‘blind trust.’

“Many interest groups in the country questioned the legal validity and moral propriety of the sales as they were consummated in the last days of the Obasanjo administration.

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“The two powerful trade unions in the oil industry —the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) kicked against the privatisation of the two refineries on grounds of conflict of interest and lack of due process.

“They also alleged that the nation had been shortchanged as the shares acquired in the Port Harcourt refinery for $516 million were worth US$5 billion.

“Convinced that the deals were not in the national interest, both unions proceeded on a 4-day strike that almost paralysed the Nigerian economy in June 2007.

“The strike was called off based on the assurance of the federal government to the effect that the deals would be fully investigated.

“Upon the conclusion of the investigation by the federal government, the purported privatisation of the Port Harcourt and Kaduna refineries was cancelled by President Umaru Yar’adua.

“It is on record that the cancellation of the privatisation was not challenged in any court as it was carried out contrary to the letter and spirit of the Privatisation and Commercialisation Act.”

The Falana-led alliance alleged a renewed campaign for the privatisation of the nation’s refineries, and asked NUPENG and PENGASSAN to intensify their historical struggle to act as a counterpoise to the campaign .

“Those who are awaiting the privatisation of the refineries in a manner at variance with the national interest should be advised to set up their own refineries like the Dangote Group,” he said.

Obasanjo had expressed doubts over the reactivation of the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) following years of shutdown.

He said the NNPCL claims could not be true.

His words: “So if anybody tells you now that they (the refineries ) are working, why are they not with Aliko (in the market)?

“And Aliko will make his own refinery work. Not only make it work, he will make it deliver.

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“Whether we announce our own government refineries are working or not working, look, it is like they say in Yoruba adage, ‘the man who plants 100 heaps of yams and says he has planted 200 heaps, they say after he has harvested 100 heaps of yam, he will also harvest 100 heaps of lies,” he said in response to a question on the oil assets.

“Well, you know what I said about the Port Harcourt refinery? Do you remember?

“I will remind you. I said when I was president, I wanted to do something about the three refineries we have. Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna.

“And Aliko Dangote got a team after I asked Shell to come and run them for us, and Shell said they wouldn’t.

“I said please, come and take equity. They said no. All right, don’t take equity, come and run it. They said no. Later on I called them.

“I called the boss of Shell then. Come and tell me what it is. And he gave me four or five reasons.

“He said, well, first of all, we make our major profit from upstream, not from downstream. Downstream we run just to keep our head above water.

“Two, the refineries are too small, 60,000 barrels per day, 100,000 barrels and I think 120,000 barrels. He said at that time, the average refinery was going for 250,000 barrels per day.

“Three, he said our refineries are not well maintained.

“Four, he said there was too much corruption around the activities of our refineries and they would not want to get involved in that.

“And when anybody tells you a thing like that, what will you do? And it was after that that Aliko got a team together and they paid $750 million to take part in PPP, running the refinery. My successor refunded their money.”

“But I was told not too long ago that since that time, more than $2 billion has been squandered on the refinery and they still will not work.

“Anybody can tell you. If a company like Shell tells me what they told me, I will believe them.”

The authorities of NNPCL have invited Obasanjo to come and personally inspect the refineries to see them in operation.

Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the company, Olufemi Soneye, said the new business model run by NNPCL has helped turn the facilities around.

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He said: “Today, NNPC has evolved into NNPC Limited, a private entity that has transitioned from being a loss-making organisation to becoming a profit-oriented global energy leader.

“Under this new model, NNPC Limited has expanded beyond oil and gas to become an integrated energy company.

“Our focus is not only on harnessing traditional resources but also on developing cleaner, cheaper and sustainable energy solutions to meet Nigeria’s growing demands.”

He described the complete rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt Refining Company and Warri Refinery as a notable achievement by the company, saying that what has been done is not the typical Turnaround Maintenance (TAM) of the past but a comprehensive overhaul designed to meet world-class standards.

He added: “Similar efforts are underway at the old Port Harcourt Refinery and Kaduna Refinery, ensuring these facilities are enhanced and maintained to global standards for sustainable operation.

“This progress has been driven by the visionary leadership of the NNPC Limited board and the management team led by GCEO Mele Kyari, alongside President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s transformative policies in the energy sector.

“Together, they have achieved unprecedented milestones, setting NNPC Limited on a path to redefine energy security for Nigeria while positioning the company as a leader on the global energy stage.

“We extend an invitation to our esteemed former president to join us in this historic journey.

“His wisdom and experience are invaluable, and we deeply appreciate his insights and guidance, which will always be welcomed and cherished.

“Additionally, we warmly invite President Obasanjo to tour the rehabilitated refineries and witness firsthand the progress made under the leadership of NNPC Limited.

“We remain grateful for his enduring contributions to Nigeria’s development and are committed to building a brighter, more prosperous future for our nation.

“Together, we can continue to ensure energy security and deliver sustainable value to all Nigerians.”

Yar’Adua stopped refinery sale to Dangote over due process, paltry amount – Falana replies Obasanjo

Related Topics:Dangote Featured refinery Yar’Adua

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El-Rufai to Appear Before EFCC After Alleged Airport Arrest Attempt

Published

12 hours ago

February 12, 2026

Trends Admin

Former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai

El-Rufai to Appear Before EFCC After Alleged Airport Arrest Attempt

Former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, is scheduled to appear before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026, following what his legal team described as an attempted arrest at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

El-Rufai’s counsel, Ubong Esop Akpan, disclosed this while reacting to Thursday’s incident involving security operatives. According to him, the former governor was approached shortly after arriving in Abuja aboard Egypt Air flight MS 877 from Cairo, where he had reportedly travelled for medical treatment and rest.

Akpan described the development as a “flagrant violation of constitutional rights, executive overreach, and deliberate disregard for the rule of law.” He explained that the EFCC invitation was delivered to El-Rufai’s residence while he was already outside Nigeria, making immediate compliance “illogical and impractical.” According to the lawyer, it was unreasonable to expect instantaneous attendance from someone who was abroad at the time the invitation was issued.

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The legal team said it had formally communicated with the EFCC since December 2025, assuring the Commission that El-Rufai would comply upon his return. He added that the EFCC was explicitly notified that the former governor would voluntarily appear at the Commission’s office by 10:00 a.m. on Monday, specifying both the date and time. Resorting to an attempted arrest despite that commitment, he argued, amounted to arbitrary conduct and procedural abuse.

Akpan further alleged that El-Rufai’s passport was seized during the encounter and demanded its immediate return, along with a formal apology. He maintained that there was no lawful basis for the attempted arrest or what he termed mistreatment, stressing that El-Rufai had publicly affirmed his willingness to face any legitimate investigation.

As of the time of filing this report, the EFCC has not issued an official statement regarding the airport incident or the exact nature of the allegations under investigation. However, sources indicate that the former governor’s invitation may be linked to ongoing investigations into alleged financial transactions and administrative decisions during his tenure in Kaduna State.

The development has generated significant political interest, given El-Rufai’s influence in national politics and his outspoken role in governance debates. His scheduled appearance before the anti-corruption agency on Monday is expected to shed more light on the allegations and determine the next steps in the matter.

El-Rufai to Appear Before EFCC After Alleged Airport Arrest Attempt

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Four Sentenced to Death for Murder of Ahoada DPO in Rivers

Published

12 hours ago

February 12, 2026

Trends Admin

Four Sentenced to Death for Murder of Ahoada DPO in Rivers

A Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has sentenced four individuals to death by hanging for their involvement in the brutal killing of Superintendent of Police (SP) Bako Amgbashim, the former Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ahoada East Division. The verdict, delivered on Thursday, February 12, 2026, marks a major milestone in a high-profile case that captured national attention nearly three years ago.

Justice Sika Aprioku, presiding over the case, found Robinson Sonabari, a native doctor; Bright Okparawo; Precious Amaeze, popularly known as “Selina”; and Loveday Jack, also called “Ragged Excess,” guilty of conspiracy, murder, membership of a secret cult group, and robbery. The judge ruled that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt and ordered that the four convicts be executed by hanging, the maximum penalty under Nigerian law.

Additionally, Samuel Nwadinma, the sixth defendant, was convicted of conspiracy and sentenced to three years’ imprisonment. One defendant was discharged and acquitted due to insufficient evidence, while five others — previously found guilty of cult group membership — were freed after the court noted they had already served the statutory term while in custody.

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The case arose from the murder of SP Bako Amgbashim on September 8, 2023, during a police operation in Odemude community, Ahoada East Local Government Area. The officer was ambushed and killed by suspected cultists, and his body was reportedly mutilated, sparking widespread outrage and prompting intensified security operations in the area.

During the trial, it emerged that Robinson Sonabari played a key role, allegedly preparing the charm used to execute the attack on the late DPO. Prosecutors presented eyewitness testimony, forensic evidence, and confessions, while the defense failed to disprove the charges, leading to the death sentences.

Speaking to journalists after the ruling, lead prosecution counsel Chigozie Amadi of the Rivers State Ministry of Justice described the judgment as a triumph of justice. He was joined by Celestine Dickson, representing the Nigeria Police, who condemned the rising attacks on law enforcement officers and stressed that the ruling would serve as a deterrent to criminal elements targeting security personnel.

Akasco Amgbashim, elder brother of the slain officer, expressed relief at the verdict, thanking the judiciary, the state government, and the police for pursuing justice. He emphasized that the ruling should remind all that no one has the right to unlawfully take another person’s life.

The four condemned convicts were among 72 individuals originally arraigned before the court by a joint prosecution team from the Department of Public Prosecutions and the Rivers State Police Command. During the trial, 61 defendants, including traditional ruler Eze Kelvin Anugwo and former Ahoada East Council Chairman Cassidy Ikegbidi, were discharged and acquitted due to lack of evidence, leaving 13 to face final judgment.

Thursday’s verdict brings closure to a case that began with the tragic murder of SP Amgbashim, reinforced by joint security operations that later led to the killing of a suspected cult leader, David Okparanwo (“2Baba”), believed to have orchestrated the attack. The judgment is seen as a strong statement that violent crimes against law enforcement officers will not go unpunished.

Four Sentenced to Death for Murder of Ahoada DPO in Rivers

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Nigerian Army Rescues Eight Kidnapped Wedding Guests in Kano

Published

12 hours ago

February 12, 2026

Trends Admin

Nigerian Army Rescues Eight Kidnapped Wedding Guests in Kano

Nigerian Army troops have successfully rescued eight of the ten people abducted during a wedding ceremony in Dabawa, Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State, security sources confirmed on Thursday, February 12, 2026. The operation highlights the military’s ongoing efforts to combat banditry and kidnappings in northern Nigeria.

According to a credible Army Headquarters source, a group of gunmen dressed in military camouflage stormed the wedding on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, and forcibly abducted several guests. The assailants reportedly fled toward neighboring Katsina State after the attack.

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Troops stationed at an ambush position along the Yankwada River line responded immediately after receiving a distress call, pursuing the kidnappers to Garu Village in Katsina. Contact with the fleeing gunmen was later lost along the Katsina–Gidan Mutum Daya road axis, but the operation led to the safe rescue of eight victims, who have now been reunited with their families.

Military authorities confirmed that efforts are ongoing to locate and rescue the remaining two victims still in captivity. Operations in the area continue to prevent further attacks and ensure the safety of local communities.

The rescue operation forms part of a broader counter-kidnapping strategy by the Nigerian military in Kano and neighboring states, aimed at protecting civilians and deterring banditry. Analysts say the swift response demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations in combating organized kidnapping networks in northern Nigeria.

Residents have expressed relief and gratitude to the troops, urging continued vigilance and enhanced security measures at public events to prevent similar incidents in the future.