Probe alleged missing N26bn from Fed Agency, Ministry –Group tells President Tinubu
Probe alleged missing N26bn from Fed Agency, Ministry –Group tells President Tinubu
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently direct the Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and relevant anti-corruption agencies to investigate claims that over N26 billion in public funds were misappropriated or stolen from the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) and the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources in 2021.
The serious allegations are outlined in the 2021 audited report, released on November 13, 2024, by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation.
According to the report, the funds have gone missing under questionable circumstances, raising concerns of widespread corruption within the oil sector.
In a statement issued on February 1, 2025, by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization emphasized the need for swift legal action, stating, “Anyone found responsible should face prosecution based on credible and admissible evidence, and all stolen funds should be fully recovered and returned to the national treasury.”
SERAP further suggested that any recovered funds be used to address Nigeria’s pressing budget deficit and alleviate the nation’s ongoing debt crisis.
The organization stressed that this step could help provide much-needed financial relief for the country’s economic challenges.
“The public has a vested interest in seeing justice served for these allegations,” said Oluwadare.
“Addressing corruption in the oil sector is crucial, not just for accountability, but also for solving the country’s financial issues.”
The allegations have raised concerns about a possible breach of public trust, with SERAP highlighting violations of the Nigerian Constitution, anti-corruption laws, and international standards in the fight against corruption.
The group’s call to action underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in the management of public resources, particularly within the oil sector, which plays a critical role in Nigeria’s economy.
The letter, read in part: “Poor Nigerians have continued to pay the price for the widespread and grand corruption in the oil sector.
“Despite the country’s enormous oil wealth, ordinary Nigerians have derived very little benefit from oil money primarily because of widespread grand corruption, and the entrenched culture of impunity of perpetrators
“According to the 2021 annual audited report by the Auditor-General of the Federation, the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) in 2021 reportedly paid over N25 billion [N25,607,890,403.11] for ‘contracts without any supporting documents.’
“The Auditor-General fears ‘the money may have been diverted.’ He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.’
“The PTDF also reportedly failed to account for over N326 million [N326,065,638.00] deposited in two banks. The Auditor-General fears the money may be missing and wants it recovered and remitted to the treasury.
“The PTDF reportedly failed to account for over N107 million [N107,691,733.93] being money for ‘the supply,
installation, and commissioning of Library automation system and RFID at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI).’
“The contract for the library ‘was awarded without the prior approval from the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). The Auditor-General fears ‘the money may have been diverted.’ He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury
“The PTDF reportedly paid over N46 million [N46,974,216.43] to ‘three companies for services without evidence of execution.’ ‘One of the contractors was engaged on 13th April 2021 but was paid for services rendered in March 2021. All the three contractors were paid for periods they had not rendered the services to the PTDF.’
“The Auditor-General fears ‘the money may have been diverted.’ He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.
The PTDF also reportedly failed to remit over N60 million [N60,355,670.03] of ‘stamp duty from the capital expenditure contracts awarded in 2019 and 2020.’ The PTDF ‘provided no reason why the money was not remitted.’
“The Auditor-General fears ‘the money may have been diverted.’ He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.
“The PTDF also reportedly failed to account for over N64 million [N64,088,158.44] ‘being payment for store items not supplied.” The Auditor-General fears ‘the money may have been diverted.’ He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury
“The PTDF also reportedly paid over N41 million [N41,367,493.50] ‘for services not yet performed or goods not yet supplied.’ The payments were made ‘without relevant supporting documents such as invoices, receipts.’
“The Auditor-General fears ‘the money may have been diverted.’ He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.’
“The Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources reportedly spent over N137 million [N137,751,789.85] ‘from the Capital Vote for expenditures which were recurrent in nature without any approval by the National Assembly and the Minister of Finance.’
“The Auditor-General fears the money may be missing. He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury. He also wants sanctions applied ‘for gross misconduct specified in paragraph 3129 of the Financial Regulations 2009.’
“The Ministry reportedly failed to account for over N232 million [N232,509,238.21] ‘being payments to seven companies for consultancy services for stakeholders’ engagement in the Niger Delta in January 2021.’
“According to the Auditor-General, ‘the type of engagements and the reasons for contracting the seven companies were not stated. The venue of the engagement remains unknown. This spending of public funds appeared fictitious.’
“The Auditor-General fears ‘the money may have been diverted.’ He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.’
The Ministry also reportedly failed to remit over N25 million [N25,516,938.00] of ‘taxes collected from payments of N137,929,394.58] made to contractors.’ The Auditor-General fears ‘the money may have been diverted.’ He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.
“The Ministry also reportedly failed to account for over N43 million
[N43,533,036.65] ‘being irregular payments for the replacement of broken ceiling.’
The Auditor-General fears ‘the money may have been diverted.’ He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.’
“The Ministry failed to account for over N74 million [N74,721,625.03] ‘being payments made as cash advances granted to officers between March and December 2021 without retirement.’ The Auditor-General fears ‘the money may have been diverted’, and wants it recovered and remitted to the treasury.
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.
“The country’s wealth ought to be used solely for the benefit of the Nigerian people, and for the sake of the present and future generations.
“These allegations can promptly be investigated and fairly prosecuted. Taking these steps would advance the right of Nigerians to restitution, compensation and guarantee of non-repetition
“Section 13 of the Nigerian Constitution imposes clear responsibility on your government to conform to, observe and apply the provisions of Chapter 2 of the constitution.”
“Section 15(5) imposes the responsibility on your government to abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power
“Under Section 16(1) of the Constitution, your government has a responsibility to ‘secure the maximum welfare, freedom and happiness of every citizen on the basis of social justice and equality of status and opportunity.’
“Section 16(2) further provides that, ‘the material resources of the nation are harnessed and distributed as best as possible to serve the common good.’
The UN Convention against Corruption and the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption to which Nigeria is a state party obligate your government to effectively prevent and investigate the plundering of the country’s wealth and hold public
officials to account for any violations.
“Specifically, article 26 of the UN convention requires your government to ensure ‘effective, proportionate and dissuasive sanctions’ including criminal and non-criminal sanctions, in cases of grand corruption.
“Article 26 complements the more general requirement of article 30, paragraph 1, that sanctions must take into account the gravity of the corruption allegations.”
News
Soldiers, Policemen restore peace to seven warring Communities after death of 23 persons
Soldiers, Policemen restore peace to seven warring Communities
Calm has returned to seven warring communities after no fewer than 23 persons were feared dead with several others injured in an attacks in Ovia South West Local Government of Edo.
The affected communities included Marindoti, Gbelemontin Domiju, Kola Village, Taiye Camp, Eto Camp, Dipe Community, Bala Dele Community, and Thousand Community.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) gathered that the settlements were predominantly inhabited by farmers from various ethnic backgrounds, including Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, and Benin.
Eyewitnesses reported that the assailants, believed to be militants from nearby creeks, stormed the settlements early on Feb. 21, shooting indiscriminately, setting houses ablaze, and other properties.
The onslaught forced residents to flee en masse, abandoning their homes and livelihoods.
One of the witnesses described the attacks as a reprisal for the killing of a suspected cocoa thief by local vigilantes employed by the farmers.
This incident escalated existing tensions between the farmers and the alleged militants, who had previously been accused of encroaching on farmlands and stealing produce.
CSP Moses Yamu, Spokesman of the police command, said on Sunday, that operatives of the Iguobazuwa Police Division, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and the local Vigilantes had intervened.
Yamu said the police had evacuated the casualties to the hospital.
“The joint operation has restored peace to the communities.
“However, investigation into the cause of the clash has equally commenced.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Betty Otimenyin, has vowed that no stone would be left unturned in order to unravel the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate and avoidable incident,” he said.
A NAN correspondent, who visited the scene, however, observed a mass exodus of displaced persons carrying their belongings, seeking refuge in safer areas.
Many homes were reduced to ashes, and the once-thriving farming communities now resembled ghost towns.
Speaking with NAN, Igbala Obazuaye, the head of Marindoti community, said they had been farming in the area for years, but trouble started for them when some youth began to demand for royalties from them.
“It started in 1998 when some youths began encroaching on our land, stealing our crops, and kidnapping our people, notwithstanding the payment of the royalties,” he said.
Obazuaye, who sustained bullet wounds, said the asailiants evaded the community around 8 a.m killing seven persons in his community alone.
According to him, the assailants burnt cocoa, kola nut and cash crops worth more than N20 million.
He appealed for the establishment of a police station, and assistance in rebuilding their communities.
Also, Nafisat Abdulazeez, a resident of Dipe community, described the experience as traumatic, calling for an immediate intervention of Gov. Monday Okpebholo.
She told NAN that no fewer than 15 persons were killed in her Dipe community, while several others had gone missing.
“They came into our community, shooting and burning houses. They killed 15 people, and many more were injured.
“They even burnt my own house, and my family was forced to flee,” she said.
A resident, Mr Joseph Otu refuted the claim that the attack was communal, saying it was unprovoked attacks by militants aiming to extort and terrorise peaceful farmers.
Otu also urged authorities to deploy security forces to safeguard the area, highlighting the communities’ significant contributions to the state’s economy through the cultivation of crops like cocoa, kola nuts, and plantain.
On his part, Usman Mukaila of Dipe community, lauded the immediate deployment of men of the 4 Brigade of the Nigeran Army, Brig-Gen. Ebenezer Oduyebo, calling for an establishment of Army base in the area.
“We commend the Commander of the 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Benin, for the immediate intervention and deployment of soldiers.
“That has helped to calm the situation for now. If not for him, the rest people would have gone. We also thank the governor.
“We, however, urge him to bring a permanent Army base to this area. We really need his help. You can see all our women and children leaving,” he said. (NAN)
News
Babangida must be prosecuted over his role in annulment of June 12 1993 election – Group
Babangida must be prosecuted over his role in annulment of June 12 1993 election – Group
A well-known Nigerian human rights organisation has described the role of former military leader General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, in the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election as a “coup d’état” against Nigeria’s democracy, thereby calling for his prosecution.
After Babangida openly admitted his role in the annulment, the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) made the demand.
The former monarch was accused by the group of trying to mislead Nigerians into thinking he acted in good faith, and they condemned his admission.
In a statement signed by CDHR President Debo Adeniran, the group called the annulment “reckless, illegal, and unconstitutional,” arguing that it remains one of the worst injustices inflicted upon Nigeria, severely undermining democracy and plunging the nation into political instability.
The 1993 election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s most free and fair, was set to declare business magnate Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola as president. However, Babangida abruptly annulled the results on June 23, sparking widespread protests and unrest across the country. This move paved the way for a prolonged period of military rule and social upheaval.
CDHR claims that Babangida’s public acknowledgment is a direct admission of his involvement in an act that led to years of political chaos, economic hardship, and civil unrest.
The group insists that his actions meet the criteria for crimes against humanity and should be prosecuted accordingly.
The rights organization has called on President Bola Tinubu to take immediate action against Babangida, asserting that his confession provides enough grounds for legal action.
“We urge President Tinubu to prosecute General Babangida for crimes against humanity and for orchestrating a coup d’état that undermined the democratic will of Nigerians,” the statement declared.
CDHR also called for posthumous recognition of MKO Abiola as a former Nigerian president and urged penalties for those who benefited from the annulment.
The organisation appealed to international human rights bodies to ensure that justice is served.
Babangida, who served as Nigeria’s military president from 1985 to 1993, has yet to publicly respond to the calls for his prosecution.
News
Vigilante personnel arrested for allegedly killing, burning Resident ’s body
Vigilante personnel arrested for allegedly killing, burning Resident’s body
A local vigilante member in Benin City has been arrested by the Edo State Police after allegedly murdering an artisan and burning his body in a chilling act of violence.
The arrest was confirmed by Moses Yamu, the Public Relations Officer for the Edo State Police Command, who spoke about the incident on Sunday.
According to Yamu, the suspect was detained after a distress call was made to the Textile Mill Road Division at approximately 8:00 a.m. on February 20, 2025.
The caller reported discovering the body of a middle-aged man covered in sawdust and burning near a sawmill.
Upon arriving at the scene, police officers found the body still ablaze beneath the pile of sawdust.
The body was immediately taken to a nearby hospital for examination, where authorities discovered a gunshot wound to the back of the victim’s neck, raising serious concerns about the cause of death.
“The investigation is underway, and we have one suspect in custody who was the security guard at the sawmill during the incident,” Yamu said.
“The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further inquiry. Once the investigation concludes, the suspect will be charged with murder.”
The victim, later identified as Lasan Osaze Erhabor, reportedly had an ongoing dispute with the vigilante member.
On the night of the tragic event, Erhabor and a friend were returning home when they were confronted by the suspect near the sawmill.
Armed with a double-barrel shotgun, the vigilante allegedly questioned Erhabor about his late return and accused him of attempting to steal from the sawmill.
Witnesses say the suspect then shot Erhabor, killing him instantly.
The vigilante is said to have dragged the body into the sawmill, covered it with sawdust, and set it on fire in a bid to destroy any evidence of the crime.
Soldiers, Policemen restore peace to seven warring Communities after death of 23 persons
Babangida must be prosecuted over his role in annulment of June 12 1993 election – Group
Vigilante personnel arrested for allegedly killing, burning Resident ’s body
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