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Plateau Govt rescues 16 stolen children being trafficked to Anambra

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Plateau Govt rescues 16 stolen children being trafficked to Anambra

The Plateau State Government, through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, has announced the rescue of 16 children who were being trafficked from Bassa Local Government Area of the state to Anambra State.

The Commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Development, Caroline Dafur, who disclosed this in a statement in Jos on Saturday, said the children, who are between the ages of four and nine – were rescued by security personnel as they were being taken to a motor park for the onward journey to their destination.

The commissioner, while handing over the children to their respective families and community representatives at the J.D. Gomwalk Secretariat in Jos, said the suspects behind the dastardly act have been arrested and will be prosecuted after a thorough investigation has been carried out.

Dafur, who described the rescue of the trafficked children as a significant step in the fight against child trafficking in the state, emphasized that the Governor Caleb Mutfwang administration is fully committed to defending the rights of the vulnerable.

“This rescue represents triumph over trauma, resilience, and hope restored in a world where the innocence of childhood should be protected,” Dafur said while calling on members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.

She also urged the public not to remain silent whenever they see a case of child trafficking and to report to security agencies promptly.

“If you see something, say something. Together, we can put an end to child trafficking in Plateau State,” she pleaded.

Wife of the Bassa LGA chairman, Mrs Miriam Riti, who received the children on behalf of her husband, said measures had been taken to ensure their well-being, including medical checks, school enrollment and monitoring, through community leaders.

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Julian Alvarez struck twice to earn Atletico Madrid an emphatic 5-2 derby victory over La Liga

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Julian Alvarez struck twice to earn Atletico Madrid an emphatic 5-2 derby victory over La Liga

Julian Alvarez struck twice to earn Atletico Madrid an emphatic 5-2 derby victory over La Liga leaders Real Madrid on Saturday, ending their rivals’ perfect start to the season.

Xabi Alonso’s side had won all six of their opening games, but Diego Simeone’s Atletico overran them at the Metropolitano stadium, taking the lead through Robin Le Normand.

Kylian Mbappe and Arda Guler netted to put Real Madrid in front, but Alexander Sorloth levelled for Atletico at the end of a thrilling first half.

Alvarez fired home from the penalty spot and then bent home a free-kick, with Antoine Griezmann grabbing the fifth late on to seal an important win after a shaky start to the campaign, with Atletico rising provisionally to fourth.

Led by a flying Mbappe, Real came into the derby as the only side in the league with a 100 per cent record.

Although the French superstar scored again to reach eight league goals for the season, Atletico attacked relentlessly and deserved their victory.

Giuliano Simeone, coach Diego Simeone’s son, took advantage of slack Madrid defending to whip in a cross which Le Normand headed home after 14 minutes to open the scoring.

The visitors reacted well and Mbappe levelled with a crisp finish after breaking in down the right.

Atletico were taking the game to Real Madrid, with Alonso’s side content to spring forward on the counter, trying to utilise the pace of Vinicius Junior and Mbappe.

The Brazilian winger created Madrid’s second goal, turning brilliantly in the box to break away from Marcos Llorente and Le Normand, before crossing for Guler to strike.

Alvarez, who netted a hat-trick against Rayo Vallecano in midweek, curled a shot around Thibaut Courtois but against the box as Atletico continued pushing forwards.

Atletico defender Clement Lenglet scored, but the goal was ruled out for handball, with the Frenchman using his forearm to deflect it home.

In first-half stoppage time, Atletico pulled level, with Sorloth, lurking behind Dean Huijsen, planting a header beyond Courtois.

The Norwegian striker celebrated with Atletico fans, who embraced him — a risky move when already on a yellow card, but he was not dismissed.

Atletico moved in front for the second time in the match when Guler gave away a penalty for a high foot on Nico Gonzalez, catching the Rojiblanco player’s head.

Alvarez, who had a penalty controversially disallowed in a Champions League shoot-out the last time these sides met, beat Courtois from the spot, even though the Belgian went the right way.

Courtois saved from Sorloth, but despite getting a hand to Alvarez’s free-kick, he could not keep it out as Atletico pushed two goals clear.

As a substitute, Atletico talisman Griezmann wrapped up a superb victory for his team, rolling the ball past Courtois as the home fans rocked in delight and the players did a lap of honour, after only their third league win of the season.

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Many feared dead in Nigeria as Mining pit Collapses

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Many feared dead in Nigeria as Mining pit Collapses

Scores of people are feared to have lost their lives following the collapse of a mining pit at the Kadauri mining site in the Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The incident occurred on Thursday while artisanal miners were working underground.

Sources from the area told Channels Television that about 13 bodies had so far been recovered from the rubble, while several others remain trapped.

Confirming the development, the Executive Secretary of the Zamfara State Solid Minerals Development Agency, Nasiru Bamanga, said he had received initial reports of the tragedy but had yet to obtain full details.

“I heard about the incident, and I’m yet to get full details. I will be going there later today and, Insha Allah, I will give you full information when I return,” Bamanga stated.

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Mama P: Top Facts about the fiery ‘Obidient’ Activist Mama Pee arrested in Benin

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Mama P: Top Facts about the fiery ‘Obidient’ Activist Mama Pee arrested in Benin

The arrest of prominent youth leader and ardent ‘Obidient’ activist, Oruche Ogeamara Precious, widely known as “Mama P,” has triggered a storm of condemnation across Nigerian social media and political circles. Mama P was detained on Saturday, the 27th of September 2025, by the Nigerian Police in Benin City, Edo State, following a public confrontation with Julius Abure, the factional National Chairman of the Labour Party.

The detention has ignited an urgent call for her release from top leaders of the Obidient Movement, who allege that she is being unjustly held while the thugs who reportedly attacked her walk free.

The Incident: Confrontation and Detention

The trouble started today, September 27, 2025, at the Benin airport. Mama P was reportedly involved in a heated verbal exchange with Mr. Julius Abure, the details of which quickly escalated into a physical clash. Eyewitness accounts, corroborated by online posts, suggest that Mama P was attacked by thugs allegedly connected to the political figures she was confronting.

Instead of arresting the alleged assailants, the police detained Mama P. As the interim National Leader of the Obidient Movement, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, confirmed, Mama P is currently detained at the State CID, Edo State Police Headquarters off Sapele Road, Benin City.

Another prominent Obidient member, Peter Akah, wrote directly to the Governor of Edo State and the police command, demanding immediate action: “Miss. Precious Oruche (Mama Pee)… is now still being detained at the State CID Benin by @PoliceNG with the thugs allegedly threatening to harm her further in the presence of the police… The @EdoPoliceNG must immediately release her and apprehend the thugs.”

Mama P: Top Facts on the Fiery Activist

Oruche Ogeamara Precious (Mama P) is not just a casual political observer; she is a highly decorated youth leader whose involvement spans activism, academia, and entrepreneurship. Her uncompromising zeal for justice earned her the moniker ‘MamaPee’.

Here are the top facts about the fiery Obidient activist currently detained:

FeatureDetails
Real NameOruche Ogeamara Precious
Activist CoreObidient Movement—A strong youth voice backing Peter Obi’s candidacy.
Activism ThemeFierce gender advocate and feminist, championing the cause of the oppressed regardless of gender.
Early AdvocacyGained global attention for her role in the advocacy for Senator Natasha Akpoti, a high-profile case that drew national spotlight.
Academic BackgroundHolds a Bachelor’s degree in Science Laboratory Technology (Physics and Electronics Techniques) from the University of Benin (UNIBEN).
Unionism & LeadershipFormer Speaker of the NASLT Parliament at UNIBEN; her extensive union experience earned her the nickname ‘MamaPee’.
Professional RoleCurrent Team Head under Women Affairs for the South-South/South-East Zonal Secretariat of the African Youth Parliament.
EntrepreneurshipCEO of Pee7 Collectionz, with business interests spanning catering services and Bitcoin.
ReputationKnown for being “incorruptible” and an active member of several women’s inclusion organizations and philanthropic groups.

Export to Sheets

The Call to Action

The demand from the Obidient leadership is unambiguous: the police must immediately ensure Mama P’s safety, release her, and turn their attention to arresting the alleged thugs who initiated the violence.

Dr. Yunusa Tanko confirmed lawyers are being deployed for her rescue and made a powerful appeal: “We need everyone support for her NOW!!!”

This incident casts a fresh spotlight on the volatile intersection of Nigerian politics, youth activism, and the enforcement of the rule of law.

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“Mama P” of Obedient Movement accused Julius Abure’s supporters of leading an unprovoked attack on her 

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“Mama P” of Obedient Movement accused Julius Abure’s supporters of leading an unprovoked attack on her 

Supporters of the Labour Party, LP, threw caution to the winds and engaged in an altercation at the domestic wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Saturday.

The fracas is still unclear, however, at the centre of the storm are allegations of attacks by supporters of the party’s erstwhile National Chairman, Julius Abure, on the one hand and a known member of the “Obidient Movement”, Ms.Precious Oruche, known on social media as “Mama P”, on the other.

The Obidient Movement is the umbrella body of supporters and support groups loyal to the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi.

“Mama P” had in, a Facebook post, accused Julius Abure’s supporters of leading an unprovoked attack on her person before and after a flight from Abuja to Benin on Friday.

However, Abure’s supporters in a statement signed by the factional LP National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, accused “Mama P” and “agents of anti-democratic forces” of engaging in uncivilised conduct.

He accused her of unprovoked verbal assault on Abure, before and throughout the said flight.

Ifoh said: “The leadership of the Labour Party is perplexed by the physical attack on our National Chairman, Barrister Julius Abure by agents suspected to be working for anti-democratic elements who have tried unsuccessfully to wrestle the leadership of the party from him.

“Few hours ago, a prominent member of a known political family, Ms Precious Oruche, alias ‘Mama P’ accosted Barrister Abure while on a queue at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport Abuja, boarding a Max Air flight en-route Benin, and attacked the Labour Party’s National Chairman unprovoked.

“The attacker, Madam P, who is also a known content creator, continued the attack all through the duration of the flight, defying all attempts by the Max Air flight attendants to calm her.

“The assault, which attracted large population of onlookers, continued unabated on disembarkment at the Benin Airport, while she continued recording the scene.

“It took the intervention of the security agents on hand to whisk Abure to safety while the attacker was handed over to the police for questioning.

“In one of her films released, the lady who is a prominent member of the ‘Obidient’ and claimed that she has contacts with the highest lolice hierarchy, boasted that nothing will happen to her.

“She vowed that she will not stop attacking Abure or any member of the Labour Party executive because, according to her, “you have killed Labour Party and you are the reason why Obi is no longer in the Labour Party”.

“The leadership of the Labour Party is completely troubled with this cyber bullying and the consequences of the action of this political agent on the party.

“We are by this statement, calling on the Inspector General of Police to thoroughly investigate this suicidal aggression against the leadership of the Labour Party and Barrister Julius Abure in particular.

“We sincerely believe that the lady-agent was on an assignment to accomplish the desires of her pay masters.

“Assault and cyber-bullying are severe crimes under our laws and we think that the Police must fish out her sponsors and cohorts, and bring them to books.

“We are calling on the members of the Labour Party to be calm, even in the face of this unwarranted provocation and wait for the outcome of the investigation on the unprovoked attack against the leadership of the party.”

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TotalEnergies sells 12.5% stake in Bonga field, Shell, Agip assume liabilities

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TotalEnergies sells 12.5% stake in Bonga field, Shell, Agip assume liabilities

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has approved a $510 million divestment by TotalEnergies Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited, paving the way for Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) and Nigerian Agip Exploration (NAE) to increase their equity in Oil Mining Lease (OML) 118, home of the Bonga deep-water field.

According to details of the Sales Purchase Agreement, TotalEnergies will transfer 10% of its 12.5% contractor interest to SNEPCo for $408 million, while NAE will acquire the remaining 2.5% for $102 million. The transaction raises Shell’s stake in OML 118 to 67.5%, consolidating its position in Nigeria’s offshore operations following its exit from onshore joint ventures earlier this year.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Commission said it conducted due diligence on the assignees in line with Section 95 of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.

“SNEPCo and NAE have demonstrated both technical and managerial competence to optimally contribute to the upstream operations in OML 118. They already maintain a participating interest in the asset,” the regulator said.

The Commission added that “based on the presentations and documents submitted, there is clear evidence that they have access to funding to meet their financial obligations.” It confirmed that TotalEnergies had also paid the statutory application fee for the divestment.

However, the approval comes with conditions. The Commission stated that Shell and Agip will assume all decommissioning, abandonment, and host community liabilities associated with the divested interest, obligations previously borne by TotalEnergies. Both companies are also required to pay a 7% premium—5% by SNEPCo and 2% by NAE—on the transaction value as ministerial consent and processing fees.

Industry analysts note that the deal underscores Shell’s strategy of deepening its offshore investments while winding down its onshore presence, where frequent litigation, sabotage, and oil spills have hampered operations. The company’s divestment from the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) joint venture was concluded in March 2025.

Bonga, Nigeria’s first deep-water oilfield, came on stream in 2005 and celebrated its one-billionth barrel in 2023. With a production capacity of up to 225,000 barrels of oil per day and about 150 million standard cubic feet of gas, the field remains a cornerstone of Nigeria’s deep-water output. 

Its Production Sharing Contract was renewed for 20 years in 2021, creating room for new investment across its satellite fields.

Despite NUPRC’s approval, the divestment is still subject to ministerial consent under the PIA. “The divestment is subject to a ministerial consent in line with Sections 95(1), (2), (7), (11) and 12 of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021,” the Commission stressed.

The regulator recently withheld consent for another TotalEnergies deal worth $860 million with Chappal Energies over concerns about unmet financial commitments, highlighting that approvals remain contingent on final ministerial action.

By assuming greater responsibility in OML 118, Shell and Agip inherit not only expanded production rights but also the long-term costs of decommissioning and community obligations, raising questions about how those commitments will weigh on future returns.

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PENGASSAN Orders shutdown of Dangote Refinery Operations

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PENGASSAN Orders shutdown of Dangote Refinery Operations

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has issued a stunning directive, ordering its members to immediately cut off all gas and crude oil supply to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. The action is a decisive move in response to the refinery’s alleged firing of unionized workers.

The order, contained in a strongly worded letter signed by General Secretary Comrade Lumumba Ighotemu Okugbawa, accuses the refinery’s management of illegally dismissing staff simply for exercising their constitutional right to be part of a union.

PENGASSAN’s Directives: The Immediate Halt

PENGASSAN accused the refinery’s management of engaging in “misinformation and propaganda” instead of having productive discussions. As a result, the union is deploying its ultimate industrial weapon: shutting down the flow of raw materials.

The directive to all union officials is clear and immediate:

  1. Halt Gas Supply: Members are directed to cut off gas supply to the refinery from the Nigerian Gas Infrastructure Company (NGIC) effective immediately.
  2. Shut Crude Oil Valves: All crude oil supply valves leading to the refinery must be shut down.
  3. Stop Vessel Loading: Any loading operations for vessels heading to the refinery must be halted immediately.

The Union’s Uncompromising Stand

The directive effectively forces a complete operational standstill at the multi-billion-dollar refinery. The letter ends with the militant union slogan: “Injury to one, Injury to all,” signaling that PENGASSAN is united and prepared for a prolonged standoff until the labor issue is resolved.

The next few hours will be critical as industry players and government stakeholders scramble to resolve this dispute before it leads to a catastrophic shutdown of one of Nigeria’s most significant economic projects.

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NUC begins nationwide recruitment, opens application portal

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NUC begins nationwide recruitment, opens application portal

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has announced the commencement of a nationwide recruitment exercise to fill several vacancies at its headquarters in Abuja.

In a public notice issued on Friday, the Commission invited qualified Nigerians to apply for openings across officer, confidential secretary, and clerical or auxiliary staff cadres.

“The recruitment exercise is open to all eligible Nigerians who meet the advertised requirements. Applications are free of charge and must be submitted through the official careers portal,” the notice read.

Applicants have been directed to visit careers.nuc.edu.ng or nuc.edu.ng for detailed guidelines. The Commission stressed that applications must be submitted within six weeks of the announcement, adding that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further screening.

For the officer cadre, positions include Senior Officer (CONTISS 9), Trainee/Officer I (CONTISS 8), and Trainee Officer II (CONTISS 7).

According to the NUC, candidates for the Senior Officer post are expected to hold a PhD in a relevant discipline or a Master’s degree with at least six years of post-qualification experience. Additional professional certifications will be an advantage.

The Commission further outlined requirements for other roles.

“Applicants for Trainee/Officer I must possess a master’s degree or a first degree with a minimum of three years of relevant experience, while Trainee Officer II candidates are required to have at least a first degree in a related field,” it added.

Recruitment also covers Confidential Secretary I (CONTISS 7) positions, requiring a Higher National Diploma in Secretarial Studies and three years’ post-qualification experience.

Clerical and auxiliary roles include Assistant Cameraman, Data Processing Assistant, Artisan/Craftsman (such as carpenter, plumber, electrician, and air-conditioning mechanic), Lift Operator, and Motor Driver/Mechanic. Minimum qualifications range from a First School Leaving Certificate to an ‘O’ Level certificate with trade test credentials, supported by relevant technical training or experience.

Established in 1962 and given statutory powers in 1974, the NUC oversees accreditation, the licensing of new universities, and the enforcement of quality standards across Nigeria’s 283 recognised universities—comprising 72 federal, 67 state, and 168 private institutions.

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Here are the top 10 busiest airports worldwide, passenger traffic

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Here are the top 10 busiest airports worldwide, passenger traffic

Global air travel has rebounded, with total passenger traffic surging past pre-pandemic levels to hit a record 9.4 billion travelers in 2024. The data from the Airports Council International (ACI) reveals which airports handled the massive surge, with U.S. hubs continuing to dominate and Istanbul showing explosive growth.

The aviation industry is officially in recovery! Data from the Airports Council International (ACI) confirms that global passenger traffic in 2024 finally surpassed pre-pandemic levels, hitting a record 9.4 billion travelers. This marks a robust increase of about 2.7% compared to the figures recorded in 2019.

Despite this global surge, the perennial winner, Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson, maintained its title as the world’s busiest airport, serving 108 million passengers. Interestingly, even at number one, Atlanta’s traffic was still down two percent compared to its 2019 figures.

The World’s Busiest Airports of 2024

The U.S. continues to dominate the rankings, but emerging global hubs are making huge gains, particularly Istanbul Airport, which saw traffic increase by over 50% since 2019—a jump the ACI credits to “airline expansion, infrastructure growth and enhanced global connectivity.”

Here are the top 10 busiest airports worldwide for 2024:

RankAirport NameCountry2024 Passenger Traffic (Millions)Change from 2019 (%)
1Atlanta Hartsfield-JacksonUnited States108-2%
3Dallas-Fort WorthUnited States88N/A
6Denver InternationalUnited States82N/A
7Istanbul AirportTurkey80.1+50%+
8Chicago O’HareUnited States80N/A
9Delhi AirportIndia77.8+13.6%
10Shanghai Pudong AirportChina76.8+0.8%

Here is the definitive list of the world’s 10 busiest airports in 2024, ranked by passenger volume:

  1. Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL)
    • Country: United States
    • 2024 Passenger Traffic: 108 Million
    • Traffic Change from 2019: Down 2%
    • Notes: Despite a slight dip from its pre-pandemic numbers, ATL retains its crown as the world’s busiest airport, serving as a critical hub for domestic and international connections.
  2. (Data Missing for Rank 2)
  4. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
    • Country: United States
    • 2024 Passenger Traffic: 88 Million
    • Traffic Change from 2019: Data Not Specified
    • Notes: A major hub in the central United States, DFW reinforces the strength of U.S. domestic air travel by claiming the third spot globally.
  5. (Data Missing for Rank 4)
  6. (Data Missing for Rank 5)
  8. Denver International Airport (DEN)
    • Country: United States
    • 2024 Passenger Traffic: 82 Million
    • Traffic Change from 2019: Data Not Specified
    • Notes: DEN’s presence highlights the surge in popularity of Western U.S. routes and its strategic location as a gateway to the mountains.
  9. Istanbul Airport (IST)
    • Country: Turkey
    • 2024 Passenger Traffic: 80.1 Million
    • Traffic Change from 2019: Up Over 50%
    • Notes: The most explosive growth story on the list. Its massive increase is driven by significant infrastructure expansion, new airline routes, and its central position connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa.
  10. Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
    • Country: United States
    • 2024 Passenger Traffic: 80 Million
    • Traffic Change from 2019: Data Not Specified
    • Notes: ORD remains a powerhouse of North American aviation, rounding out the four U.S. airports in the top eight spots.
  11. Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)
    • Country: India
    • 2024 Passenger Traffic: 77.8 Million
    • Traffic Change from 2019: Up 13.6%
    • Notes: As the primary airport for Delhi, its double-digit growth reflects the rapidly expanding domestic and international travel market in India.
  12. Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
    • Country: China
    • 2024 Passenger Traffic: 76.8 Million
    • Traffic Change from 2019: Up 0.8%
    • Notes: PVG climbed 11 positions in 2024. Despite its modest growth rate, its high volume confirms its critical role in connecting China’s vast economy to the world.
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Suspected armed bandits have killed five worshipers and abducted several others in Zamfara

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Suspected armed bandits have killed five worshipers and abducted several others in Zamfara

Suspected armed bandits have killed five worshipers and abducted several others during an early morning attack on a mosque in Yan Doto community, Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The Guardian gathered that the attackers stormed the mosque at about 5:30 am on Friday, surrounding the worshipers as they performed morning prayers.

A resident, Malam Jamilu Yandoto, told journalists in a telephone interview that the bandits blocked the mosque and opened fire on worshipers before abducting many.

“Presently, we have lost five people, and we are making arrangements to take those who sustained injuries to Gusau for treatment,” he said.

According to him, several victims sustained gunshot injuries during the attack and remain in critical condition.

Yan Doto is the hometown of prominent politician Senator Kabiru Garba Marafa and is located about 31.6 kilometersfrom Gusau, the state capital.

Efforts to reach the state police spokesperson, DSP Yazid Abubakar, were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.

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Dangote refinery halts Petrol sales in Naira

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Dangote refinery halts Petrol sales in Naira

In a move set to send new jitters through the Nigerian downstream oil sector, the Dangote Refinery has announced it will suspend the sale of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), or petrol, in Naira starting tomorrow, September 28, 2025.

The refinery communicated this critical decision to its customers in a memo, stating that it has fully exhausted its crude oil allocations priced in the local currency. The implication is clear: without Naira-priced raw material, the refinery cannot sell the refined product in the same currency.

The Group Commercial Operations confirmed the unavoidable pivot:

“We cannot sustain PMS sales in Naira going forward.”

Why is This Happening and What Does It Mean?

This suspension is directly linked to the complex arrangement for crude supply within Nigeria. For the Dangote Refinery to receive crude at a Naira equivalent price, it relies on specific allocations from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). The refinery’s announcement confirms that its current quota of this Naira-priced crude has run out.

The major takeaway for the market is uncertainty:

  1. Forex Pressure: Moving forward, the refinery will likely demand payment in US Dollars for its petrol sales. This immediately increases the forex demand for marketers and could drive up the final pump price for consumers, potentially negating the benefits of locally refined fuel.
  2. Market Stability Risk: The suspension disrupts the existing supply chain that was counting on Naira-denominated product from the Dangote facility to stabilize prices.
  3. Refunds and Waiting Game: The refinery has requested that all customers currently engaged in Naira transactions formally apply for refunds. They assured customers that more information on when Naira sales will resume will be provided once the underlying crude allocation issue is resolved.

The immediate halt on local currency sales signals an urgent operational hurdle that requires swift resolution between the Dangote Refinery and key Nigerian government stakeholders. Until the Naira-denominated crude supply issue is fixed, Nigerians hoping for cheaper, local fuel might face further inflationary pressures.

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Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State will soon defect from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party

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Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State will soon defect from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party

Barring any last-minute change of plans, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State will soon defect from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), PREMIUM TIMES can authoritatively report.

Sources familiar with the governor’s plan said Mr Mbah has consulted widely with political associates and leaders in Enugu and beyond in recent weeks regarding his planned move.

Two former governors of Enugu, Chimaroke Nnamani and Sullivan Chime, as well as a former Senate President, Ken Nnamani — all now members or supporters of the APC — are believed to have played critical roles in persuading Mr Mbah to join the ruling party.

One close associate disclosed that the consultation rounds would conclude this week, after which the governor and his inner circle will fix and announce a date for his formal defection.

Mr Mbah’s imminent departure marks yet another major setback for the PDP, which has governed Enugu since 1999 but is now engulfed in a deepening national crisis. His planned exit comes just three months after Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom and four months after Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta left the main opposition party for the APC.

According to a PDP chieftain Mr Mbah consulted, the governor gave two principal reasons for his looming defection. First is the unending strife within the PDP at the national level, which he reportedly described as a grave threat to the ambitions of anyone hoping to contest on the party’s platform in 2027.

Second, Mr Mbah lamented what he considers the unfair treatment of the Southeast within the party’s leadership structure.

On 30 June, the governor threatened to lead the PDP’s Southeast zone out of the party after Abuja insisted on retaining Samuel Anyanwu as national secretary instead of Sunday Udeh-Okoye, the candidate nominated by the zone.

That warning was ignored, and Mr Anyanwu — a key ally of former Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike — has since been reinstated. Still aggrieved, Mr Mbah is now said to be finalising his move to the APC.

When contacted on Thursday, the governor’s spokesperson, Uche Anichukwu, acknowledged the recent wave of political consultations but said he was unaware of any final decision to dump the PDP.

the entrance at the APC National Secretariat, Abuja on Tuesday morning-Photo credits: Ademola Popoola PremiumTimes

However, PREMIUM TIMES’ sources, all close associates of the governor, insist they are “100 per cent certain” that Mr Mbah will defect to the APC within weeks, if not days.

Mr Mbah, 53, a lawyer, businessman and politician, was elected governor of Enugu in 2023.

He had earlier in 2003 served the state as Chief of Staff to then-Governor Chimaroke Nnamani and later as Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development.

In the past two years of his governorship, his administration has been credited with significant strides in security management, fiscal prudence, innovative governance, and infrastructure and human capital development.

If he defects as planned, Mr Mbah’s departure will further shrink the PDP’s control to just nine states: Adamawa, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Taraba, and Zamfara. Of these, Rivers is already under heavy influence of the APC through Mr Wike, a PDP member serving in the APC-led federal government.

The APC, meanwhile, will stretch its dominance to 24 states: Akwa Ibom, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Edo, Enugu, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Sokoto, and Yobe.

The remaining three states will continue to be governed by other opposition parties: Abia (Labour Party), Anambra (All Progressives Grand Alliance), and Kano (New Nigeria Peoples Party).

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