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Dangote refinery, FCCPC disagree as NNPCL insists on fuel import

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The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has urged the Federal High Court in Abuja to allow it to join the N100bn lawsuit filed by Dangote Petroleum Refinery seeking to stop the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited and oil marketers from importing refined petroleum products into the country.

But Dangote Refinery opposed the FCCPC’s application to join the suit, describing the commission as a meddlesome interloper that has no business in a case revolving around the Petroleum Industry Act, an Act of the National Assembly.

The FCCPC said it needed to be allowed to join the suit as a defendant in order to oppose Dangote Refinery’s suit.

The commission argued that the aim of  Dangote Refinery to monopolise the petroleum industry was contrary to FCCPC’s mandate to ensure a free market.

The commission’s lawyer, Olanrewaju Oshinaike, appeared before Justice Inyang Ekwo on Wednesday to push for its joinder in the suit.

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In the motion he filed before the court, Oshinaike argued that the FCCPC needed to be joined in the suit because any judgment entered by the court would affect the commission’s mandate.

The lawyer noted that the main thrust of Dangote Refinery’s suit borders on “anti-competition and monopoly in the petroleum industry.”

The commission noted that Nigeria operates a free-market economy that allows individuals and entities to participate in various sectors without hindrance.

FCCPC also said its Act, which established the commission, obligates it to eliminate anti-competitive agreements and practices that may restrict other participants from engaging in the petroleum product distribution value chain.

Oshinaike stressed that one of the FCCPC’s functions is to eliminate anti-competitive agreements, and misleading, unfair, deceptive, or unconscionable marketing, trading, and business practices.

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“There are grounds from the plaintiff’s case for believing that the plaintiff (Dangote Refinery) is attempting to create a monopoly situation in relation to the production and distribution of petroleum products in Nigeria through the machinery of the court.

“The extant spirit and provisions of the FCCPC Act do not permit monopoly behemoth activities in product manufacturing and distribution, including oil and gas,” the lawyer said.

The commission noted if allowed to join as a party, it would pray for the outright dismissal of the suit in its entirety.

But Dangote Refinery opposed the FCCPC’s application to join the suit.

The $20bn Lekki-based plant described the commission as a meddlesome interloper that has no business in a case revolving around PIA.

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Meanwhile, at the Wednesday proceedings, Justice Ekwo fixed March 18 to rule on the preliminary objection filed by the NNPCL, seeking the dismissal of the N100bn lawsuit by the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals.

Dangote Refinery, in its suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1324/2024, is challenging the issuance of licence for the importation of refined petroleum products to the NNPC and oil marketers by the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.

Apart from the NNPCL and the NMDPRA, others listed as defendants in the suit are AYM Shafa Limited; A.A. Rano Limited; T. Time Petroleum Limited; 2015 Petroleum Limited; and Matrix Petroleum Services Limited.

Dangote Refinery, through its counsel, Ogwu Onoja (SAN), is praying the court to nullify import licences issued by NMDPRA to NNPCL and the five other companies for importing refined petroleum products.

The plaintiff also sought a declaration that NMDPRA violated Sections 317(8) and (9) of the Petroleum Industry Act by issuing licences to import petroleum products, arguing that such licences should only be issued in cases of a petroleum product shortfall.

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The company further sought N100bn in damages against NMDPRA for allegedly continuing to issue import licences to NNPCL and the other companies, among other reliefs.

In response to the suit, AYM Shafa Limited, A.A. Rano Limited, and Matrix Petroleum Services Limited filed counter-affidavits, urging the court to dismiss the suit.

They argued that Dangote Refinery was not entitled to the reliefs sought and that its current production did not meet the national daily petroleum product sufficiency required.

They argued that granting the request of the refinery would amount to monopolisation, stating that the NMDPRA was mandated to promote competition and prevent abuse of dominant market positions or monopolies in the oil sector.

They also argued that monopolising the sector would harm the economy, maintaining that the import licences issued to them were lawful and in compliance with the PIA, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, and other relevant laws.

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Meanwhile, the NNPCL, in its preliminary objection, urged the court to strike out Dngote Refinery’s suit as the entity sued was non-existent.

At Wednesday’s hearing, NNPCL’s lawyer, Abimbola Ademola (SAN), while arguing the preliminary objection, submitted: “We are seeking an order of this court striking out this suit for lack of jurisdiction or in another alternative strike out the 2nd defendant suit.”

However, Dangote Refinery’s legal team opposed the preliminary objection, asking the court to dismiss it.

After hearing both parties, Justice Inyang Ekwo adjourned till March 18, 2025 for ruling.

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Newlywed Woman Disappears After Discovering Husband Had Two Children

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A newly married Nigerian woman who was recently declared missing by her family in Abuja has reportedly left her matrimonial home after discovering that her husband allegedly had two children with different women.

The woman, from Mbabum Community in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, had been the subject of a public appeal by her family, who sought assistance in locating her after she allegedly left her husband’s residence in Abuja.

According to a statement attributed to a family representative, Hon. Goshi Peter, the woman married Goshi Bem in March 2026 but left her matrimonial home about two weeks ago and had not returned.

However, in an update shared on Saturday, June 6, 2026, a Facebook user, Tyom Alexander, claimed she had spoken with the woman by phone.

According to Alexander, the woman said she left her husband’s home after discovering that he had two children from different women, information she alleged was not disclosed to her before their marriage.

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“I have been able to speak with this woman through the phone number provided by the whistleblower,” Alexander wrote.

“She said her husband didn’t tell her that he had children before their marriage. She only discovered this after they relocated to Abuja.

“The first child is five years old, while the second child is two years old, both from different mothers.”

Alexander further claimed that the woman stated she was safe and still in Abuja, and reportedly warned her husband not to bother searching for her.

“According to her, the man should not bother looking for her as she is doing fine in Abuja,” Alexander added.

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“If this is true, then the man has disappointed me. I wait to hear the man’s side of the story.”

As of the time of filing this report, the husband’s response to the allegations had not been made public.

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Consultant Laments Fate Of 200,000 kms Of Nigerian Roads

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By Okey Maduforo Awka

The fate of Nigerian roads especially the highways appears to be under threat of this year’s rainy season following fears by professionals that the over 200,000 kilometers of roads may collapse by the end of the year .

Deepening this apprehension is the lack of maintenance of those roads which have yearly carried loafs above it’s capacity occasioned by heavy duty trucks and tankers .

Expressing these fears , Consultant Engineer to the Federal government Patience Aningo noted that if urgent steps are not taken this year’s rainy season would spell doom for motorists and other road users across the country.

“Without consistent enforcement of axle load limits, and steady maintenance of our federal highways there strong indications that the country is at the risk of loosing over 200,000 kilometers of roads ”

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“Roads require precision from proper compaction to correct layer thickness”

“By then, what could have been addressed with minor engineering challenges would become a huge cost of maintenance”

“The frustrations lies a deeper issue and the persistent failure of roads that should last far longer is compromised by laxity on the part of the authorities concerned”

“The outcomes are sometimes undermined by weak supervision, inconsistent material quality, and cost”

She observed that poor drainage system has also been the bane of the Federal roads in the country.

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“Nigeria has one of the largest road networks in Africa estimated at over 200,000 kilometers yet a
One major factor is inadequate drainage”

“Roads are not just paved surfaces; they are engineered drainage
systems, sealing cracks, and timely patching remains underutilized, despite its proven
underlying soil, and accelerates structural deterioration”

“In a country with intense seasonal rainfall, neglecting drainage is one
of the fastest ways to shorten a road’s lifespan.’

“Regulations must be enforced consistently to protect infrastructure investments”

“Similarly, the Abuja–Kaduna Highway remains a critical but vulnerable route, where
pavement distress and operational challenges continue to highlight the strain placed on key compromise
during construction directly reduces durability and increases long-term costs”

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“Drainage must be treated as a core design element, not an afterthought which affects Axle load against
what they were originally designed for”

“Heavy-duty trucks often overloaded introduce stresses that affect the roads ”

“Many Nigerian roads now carry traffic volumes and axle loads far beyond routes in the country
and despite ongoing reconstruction efforts, sections have deteriorated quickly ”

“When water is not properly managed, it penetrates the pavement layers, weakens the
This pattern is evident on major corridors such as the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, one of the busiest in the country “she stated.

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Enugu Govt Dismisses Viral UNN Attack Alert, Moves to Track Perpetrators

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Enugu Govt Dismisses Viral UNN Attack Alert, Moves to Track Perpetrator
The Enugu State Government has dismissed as false and misleading a viral social media post alleging an imminent terrorist attack on the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), assuring students, staff, and residents that there is no credible security threat to the institution.
The government described the post as the handiwork of criminal elements seeking to create panic, fear, and confusion within the university community and across the state.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Malachy Agbo, said the government had taken note of the viral message warning of a possible attack by individuals described as terrorists and jihadists.
According to him, investigations indicate that the alarm is false and part of a deliberate attempt by criminal elements and their collaborators to undermine public confidence in the state’s security efforts.
Agbo recalled that similar false alerts had been circulated in the past concerning locations such as Holy Ghost, Obollo Afor, Opi, Nsukka, Gariki, Awgu, and other parts of the state. He noted that those behind previous misinformation campaigns often operated anonymously and recycled old videos to create the impression of ongoing attacks.
He added that many of the perpetrators of the earlier false alarms were eventually identified and apprehended by security agencies.
The commissioner disclosed that the state government is already working closely with security agencies to track down those responsible for the latest viral post and ensure they face the consequences of their actions.
Reaffirming the administration’s commitment to public safety, Agbo said the government had continued to invest heavily in modern security infrastructure and technology to strengthen security operations across the state.
He stressed that the protection of lives and property remains a top priority of the administration of Peter Mbah, noting that recent investments have significantly improved the capacity and responsiveness of security agencies operating in the state.
The government therefore urged members of the UNN community, residents of Nsukka, and the general public to remain calm and continue their lawful activities without fear, assuring them that adequate measures are in place to guarantee their safety.
It further reiterated its resolve to sustain efforts aimed at maintaining peace and security across Enugu State while taking decisive action against individuals who spread false information capable of causing public panic.

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METHODIST CHURCH HONOURS MONDAY DIAMOND ANI WITH “APOSTLE OF FAITH” AWARD

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The Methodist Church Nigeria has honoured the General Manager of the Enugu State Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA), Hon. Monday Diamond Ani, with the prestigious “Apostle of Faith Award” in recognition of his outstanding humanitarian services and contributions to community development.
The award was presented by the Methodist Diocese of Akegbe, Aninri and Awgu Archdiocese (AAA) under the leadership of Rt. Rev. C. Orji, the Methodist Bishop of AAA Diocese, Enugu.
According to the Church, the honour was bestowed on Hon. Ani in acknowledgment of his selfless commitment to community development, social welfare, and humanitarian service over the years. The Church noted that his contributions have transcended political considerations and have positively impacted countless lives across communities.
His consistent humanitarian interventions have earned him the popular title “Odoziobodo”, meaning “one who builds and restores communities.”
Hon. Ani is widely regarded as a passionate advocate for community service, driven by a desire to improve living standards and promote love, unity, and a sense of belonging among the people. His dedication reflects Christ’s teaching on the greatest commandment—love for God and love for one’s neighbour—placing service to humanity at the centre of purposeful living.
Due to his unavoidable absence, the award was received on his behalf and later presented to him at his office by Dr. Okechukwu Animba, Vice President (South-East) of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU).
Responding to the honour, Hon. Ani expressed profound gratitude to Rt. Rev. C. Orji and the entire Methodist Diocese for recognising his humanitarian efforts. He prayed for God’s continued grace and strength to serve humanity and touch more lives through his work.
He also appreciated his principal, the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, for appointing him to lead the CSDA, an agency charged with driving community interventions and sustainable development across the state.

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Controversial Enugu Centenary Land: Has A Daniel Truly Come to Judgment?

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When the Enugu State House of Assembly adopted the report of its Special Committee on Land Matters and Disputes in 2024, many observers described it as a watershed moment in the long-running controversy surrounding the Centenary City land in Amechi and Obeagu communities.
The report attracted national attention because it tackled a dispute that had generated numerous court cases, allegations of intimidation, destruction of property, community unrest, and claims involving some of the most influential figures in the state.
For many residents of Amechi and Obeagu, the Assembly’s intervention provided the first official platform where their grievances appeared to receive impartial consideration. The committee’s findings were widely commended for their detailed examination of the circumstances surrounding the acquisition and development of over 1,097 hectares of ancestral land.
At the heart of the controversy was the allegation that Private Estates International West Africa Limited (PEIWA), operating under a development agreement with the Enugu State Government, relied on questionable documents to assert rights over vast portions of land originally linked to a proposed university project initiated during the administration of former Anambra State Governor, Dr. Jim Nwobodo.
After reviewing submissions from the parties, the Assembly committee identified several inconsistencies in documents connected with the acquisition process. Among its findings were concerns regarding the authenticity of a survey plan purportedly prepared for the “Permanent Site of Enugu State University of Science and Technology” in 1985, despite the fact that Enugu State had not yet been created at that time.

Controversial Enugu Centenary Land: A Daniel Has Come To Judgement


The committee also questioned the authenticity of signatures and official endorsements appearing on key documents, including survey records, gazette notices, and correspondences allegedly executed on behalf of traditional authorities in Amechi and Obeagu communities.
Based on these findings, the committee concluded that the host communities had established that they were not properly carried along in the acquisition process and recommended dialogue, compensation, government intervention, and a comprehensive audit of lands developed under the Centenary City project.
At the time, many hailed the report as evidence that the legislature was willing to confront powerful interests in defence of justice and accountability.
Two years later, events appear to have given fresh significance to those findings.
Today, Kingsley Eze, Chamberlin Mbachu and Private Estates International (W.A.) Limited are facing criminal charges before the Federal High Court, Enugu, in connection with the alleged forgery of a survey plan linked to the disputed acquisition of ancestral lands in Amechi and Obeagu communities.
According to the charge sheet in Charge No. FHC/EN/CR/84/2025, the defendants are accused of conspiring to forge a survey plan titled “Permanent Site of Enugu State University of Science and Technology” purportedly dated 1985.
The prosecution alleges that the defendants knowingly made or uttered the survey plan as a genuine document despite its alleged falsity. The offences are said to be punishable under relevant provisions of the Miscellaneous Offences Act.
The criminal charges have drawn renewed attention to the conclusions reached by the Enugu State House of Assembly in 2024, particularly its observations regarding inconsistencies surrounding the same survey plan and related acquisition documents.
The developments have also prompted further advocacy from civil society organisations. The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has called on the Inspector-General of Police to direct the Police Monitoring Unit to take over investigations and prosecutions connected with the dispute, investigate allegations of misconduct against certain police officers, and review criminal proceedings allegedly used for harassment and intimidation.
In a separate petition dated May 28, 2026, RULAAC also urged the Inspector-General of Police to intervene in two criminal cases pending before the Federal High Court, Enugu, citing repeated failures by law enforcement authorities to produce defendants for arraignment.
The cases include Charge No. FHC/EN/CR/84/2025, IGP v. Kingsley Eze & 2 Others, and Charge No. FHC/EN/CR/222/2024, IGP v. Alex Ifeadi & 2 Others.
As the criminal proceedings continue, many observers believe the matter has entered a decisive phase. The allegations that were once the subject of community petitions, legislative inquiries and public debate are now before a court of law for determination.
Whether the Assembly’s 2024 report marked the beginning of accountability or merely one chapter in a much longer struggle remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the issues raised by the Amechi and Obeagu communities have not faded away. Instead, they have evolved into a legal test that could shape public confidence in land administration, governance and the rule of law in Enugu State for years to come.
If the legislative findings, criminal investigations and court proceedings ultimately converge on the truth, then many residents may indeed conclude that, at long last, a Daniel has come to judgment.

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