The Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) says no cabal in the midstream and downstream sector, just individuals with vested interests.

On May 1, Aliko Dangote, president of the Dangote Group, said he was still fightingcabals for the survival of his $20 billion refinery — subsequently describing “cabals” as some major oil marketers and traders.

Speaking in an interview with TVC on Friday, Olufemi Adewole, executive secretary of DAPPMAN, described the use of “cabals” by Dangote as being “negative” and “subversive”.

“There is no cabal in the midstream and downstream operations as far as I am concerned, because, going by the English definition of the word cabal, it’s a negative, subversive thing. There is no cabal, but I can tell you that we have vested interests,” he said.

“My principals have vested interests in the sector. So if they have invested over these years, billions of naira, and they have bridged the gap.

“Even before Dangote, they were there when nobody was there to bridge the gap and ensure Nigerians got fuel. Definitely, they should have commensurate returns on their investment.”

‘DANGOTE REFINERY CAN MANIPULATE PRICES DUE TO ITS CAPACITY’

Speaking further, Adewole said Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s capacity gives it an edge over all other refineries in the country, potentially allowing it to dictate pricing.

He said monopoly is a danger to DAPPMAN, adding that “we have been talking and deliberating about it”.

“Right now, we have a refinery, a 650,000 barrel capacity refinery. This price, volume and capacity alone give the refinery the edge over all others. It can manipulate prices. It can dictate prices,” Adewole said.

“It can get what it wants. So it’s a clear and present danger for us, and we would rather not have it that way.

“But the beautiful thing is that we have the regulators, who have been doing fantastically well since they came on board.”

He said regulators are actively monitoring to ensure no organisation violates the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

The executive secretary said the act promotes a free market, enabling multiple players to participate in the system, while measures are in place to prevent monopolistic practices.

“You will recall that Dangote recently took the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and a few other marketers to court,” Adewole said.

“This tells you their (Dangote Refinery) mindset, and what they were challenging is actually the authority of the regulator, which is enshrined in the PIA, to release import licenses for marketers to import fuel. So it gives you a picture into their mindset.”

He said “the fear of monopoly is real,” and marketers are working with other stakeholders “to ensure this is not realised”.

“We are working with the regulators, encouraging them to do their work so that this is curtailed,” the executive secretary said.

‘DANGOTE REFINERY CAN NOT MEET ALL LOCAL SUPPLY NEEDS’

Quoting Farouk Ahmed, NMDPRA’s chief executive officer (CEO), Adewole said Dangote refinery is not meeting up to the “reduced local consumption volume”.

“So, for now, Dangote refinery cannot meet up. It is we, the private depot owners, that have been bridging the gap and meeting the needs of Nigerians,” he said.

The executive secretary added that stopping the importation of petrol at this stage would be “chaotic” and “dangerous”.

Adewole said a phased strategy would be more practical when multiple domestic refineries become operational.

The leader of the UK Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch has called on Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour government to adopt the Conservatives’ proposed deportation bill as a measure to reduce immigration.

In a video shared on her official X (formerly Twitter) account, Kemi Badenoch issued a stark warning about rising immigration levels, claiming that without urgent action, approximately two million immigrants could gain British citizenship by next year. 

“From next year, two million immigrants could automatically claim British citizenship. That’s nearly twice the population of Birmingham,” Ms Badenoch said. “We’ve introduced a deportation bill because we are committed to bringing immigration down.”

The proposed legislation, published on Tuesday, outlines a series of stringent measures intended to overhaul the UK’s immigration system.

Ms Badenoch explained that the bill includes provisions for the deportation “of all foreign criminals, mandatory age checks, tougher visa rules, disabled the human rights act to immigration cases, make asylum support repayable and no permanent right to stay in the UK if you rely on benefits.”

Emphasising the urgency of the matter, she said, “Until that’s law, we won’t fix it. Labour should adopt it now. It’s time to get tough. That’s what the conservatives’ deportation bill delivers. Our country is a home, not a hotel.”

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) says 78 victims of human trafficking in Cote D’Ivoire have returned to Nigeria.

Binta Bello, NAPTIP director-general (DG), received them at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos late Saturday evening.

The victims comprised 73 females, two males, and three babies.

“This is a momentous occasion a day that marks not only the safe return of our beloved daughters but also a reaffirmation of our unwavering commitment to the fight against human trafficking,” Bello said.

“To the young women and girls who have just returned – we say ‘welcome home’.

“You were taken far from the safety and dignity you deserve, but today, you are back on Nigerian soil, and you are not alone. You are home, and this country stands with you.

“Your courage, your survival, and your retum symbolise hope for thousands of others who may still be in the shadows.

“And to those who have perpetuated this evil let today be a reminder that Nigeria will never relent in pursuing justice.”

The NAPTIP DG said some of those involved in the trafficking had been apprehended and would face the full force of the law.

Bello added that the agency will speak with the survivors for necessary recovery measures which includes counselling and skills acquisition training.

She also thanked Air Peace for facilitating the victims’ return free of charge.

Bello said the airline’s partnership shows how the private sector can contribute meaningfully to national efforts.

The NAPTIP DG urged the public to raise awareness and report suspicious trafficking activities.

The UK government on Sunday said it would give itself stronger powers to deport foreign criminals and lift the threshold for skilled worker visas in a bid to bring down immigration levels.

“Net migration must come down,” interior minister Yvette Cooper wrote in the Sunday Telegraph, a day before she presents the government’s Immigration White Paper to parliament, which will contain its proposals.

Her Labour party is under pressure to tackle the issue, with the anti-immigration Reform party scoring a resounding win in recent local elections and riding high in the polls.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer wrote on X on Sunday that previous Conservative governments had “lost control of our borders”.

“I won’t stand for it. I promised to restore control and cut migration, and I’m delivering with tough new measures,” he added.

Labour promised in its general election manifesto last year to significantly reduce net migration, which stood at 728,000 in the 12 months to last June.

Cooper’s Home Office on Sunday said that the plans will include new powers to deport foreign criminals committing offences in the UK.

Currently, the government is only informed of foreign nationals given prison sentences, while deportation arrangements generally focus on those sentenced to more than a year in prison.

“Under the new arrangements, the Home Office will be informed of all foreign nationals convicted of offences…. and will be able to use wider removal powers on other crimes,” said the ministry.

“Those who come to the UK should abide by our laws,” said Cooper.

“The system for returning foreign criminals has been far too weak for too long. We need much higher standards,” she added,

The “radical package of reforms” will also target lower skilled immigration, said Cooper.

The plans “will include new visa controls, such as lifting the threshold for skilled worker visas to reduce lower skilled migration, and new requirements to boost training and skills here in the UK,” she wrote, with foreign workers required to have a degree to secure a job in the UK.

Cooper said that she aims to cut 50,000 lower-skilled worker visas this year.

There will also be “clearer rules” in areas such as immigration on the grounds of family connections in an attempt to cut abuse in the system, said the minister.

“These changes are essential to end the chaos left by the Tories in the immigration system and to regain control,” she added.

The government is also under pressure to stop the flow of migrants crossing the Channel from France to England on flimsy rubber dinghies, with more than 36,800 making the journey last year.

Desperate attempt by a woman, Ihensekhien Miracle Obehi, who disguised with hijab to export large consignments of cocaine concealed in her private part, stomach and false bottom of her handbag to Iran, has been thwarted by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Obehi, who was dressed in hijab to beat security checks was intercepted at the departure hall of the Port Harcourt airport on Sunday, May 3, 2025, while trying to board a Qatar Airline flight to Iran via Doha following credible intelligence. During her search, she was found to have inserted three wraps of cocaine in her private part, and two large parcels hidden in false compartments of her handbag while she swallowed 67 pellets of the Class A drug.

As a result, she was placed under excretion observation and after four excretions that lasted days, she expelled the 67 wraps of the substance in her stomach. She claimed she was to swallow 70 pellets of cocaine but after ingesting 67 pieces, she could no longer swallow the remaining three and decided to insert them into her private part. The total weight of the three consignments hidden in different parts of her body comes to 2.523 kilograms.

In like manner, NDLEA operatives at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos on Friday, May 9 intercepted a 22-year-old British national, Campell Kaizra Kofi Johannes Slifer, coming from Thailand through Doha on Qatar Airways flight with two suitcases loaded with 35 parcels of Loud, a strong strain of cannabis weighing 37.60kg.

Campell, who claimed he had twice been convicted in the UK for drug trafficking and robbery, said he was recruited in London to travel to Thailand to pick up the illicit consignment and bring same to Nigeria.

In Niger State, NDLEA officers acting on intelligence on Wednesday, May 7 intercepted a fuel truck marked ABJ 693 XU and three other vehicles loaded with 246 bags of skunk, a strain of cannabis with a combined weight of 3,047 kilograms along Suleja-Kaduna Road. Four suspects arrested with the exhibits included: Christopher Onyema, 47; Benedict Etineruba Young, 54; Chukwudi Ujue Jerry, 30; and Mohammed Abdullahi Danasabe. Apart from the fuel truck, three other vehicles recovered from the suspects included Honda Odyssey bus marked YAB 667 CZ; Gulf bus with registration number GWA 125 TQ and Honda Odyssey bus marked ABJ 230 CN.

At Oja Amukoko in Ijora area of Lagos, two suspects: Eze Chekube Emmanuel and Ike Samuel Chinyerem were on Thursday, May 8 arrested by NDLEA operatives with a total of 109,914 pills of tramadol, swinol and nitrozepam seized from them.

While 52.5kg skunk was recovered from two suspects: Lukman Sabo Umar, 23, and Tukur Ammadu, 20, in a bus at Gwantu, Sanga LGA, Kaduna State on Tuesday, May 6, NDLEA operatives on patrol along Bode Saadu-Jebba Expressway in Kwara State on Monday, May 5
arrested Rufai Nasiru with 45,400 pills of tramadol 225mg.

In Bauchi State, NDLEA officers on patrol along Bauchi-Gombe road on Tuesday, May 6 intercepted a Toyota Tundra jeep marked RBC 111 DW conveying 526 blocks of skunk weighing 505kg with two suspects: Isaac Onogure, 37 and Ikechukwu Peter, 44, arrested.

Also, a total of 31 kegs containing 775 litres of codeine syrup were recovered from two suspects: Hafizu Isa Uman, 34, and Ismail Shehu, 48, when NDLEA operatives raided their hideout at Rijiyar Zaki area of Kano State on Saturday, May 10, while 1.1kg of Loud consignment concealed in pillow coming from Thailand was on Tuesday, May 6 intercepted by NDLEA officers at a courier company in Lagos.

A statement signed by NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi, on Sunday, said the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA), ans social advocacy activities by NDLEA Commands, equally continued across the country in the past week. “Some of them include: WADA sensitization lecture delivered to students and staff of Federal Government College, Sokoto; Deeper Life International College, Nteje, Anambra; Martins Sanda Girls Science College, Paikoro, Niger state; Restoration Power International School, Idua Eket, Akwa Ibom; while Oyo state command delivered WADA enlightenment lecture to members of the League of Imams and Alfas at Iseyin Central Mosque, Iseyin, among others,” he stated.

While commending the officers and men of DOGI, MMIA, PHIA, Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, Bauchi, Kwara, and Niger Commands of the anti-narcotics Agency for the arrests and seizures of the past week, chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), equally praised their counterparts in all the commands across the country for pursuing a fair balance between their drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts.

A federal high court in Lagos has ordered the final forfeiture of N1.29 billion to the federal government in favour of Sterling Bank Plc.

According to a statement on Saturday by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Deinde Dipeolu, presiding judge at the court, ordered the final forfeiture of the funds.

The judge’s decision followed a motion on notice dated January 8, filed by the EFCC through its counsel, Hannatu KofarNaisa. 

The funds were reportedly withdrawn unlawfully by certain individuals due to a system glitch at Sterling Bank.

Following a petition from the bank alleging the theft of N2.5 billion, the EFCC conducted investigations that led to the identification and tracing of the stolen funds to multiple accounts.

“The sums sought to be forfeited were domiciled in M Sharif Inter-Trading and Marketing Company Ltd’s UBA account (N900,00,000); Mustapha Abubakar’s UBA account (N255,872,842.84); Mustapha Sharif Abubakar’s UBA account (N12,195,093); Mustapha Sharif Abubakar’s Jaiz Bank account (N41,119,917.13); Abubakar Mustapha Sharif’s First Bank account (N19,069,567.73); and Mustapha Sharif Abubakar’s Sterling Imal (the alternative bank account) (N30,850,158.12),” the statement said.

On March 12, the court granted an interim forfeiture order, instructing the publication of the order in a national newspaper to allow any interested party to contest the forfeiture.

During the motion for the final forfeiture order, EFCC counsel argued that the funds were reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.

KofarNaisa also informed the court that the interim forfeiture order was published in Punch newspaper on March 24, inviting any interested parties to show cause why the funds should not be permanently forfeited.

After reviewing the submissions by KofarNaisa, Dipeolu held that “having gone through the motion and attachments, I find the application meritorious and same is accordingly granted”.

The judge then ordered the final forfeiture of the funds to the federal government in favour of Sterling Bank.

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have intercepted a fuel tanker that was modified to conceal and transport illicit drugs across Nigeria.

NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Mr Femi Babafemi, confirmed the development in a post on X.com on Sunday.

According to Babafemi, the discovery was made during a targeted stop-and-search operation, where officers uncovered a hidden compartment expertly crafted in the belly of the tanker — a covert storage space designed solely for drug

trafficking.

He wrote: “Narco-trend: Fuel tanker on top but drug tanker beneath! Please watch how #ndlea_nigeria officers discovered a large storage created in the belly of this oil tanker for the sole purpose of moving drugs across the country.”

Watch video below:

The 11th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) was a night of triumph for Nollywood as Femi Adebayo’s film Seven Doors clinched two of the most coveted awards — Best Lead Actor (Femi Adebayo) and Best Lead Actress (Chioma Chukwuka), cementing its place as one of the standout productions of the year.

Seven Doors is a Nigerian historical drama series directed by Femi Adebayo, Adebayo Tijani and Tope Adebayo. It follows King Adedunjoye, a reluctant monarch whose reign is haunted by a generational curse.

To break it, he must marry six more wives—opening “seven doors”—despite his deep love for his wife, Amaka.

The series, which explores tradition, sacrifice, and destiny.

This year’s  awards ceremony, which held on Saturday night, also celebrated veterans Sani Mu’azu and Nkem Owoh with the Lifetime Achievement Awards, while director Kayode Kasum took home the Trailblazer Award for his fresh, genre-defying impact on the industry.

The 11th edition of the AMVCA which took place on May 10, 2025, celebrated excellence in African film and television, bringing together the continent’s brightest stars and industry professionals.

As the evening progresses, winners across various categories are being announced, highlighting the remarkable talent and creativity within the African entertainment industry.

Notably, Lateef Adedimeji’s film Lisabi (The Uprising) has already clinched multiple awards, underscoring its impact this year.

Here’s a compiled list of the winners at the 11th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (#AMVCA11), with their respective categories:

• Femi Adebayo – Best Lead Actor [Seven Doors]
• Chioma Chukwuka – Best Lead Actress [Seven Doors] (Award received  on her behalf by Femi Adebayo)

1. Sani Mu’azu and Nkem Owoh – Lifetime Achievement Awards

2. Kayode Kasum – Trailblazer Award

3. Kassim Sulaiman & Anneke De Ridder – Best Unscripted M-Net Original
   (for Nigerian Idol)

4. Gabriel Afolayan – Best Supporting Actor
   (in Inside Life by Clarence Peters)

5. Mercy Aigbe – Best Supporting Actress
   (for Farmer’s Bride)

6. Tolu Obanro – Best Score/Music
   (for Seven Doors)

    

7. Chinenye Nworah & Taiwo Adebayo – Best Scripted M-Net Original
   (for My Fairytale Wedding)

8. Jide Jblaze Oyegbile – Best Short Film

9. Zi M Uzo’ – Best Indigenous M-Net Original

10. Iyo Prosper Adokiye – Best Digital Content Creator
    (for We Listen, We Don’t Judge – Bible Edition)

11. Ifeoluwa Fatogun & Ebi Atawodi – Best Documentary
    (for Dundun)

     

12. Leo Purman – Best Cinematography
    (for The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos)

13. Adedimeji Lateef & Adebimpe Oyebade Adedimeji – Best Indigenous Language (West Africa)

     

14. Abel Mutua Musyoka – Best Indigenous Language (East Africa)

15. Cosmas Ng’andwe – Best Indigenous Language (Southern Africa)

16. Abel Mutua Musyoka – Best Writing in a TV Series

17. Blessing Uzzi – Best Writing (Movie)
    (for Freedom Way)

18. Tongai Furusa – Best Editing
    (for Inkabi)

19. Michael Botha, Olaosebikan Okonrende & Dil Chike Ajufo – Best Sound Design
    (for Suspicion)

20. Soliu Badu Noutical & Ayanmo Yakub – Best Art Direction
    (for Lisabi: The Uprising) 

21. Hakeem Onilogbo – Best Makeup
    (for Lisabi: The Uprising)

22. Adedamola Adeyemi – Best Costume Design
    (for Christmas in Lagos)

23. Awam Amkpa – Best Director (for The Man Died)

24. Blessing Uzzi – Best Movie (for Freedom Way)

25. Clarence Peters’ Inside Life – Best Scripted Series

26. Kefa Igilo & Jerryson Onasaa – Best Unscripted Series (for Wa Milele?)

27. Olamide Glover & Morenikeji Uka – Best MultiChoice Talent Factory Film (for Everything Light Touches) 

     

#AMVCA11

The Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) is an annual event organized by MultiChoice through its Africa Magic channels to celebrate outstanding achievements in film and television across Africa.

Launched in 2013, the AMVCAs honour both on-screen and behind-the-scenes talent—ranging from actors and directors to writers, editors, and content creators—based on both audience votes and jury decisions.

It has grown to become one of the most prestigious and glamorous awards ceremonies in African entertainment.

Suspended Senator representing Kogi central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has dismissed a viral TikTok video with the popular song ‘Omo Ologo,’ a track synonymous with President Bola Tinubu.
Naija News reports that the 15-second video, posted on May 8, features the senator playfully engaging with the camera while subtly smiling, prompting varied reactions from netizens.

The song “Omo Ologo,” performed by Kano-based musician, Dauda ‘Rarara’ Kahutu at a dinner event on May 3, has become a cultural phenomenon.

The dinner, held in Katsina State in honour of President Tinubu, was part of his two-day official visit to the state, where he assessed the region’s security situation.

Rarara’s song, “Omo Ologo” (a glorious child), serves as a tribute to Tinubu, praising him as a triumphant leader who has overcome his critics.

In her TikTok post, Akpoti-Uduaghan wrote, “Just for fun, song choked,” which some users interpreted as a lighthearted comment, while others read into it with political undertones.

However, Natasha, via her X, handled on Saturday, issued a public disclaimer saying she does not own a TikTok account.

The lawmaker stated that the viral video, which featured a short clip of her with the background tune “Omo Ologo,” did not emanate from her.

While urging the public to disregard the viral video, Natasha added that it was created using an old clip from 2023.

She wrote, “Public Alert ? I do not own a TicTok account.

“Many parody accounts exist in my name on X (Twitter), Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. Some have garnered large following.

“While I hold the President in utmost respect; I’d urge everyone to disregard the mischievous post made using an old 2023 video of mine.

“God blesscSenatorc@NatashaAkpoticUduaghan”

Two soldiers attached to the 135 Special Forces Battalion are under investigation for alleged collaboration with ISWAP terrorists and compromising national security in Yobe State.

The soldiers’ telephone conversations were intercepted and analyzed by security operatives, revealing links to the May 9 kidnapping of commuters along the Gashua–Azare highway in Yobe State.

A credible source privy to the ongoing investigation said the duo allegedly leaked the movements of their patrol team along the Buratai–Kamuya–Azare–Gashua axis, paving the way for ISWAP fighters to stage an ambush that briefly disrupted civilian movement before a successful counter-attack was launched to disperse the terrorists.

Also, a security analyst and Counter Insurgency Expert in the Lake Chad, Zagazola Makama, stated that the betrayal was believed to have enabled the terrorists to set up the ambush, which was ultimately foiled by troops of the same battalion during a swift rescue mission that led to the freeing of four abducted civilians and the recovery of weapons and equipment.

According to him, the military authorities have since launched a full-scale internal investigation into the matter. The two soldiers are currently in custody, and their identities were being withheld pending further findings.

He said the revelation has triggered concerns over internal sabotage and the urgent need for tighter intelligence monitoring within the ranks to prevent future breaches and preserve the integrity of ongoing counter-terrorism operations in the North-East.

Also, a top security official stated, “The system will not spare any uniformed personnel found collaborating with enemies of the state. The fight against insurgency must be backed by absolute loyalty and trust.”