Miners owe FG over N2tn~ Dele Alake.

Miners owe FG over N2tn~ Dele Alake.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has said that miners and operators in the sector owed the Federal Government more than N2 trillion.

This is as the minister stressed that the current administration of President Bola Tinubu is determined to halt the activities of illegal miners across the country.

Alake described the activities of illegal miners as a huge crime against Nigeria and Nigerians, which he said, was unacceptable.

The minister stated this during a meeting with Licensed Minerals Holders, Laterite /Sand Operators Dealers in Kaduna State, on Thursday.

He said, “Miners and Operators owed the federal government more than N2trn” while “in Kaduna State, it’s over N300bn.”

“We have made it very clear that in Kaduna State, every operator should make bold steps and clear their debt,” the minister, represented by the Acting Zonal Mines Officer, North-West Zonal Office, Kutman Hosea Ali, said.

Meanwhile, the minister has directed the Special Mines Taskforce activated in Kaduna State to clamp down on illegal miners and nonpayment of royalties which must be paid monthly as well as other taxes to the apex government.

The Special Mines Surveillance Taskforce is comprised of members from the Nigeria Army, Police, Civil Defence Corp, Department of State Security Services, operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and Nigeria Immigration Service while the team is headed by Mines officers in the state.

He also faulted the non-remittance of money collected as royalties and taxes on mineral resources to the federal government, warning that defaulting states would henceforth be penalized.

According to him, mining is on the exclusive list as such it is only controlled by the federal government while the state and local governments are not allowed to collect royalties or any mining tax.

 Alake demands justice for slain Ekiti monarchs, rescue of kidnapped pupils 

“Let me clarify it, state government and local government are entitled to collect other taxes such as ground rent and other taxes but they are not to collect royalty and tax on mining

“Any state government or any local government that collects money in the name of Royalty or Mineral Tax will be deducted from the source allocated to the State.

“The Special Mines Taskforce has been activated in Kaduna State and they had commenced operation on the war against illegal Mining and nonpayment of royalties which must be paid monthly as well as other taxes to the Government of Nigeria,” the minister added.

He warned miners and operators against going to the field without a mining license while noting that those who had obtained their license “should report to the Mines Office, Kaduna to collect permit to mobilise to site”.

He said the purpose of the meeting was to unveil the ministry’s plan for miners and operators for 2024 and beyond.

Alake explained that the mining sector under the administration of President Tinubu was given a top priority, noting that the importance of the meeting cannot be overemphasized.

In his brief remarks, the Chairman of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Kaduna branch, Ado Dogo, represented by the Secretary of the association, Kashim Hussaini, said the interface between miners and the regulators became imperative.

He decried what he termed the interference of state governors in mining activities while stressing the need for state governors to respect the laws guiding mining activities in their various states.

“We as miners know we are operating within a state, local government, and even down to villages but sometimes, state governors can stop you from working. Meanwhile, this mining operation is what we are doing by contributing to the federation account,” he said.

IG meets Ekiti governor, Senate leader over attacks.

IG meets Ekiti governor, Senate leader over attacks.

The Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, on Thursday, met with the Ekiti State Governor, Abiodun Oyebanji, and the Senate Majority Leader, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele, at the Force Headquarters.

The meeting focused on the circumstances surrounding the violent attacks that occurred in Emure-Ekiti leading to the murder of two traditional rulers, and the abduction of pupils and teachers.

This was as President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, ordered the police boss to ensure that the perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted.

The Force Public Relations Officer, in a statement on Thursday, said following the President’s order, the IG ordered the deployment of a police helicopter, Armoured Personnel Carriers, Police Intelligence Response Team and Special Tactical Squad operatives, and police Mobile Force personnel, to argument the manpower already deployed to the state for special operations.

The FPRO had earlier revealed that the Nigeria Police Force had arrested 13 suspects in connection with the violent attacks, following a preliminary investigation.

Revealing the latest development, Adejobi said, “Following the recent security situation in Ekiti State, and an earlier statement where the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, ordered strategic deployments to deal with the incidents, the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Tinubu, has ordered the IG to ensure that all the perpetrators are apprehended and caused to face the full wrath of the law.

“This was made known during the visit of the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, and the Senate Majority Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, to the Inspector General of Police at the Force Headquarters today, February 1, 2024, to address the incidents in a bid to finding a lasting solution to them.”

He noted that the IG expressed the commitment of the Force to addressing the challenge, ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to book and the kidnapped pupils rescued unhurt.

“In addition, the IG has ordered the deployment of police helicopter, Armored Personnel Carriers, IRT and STS operatives, and Police Mobile Force personnel, to argue the manpower already deployed to Ekiti for the special operations,” he added.

Earlier on Thursday, Egbetokun, ordered the immediate deployment of Assistant Inspector General of Police, Abiodun Asabi to Zone 17, Akure, Ondo State, along with additional personnel and assets.

The Zone 17 zonal command of the Nigeria Police Force headquartered in Akure, Ondo State, has a total land mass of about 21,853 square kilometers, and comprises Ondo and Ekiti State police commands, with its headquarters domiciled.

The FPRO who revealed the developments in a statement on Thursday, noted that the aim of the deployments was to ensure swift restoration of peace and order in the affected areas.

Adejobi said, “The Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, strongly condemns the recent killing of two traditional rulers – Oba Olusola Olatunji, the Olumojo of Imojo-Ekiti, and Oba David Ogunsakin, the Elesun of Esun-Ekiti in Ekiti State, and the abduction of school pupils and teachers in Emure-Ekiti.

“The IG has therefore taken immediate steps to address the security challenges in the region. To ensure the swift restoration of peace and order, the IG has ordered the immediate deployment of Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Abiodun Asabi to Zone 17 Akure, along with additional personnel and assets.

“The newly posted AIG has been tasked with overseeing a comprehensive and coordinated security response to bring an end to the unfortunate security incidents in Ekiti, and parts of Ondo State and ensure proper coordination among security agencies for optimum effectiveness in tackling the security concerns within Ekiti State.

“The Inspector-General expresses his deepest condolences to the Government and people of Ekiti State, the families and loved ones of the deceased traditional rulers whose lives were tragically cut short during these incidents.

“Preliminary investigations have led to the arrest of 13 suspects who are currently assisting the Police with the investigation process.

“The Inspector General of Police hereby reiterates the commitment of the NPF to ensuring that justice is served, and those responsible for these heinous acts are brought to book while assuring the public that every necessary measure will be taken to apprehend the perpetrators and prevent a recurrence of such incidents.

“Members of the public are urged to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative with the Police and other security agencies, as we work to restore peace and security to the affected areas.”

Intensified Security Collaboration: Gov Oyebanji Engages Military and Police Chiefs for Safety and Security.

Intensified Security Collaboration: Gov Oyebanji Engages Military and Police Chiefs for Safety and Security.                                                    By Olamide Akinwumi.   

In a bid to bolster safety and security measures within Ekiti State, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, flanked by Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, embarked on strategic meetings with top military and police officials in Abuja on Thursday, 1st February.

The first of these crucial meetings took place at the Defence Headquarters, where Governor Oyebanji and Senator Bamidele conferred with the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa. The focus of the dialogue was the prevailing security situation in Ekiti State, with a concerted effort to forge stronger collaboration with the military to eradicate criminal elements.

General Musa, representing the military top hierarchy, assured the governor of unwavering support in the state's battle against criminality. The discussions underscored the commitment to working hand in hand to ensure the safety and well-being of the residents of Ekiti.

Continuing their pursuit of enhanced security measures, Governor Oyebanji and Senator Bamidele later met with Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, at the Force Headquarters in Abuja. The meeting delved into strategic approaches to reinforce policing within the state, addressing specific security challenges.

During the meeting, the Inspector General of Police assured the Ekiti State delegation of increased security presence and a proactive approach to tackling security concerns. The collaboration between the state government and the police force aims to create a safer environment for all residents.

Governor Oyebanji emphasized the significance of these collaborations in ensuring the overall well-being of the state, expressing gratitude for the support received from both the military and police. The proactive engagements with security agencies highlight the government's commitment to fostering a secure and peaceful environment for all Ekiti residents.

As Ekiti State continues to navigate the challenges posed by criminal elements, these strategic meetings underscore the importance of unified efforts between the state government, military, and police in the pursuit of lasting security solutions.

EFCC goes after church for receiving N7bn fraud proceeds.

EFCC goes after church for receiving N7bn fraud proceeds.

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, has revealed that the anti-graft agency traced the sum of N7bn, suspected to be proceeds of money laundering, to a religious organisation.

He said another religious group was found to be laundering money for terrorists.

The EFCC chairman made the revelation on Wednesday at the Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, during a one-day dialogue on “Youth, Religion, and the Fight against Corruption.”

He said some of the religious organisations, institutions, sects, and bodies in the country had been found to be aiding and abetting fraudsters and terrorists.

Olukoyede stated that the EFCC discovered the laundered N7bn in the bank account of a religious organisation in the course of investigating a N13bn fraud.

Though he did not reveal the identity of the religious organisation, a source in the anti-agency privy to the case told our correspodent that it was a church.

The EFCC chairman vowed that the anti-graft agency would recover the money through the court.

Olukoyede said, “We were investigating a N13bn money laundering case when we discovered that N7bn of the N13bn was linked to a religious organisation’s bank account.

“When we approached the religious organisation about it and we were carrying out our investigation, we got a restraining order stopping us from carrying out our investigation.”

Olukoyede, however, said the EFCC would not give up on the investigation as the restraining court order had been appealed.

Meanwhile, the EFCC chairman said the anti-graft agency also uncovered another unnamed religious body laundering money for a terrorist organisation.

“No one will be spared, we’ll probe everyone who is suspected to be committing financial crimes, and these includes members of the executive, legislative, and judiciary arms of government,” Olukoyede added.

He said since his assumption of office as the EFCC chairman about three months ago, the anti-graft agency had secured 747 convictions, mostly cybercrime.

He said the one–day event, tagged “Youth, Religion and the Fight Against Corruption,” was aimed at addressing the challenges of youth involvement in cybercrimes and how religion could be used as a weapon for their reorientation.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu at the event, spoke extensively about the need to curb corruption in government and among the young people.

Other dignitaries present at the dialogue were the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), a former Minister of Power, Babatunde Fashola, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, the President, Christian Association of Nigeria,Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the Chairperson, Nigeria Committee of Vice Chancellors, Prof. Lilian Salami, and the Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede.

Tinubu orders AGF, Lokpobiri to end $1.3bn oil block dispute.

Tinubu orders AGF, Lokpobiri to end $1.3bn oil block dispute.

President Bola Tinubu has ordered the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, and other agencies of government to clear all court cases around the $1.3bn deepwater OPL 245 oil block located in southern Niger Delta.

Other agencies that also received the order include the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission and Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.

Lokpobiri disclosed this in Abuja on Wednesday, as he revealed that parties in the deal were currently negotiating to end the over 28 years crisis and litigations surrounding the prolific oil block in the next one month.

The Malabu OPL 245 deal and subsequent litigation with the Nigerian government is a complex and long-standing saga involving allegations of corruption, fraud, and legal battles.

The oil block in question, OPL 245, is considered one of Nigeria’s most prolific oil blocks. In 1998, Malabu Oil and Gas, a company with links to former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum, Dan Etete, acquired the block for $2m.

In 2001, the Federal Government under former President Olusegun Obasanjo revoked Malabu’s license due to “questionable practices.”

In 2006, Malabu challenged the revocation in court, eventually reaching an out-of-court settlement with the government under former President Umaru Yar’Adua.

In 2011, Shell and Eni, two major oil companies, acquired the block for $1.3bn from Malabu in a deal approved by the Nigerian government.

But since then there have been allegations and litigations, as Transparency International and other anti-corruption groups alleged bribery and corruption in the deal, with funds allegedly funneled to Nigerian government officials.

This resulted in litigations involving Nigeria versus Eni and Shell, as the Nigerian government under former President Muhammadu Buhari pursued legal action against Eni, Shell, and Malabu, alleging corruption in the deal.

Commeting on the issue, Lokpobiri said, “The previous administration initiated most of the cases that we are talking about today, and they took us to court, while we took Eni, Malabu, others to different courts in Europe, Canada, etc, but we didn’t win any of the cases.

“To even shock you, there is one that got us a penalty of over 70 million pounds. How did that happen?”

 He explained that JP Morgan sued the government for trying to dent its image in the saga, adding that the penalty was now binding on Nigeria.

 “So we have been fined over 70 million pounds by the court. Who will pay that? You and I will pay that, or our children will pay, because it is a judgement debt. And in all the ones that we pursue both in Switzerland and other locations, we have no evidence to get conviction.

“And so it makes sense for this government to come and say that for 28 years, this block has been idle. This block is a prolific block that will add so much value to our economy, so let’s see how we can resolve the problem.

“So we are talking to Eni and Shell, and saying let’s sit down and see how we can resolve all the problems. We have taken you to court on multiple occasions, you have also taken us to court, but let’s see how we can resolve these problems,” the minister stated.

He noted that at the last meeting, “we said parties should go on with negotiations and within one month we convene and see how we will be able to sort out all the issues so that the investment can continue.”

Asked to state the parties of the Federal Government interfacing with Eni and Shell, he replied, “The Attorney-General of the Federation is the one leading the delegation. We have the NUPRC, EFCC, NNPC, and the Minister of State for Petroleum.

“So we are very transparent about this process. We have the full government in resolving this matter. Everything is being done transparently. This process has nothing to benefit the President as an individual.

“But as President and Commander-in-Chief, his interest is the welfare of Nigerians and to attract requisite investments to the sector so that Nigerians can benefit from this God-given natural resources.

“And this block has been embroiled in one form of litigation or the other for 28 years. It doesn’t make any sense for us to continue dragging the case, because again, the world is moving towards the abandonment of fossil fuels.”

Lokpobiri stated that if Nigeria fails to get the investments in the block now, the country would never be able to attract capital to invest, because it would require billions of dollars.

The block had witnessed international cases as investigations and legal cases were also opened in the United States, United Kingdom, Italy, and Netherlands.

On the outcomes, it was reported that in 2018, the US Department of Justice closed its investigation without charges. In 2020, the US Securities and Exchange Commission closed its investigation without finding evidence of wrongdoing.

In 2021, the Italian court acquitted Eni, Shell, and all defendants of corruption charges. In 2022, Nigeria dropped its $1.1bn suit against Eni and lost its $1.7bn claim against JP Morgan terkait with the deal.

In 2023, the former Attorney-General, Abubakar Malami, advised Buhari to terminate further litigation due to low chances of success and potential economic benefits of developing the block.

The Malabu OPL 245 deal remains controversial, with lingering questions about corruption and the legality of the transactions. The Nigerian government is considering ending further litigation and potentially allowing development of the block to proceed.

The Malabu OPL 245 case highlights the challenges of corruption in the extractive industries and the complexities of international legal battles involving multiple jurisdictions.

The case also raises questions about the role of Western oil companies in potentially fueling corruption in resource-rich countries

Makinde gives companies with explosives 72-hour ultimatum.

Makinde gives companies with explosives 72-hour ultimatum.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Wednesday, signed into law Executive Order 001, 2024 on the handling and storage of harmful substances in the state.

In a section of the order, the governor gave 72 hours ultimatum to anyone in the state in possession of any kind of explosives to declare them.

The new law came about two weeks after an explosion rocked the state capital, Ibadan, on January 16, killing five persons, and injuring 77 others with 58 houses destroyed in the Adeyi area of Old Bodija, Ibadan.

While the Federal Government has launched a probe into the incident, Makinde had said preliminary investigation linked the explosion to some explosives illegally stored in the residential area by some miners.

 “Failure to comply with the provisions of this Executive Order, including the doing of any act with respect to, or omission to take proper precautions against any probable danger from any explosive in possession of any person, shall constitute an offence and shall be punishable under Chapter 38 of the Criminal Code Law, Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria, 2000 and any other applicable Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Makinde declared.

At a brief signing ceremony at the Governor’s Office, Agodi, Ibadan, on Wednesday, Makinde said the signing of the Executive Order became imperative in the light of the January 16 incident.

According to him, the law is on the safe handling and storage of harmful substances in the state.

He expressed optimism that the new law would prevent a recurrence of the January 16 explosion in the state.

In the Executive Order, obtained by The PUNCH, the governor stated that it had become necessary to strengthen the existing regulatory framework connected with the handling of harmful substances “to ensure comprehensive risk mitigation and proactive prevention of accidents, misuse, or any other illegal or criminal activity involving harmful articles or substances.”

He declared, “Pursuant to Sections 5(2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), and all other laws and enabling powers in that regard I, Engr. Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde (FNSE), the Executive Governor of Oyo State of Nigeria, hereby makes the following order:

 “All individuals resident in, and companies operating within Oyo State, in possession of (directly, indirectly or constructively by virtue of company directorship) harmful articles or substances of any kind (i.e., that can be detonated by pressure, heat, impact trigger, fuse, proximity, timing-device, remote control or howsoever), irrespective of quantity or purpose, or hazard characteristics, are hereby mandated to immediately notify the Special Adviser to the Governor of Oyo State on Security of such possession.

 “Notification in paragraph 1 above, in respect of such substances already in possession as at the effective date of this order, shall be made within 72 hours of the effective date of this order, and subsequently, not later than 24 hours upon coming in possession of any such substances; and must include a comprehensive inventory detailing: the type, quantity, and precise location of all such substances possessed; the purpose of possession and any relevant licences or permits held; and security measures currently in place for storage and handling.”

 Ibadan explosion: Malian miner denies ownership of building, urges thorough investigation

Makinde further ordered: “Upon receiving notification, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, in collaboration with the relevant security agencies, particularly the Nigerian Army Bomb Disposal Squad through the Office of the Garrison Commander, Ibadan, the Department of State Services, and the Nigeria Police Force Explosive Ordinance Disposal Technicians, shall expeditiously assess the risk posed by each reported case of such harmful substances’ possession.

 “Cases deemed high-risk due to quantity, type, or storage conditions shall be prioritised for immediate evacuation and secure storage in the Magazines of the Nigerian Army or in any other safe location as determined by the BDS and/or the EOD,” adding, “All cases deemed high-risk shall be immediately isolated, disarmed and where necessary disposed of by the BDS and the EOD.

 “For the avoidance of doubt, high-risk shall include cases of exceeding designated safe quantities; storage in unapproved or unsafe locations; where applicable possession is without or with fake End User Certificate issued by the Office of the National Security Adviser/without or with fake license/permit from the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development; or lacking proper security measures or raising concerns about potential misuse.”

He stressed that evacuation and storage shall be conducted by trained personnel of BDS and/or EOD and transported to designated state-approved facilities equipped with appropriate safety and security measures.

 “Any company operating within Oyo State, manufacturing, storing, in possession of, distributing, purchasing, selling, transporting or howsoever dealing in, or using harmful articles or substances (with the characteristics listed in paragraph 1(1) above) for their operations shall file their Disaster Management and Mitigation Plans on the storage, transportation and handling such articles or substances together with photocopy of the End User Certificate and licence/permit from FMMSD for every consignment or supply received by such companies to the Office the Special Adviser to the Governor of Oyo State on Security not later than the fifth (5th) day of every month,” the governor added.

On the cost of logistics, Makinde ordered that “The cost of logistics related to the evacuation and storage of harmful articles or substances, including transportation, manpower, and any use of specialised equipment, shall be borne by the individual or company in possession of such harmful articles or substances.

 “Where the state government, due to urgency or high-risk situations, incurs the initial cost of logistics, the affected individual or company shall be required to reimburse the state in full within seven days of movement of such harmful articles or substances.

 “The Special Adviser on Security to the Governor, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and any other relevant security agencies, is authorised to take all necessary measures to ensure compliance with and enforce the provisions of this Order, including arrests, conducting inspections, and seizing non-compliant harmful articles or substances.”

According to the governor, the Executive Order takes effect immediately.

The governor proceeded to the ground zero of the blast after signing the Order.

While speaking with newsmen, Makinde said, “I just signed an Executive Order on the handling and storage of harmful substances. If you are caught in the state not following the law, the law will take its full course. There is zero tolerance on handling of harmful substances.”

Rethinking Nigeria's Constitutional Framework: A Call for Restructuring Beyond Security.

Rethinking Nigeria's Constitutional Framework: A Call for Restructuring Beyond Security.

ByAdl.

In addressing the pressing challenges facing Nigeria today, the analogy of sending a blind man into a dark room to find a nonexistent black shirt vividly fits the inefficiency of our current constitutional framework. To effectively combat pervasive insecurity, a fundamental restructuring is not just desirable but imperative.

Former NBA President, Chief Wole Olanipekun SAN, boldly declares the current constitution as "fake," emphasizing the need for a humane and adaptable legal foundation. However, the challenge lies not only in legal realms but extends to a broader spectrum, necessitating a comprehensive restructuring approach that goes beyond just security concerns.

The urgency for a decentralized security approach becomes evident in the face of our current escalating security challenges. Empowering individual states with autonomy to tailor security measures according to their unique challenges not only promotes proactive solutions to local issues but also instills a sense of cohesion among regional leaders.

Chief Olanipekun's assertion sheds light on a pervasive issue – the current constitution's inadequacy. The plea for constitutional overhaul is not a mere call for amendments but a demand for a system that resonates with the nation's diversity and addresses its dynamic challenges.

As we delve deeper into restructuring, it becomes apparent that security is just one facet of the multifaceted issue. Economic policies, resource allocation, and governance structures should all be subject to reconsideration. A decentralized model would provide states the flexibility to respond swiftly to citizens' needs, fostering local development and instilling a sense of ownership among the populace.

The call for constitutional reevaluation extends beyond placing blame on Governors for security failures and lapses. It is a recognition of the need for a system that adapts to the evolving challenges of a diverse and dynamic nation. In the absence of such restructuring, the risk of perpetuating a cycle of blame without effective solutions remains.

The notion that lawyers and judges apply the law as it is, not as it ought to be, underscores the practical limitations within the existing constitutional framework. Chief Olanipekun's emphasis on the "fake" nature of the Constitution challenges us to question not just the legality but the functionality of our governing principles.

To break free from the current cycle of blame and ineffectiveness, embracing a flexible and decentralized approach becomes paramount. This approach could unearth innovative solutions and mobilize collective efforts toward a more secure and prosperous future. Restructuring offers an opportunity to redefine our nation's trajectory, moving away from the constraints of an outdated constitution towards a more adaptive and responsive governance model.

In conclusion, the call for restructuring is not merely a critique of the existing constitutional framework; it is a rallying cry for a more resilient, responsive, and adaptable system. Whether addressing security challenges, economic policies, or governance structures, a decentralized model provides the necessary flexibility to navigate the diverse landscape of Nigeria. Embracing this restructuring imperative is not just a legal necessity but a strategic move towards a more secure, accountable, and prosperous future for the nation. 

I am Adl.