🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
SERAP sues NNPCL over ₦5.9 billion rebranding cost
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has filed a lawsuit against the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, seeking an account for approximately ₦5.9 billion allegedly spent on the incorporation, transition, and rebranding of the NNPC into NNPCL. SERAP states that ₦2.9 billion was reportedly paid for incorporation expenses from petroleum product proceeds, and the National Petroleum Investment Management Services also charged ₦2.9 billion to crude oil revenue for the same purpose, totaling ₦5.9 billion. The organization is requesting a court order to compel NNPCL to provide a comprehensive reconciliation statement detailing financial transactions, contractor identities, and fund utilization. SERAP also seeks disclosure of the names and official positions of government officials who authorized the expenditure, and clarification on compliance with procurement laws. The lawsuit, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, follows concerns raised by the Senate Committee on Public Accounts regarding the expenditure, which the Committee described as excessive and unjustifiable. SERAP argues that there is a legitimate public interest in the disclosure of these details to ensure transparency and accountability, especially given the size of the expenditure and NNPCL's legal responsibility to demonstrate value for money and lawful spending of public funds. The transformation of the national oil company from NNPC to NNPCL was mandated by the Petroleum Industry Act 202
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The air component of Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai neutralized 27 terrorists in separate air interdiction missions in Borno. An operational report from the Nigerian Air Force indicated that strikes were conducted following Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions. On June 10, an air interdiction mission at Dawoshe, a known terrorist enclave in the Southern Tumbus area, resulted in the destruction of vehicles and the neutralization of 12 terrorists. On the same day, a precision strike on terrorist positions at Metele in the Northern Tumbus area of Guzamala Local Government Area, Borno, confirmed 15 terrorists were neutralized. These operations are part of ongoing efforts to degrade terrorist capabilities, disrupt logistics networks, and deny insurgents freedom of action across the North-East theatre. The Armed Forces of Nigeria are committed to sustaining offensive operations against terrorist strongholds.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA has arrested Abugu Oliver Ikechukwu, a 41-year-old Brazil-based businessman, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. He was apprehended upon his arrival from São Paulo, Brazil, via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on June 11. A search of his luggage revealed 14 towels and shirts impregnated with 6.10 kilograms of liquid cocaine. According to Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, the items were dried and ironed to conceal the substance. Abugu reportedly told investigators he has lived in Brazil for over 14 years, where he operates an African restaurant, and was in Nigeria to visit his wife and purchase foodstuff for his business. In related developments, the NDLEA also arrested a 60-year-old woman, Chidimma Sunday, with 1.8kg of skunk in Abia State, and a 28-year-old man, Abubakar Usman, with various illicit drugs in Rivers State. The agency also reported significant seizures across several states, including 304 kilograms of skunk in Kwara, 1,121.5 kilograms of cannabis in Taraba, and 1,102 kilograms of Ghana Loud in Lagos. Mohamed Buba Marwa, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, commended the officers for their efforts in reducing drug supply.
The United Against Terror Movement held its third peaceful solidarity march in Abuja, calling for national unity and stronger action against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry, and corruption across Nigeria. Protesters marched through the Federal Capital Territory, displaying messages that emphasized the threat insecurity poses to Nigeria's stability and future. They urged political leaders and citizens to set aside partisan interests and collaborate to address the country's worsening security challenges. UATM Co-Convener Okai Austin stated that Nigerians must move beyond blame and embrace collective responsibility, describing insecurity and corruption as heavy national burdens requiring coordinated action across all levels of government and society. Austin stressed that national security is a shared responsibility, not a subject of partisan contestation, and called for improved intelligence gathering, better coordination among security agencies, and greater support for protecting lives and property. The demonstrators also urged the Federal Government to treat rising cases of kidnapping and terrorist attacks as a national emergency, warning that continued insecurity could undermine economic growth, social cohesion, and public confidence in state institutions. The movement reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful civic engagement and pledged to continue advocating policies that promote security, accountability, national unity, and good governance.