The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has purchased two cargoes of crude oil from the United Arab Emirates, UAE.

S&P Global Commodity Insights reported that the latest crude import from the UAE is the first-ever procurement of Middle Eastern crude as the plant expands its feedstock sources amid persistent domestic supply constraints from Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL.

The refinery, designed primarily to process Nigeria’s light sweet crude, has increasingly diversified its crude slate as operations ramp up optimally.

According to S&P Global, the refinery has been broadening the range of crude grades it processes as part of its ambition to operate as a fully merchant refinery. The report said that in 2025, about 70 per cent of the refinery’s crude imports came from Nigeria, while 24 per cent originated from the United States.

It would be recalled that the NNPCL had guaranteed the supply of between 13 and 15 cargoes of Nigerian crude monthly in naira in an agreement called the naira-for-crude deal, helping the refinery reduce its foreign exchange exposure.

However, despite the deal, domestic crude supply to the mega-refinery had been facing constraints.

Speaking earlier this year, Bird said the refinery intended to increase the share of heavier crude grades in its feedstock mix. “We definitely want to heavy up the barrel,” Bird said in April.

The reports said that crude oil prices had eased to less than $70 per barrel last week but began rising on Monday following the latest strikes by the United States and Iran despite the completion of the peace deal.

The presidential candidate of Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, has urged the Federal Government to prioritise the rehabilitation and maintenance of existing road infrastructure rather than embarking on new road construction projects.

Obi made the call in a statement posted on his official Facebook page, where he reiterated his long-held position that repairing Nigeria’s critical road network should take precedence over announcing new projects.

According to him, many of the country’s major highways have deteriorated to the point of becoming a burden on commuters, businesses and transport operators, stressing that available resources should be channelled towards restoring existing roads to motorable condition.

He cited the Asaba–Benin Road as an example of a strategic highway that requires urgent intervention, noting that it serves as a major link for travellers from Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Rivers, Imo, Ebonyi, Cross River, Abia, Enugu, and parts of Benue and Kogi states travelling to Lagos.

Obi said the deplorable condition of large sections of the road has resulted in persistent traffic congestion and imposed significant hardship on motorists and commercial activities.

He added that the situation on the Asaba–Benin Road mirrors the condition of many other critical highways across the country.

“Our efforts should be directed towards the reconstruction and maintenance of our current road infrastructure before we announce plans for new road projects. The Nigerian populace requires functional and motorable roads, not merely projects that garner public attention,” he said.

The former Anambra State governor also argued that projects designed for political visibility should not take precedence over addressing the urgent need to rehabilitate existing road infrastructure.

He maintained that investing in the restoration of critical highways would deliver greater benefits to Nigerians than embarking on new road dualisation and construction projects with limited immediate impact.

Obi ended the statement with his familiar refrain, expressing optimism that “A New Nigeria is Possible.”

Justice Mohammed Garba Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered that the activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore, be returned to Kuje prison pending the Court’s decision on his plea for bail.

The Judge yesterday, fixed June 30 for ruling on Sowore’s motion seeking the restoration of his bail and the setting aside of a bench warrant issued against him.

Justice Umar adjourned the matter after parties adopted their processes in the application.

It would be recalled that the court had on June 16, revoked Sowore’s bail, and issued a bench warrant for his arrest after he failed to appear in court for his trial regarding alleged cybercrime and criminal defamation.

The Department of State Services is prosecuting Sowore for alleged criminal defamation over claims that he referred to President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal” in posts made on his official X and Facebook accounts.

Sowore has pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The court had on Monday, ordered the remand of the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress at the Kuje Correctional Centre, pending the determination of his application seeking a stay of execution of an earlier order revoking his bail.

At the resumed hearing on Wednesday, Sowore’s counsel, R.O. Adakole, alongside C.S. Etonyeaku, holding the brief of Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN), informed the court that the defendant had filed a motion on notice dated June 17 and filed on June 19, 2026.

The application, brought pursuant to Sections 35(4), 36(1) and 6(6)(a) and (b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), Sections 169 and 352 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, and the inherent jurisdiction of the court, sought 12 reliefs.

Among the reliefs sought were an order setting aside the court’s June 16 order revoking the defendant’s bail, an order vacating the bench warrant issued against him, and an order restoring the status quo and the earlier bail conditions.

The defence said it relied on a 34-paragraph affidavit deposed to by one Emmanuel Larry, and a written address filed in support of the application.

Counsel further informed the court that a “better” 36-paragraph affidavit, deposed to by one Sodiq Temitope, was filed on June 24, alongside a reply on points of law dated June 23.

Adopting the processes, the defence urged the court to “grant the application as prayed in the interest of justice. We also urge the court to discountenance the affidavit of the complainant.”

Responding, prosecuting counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, said the Federal Government had filed a 25-paragraph counter-affidavit deposed to by one Moses Madara, and a written address in opposition to the application.

He said the prosecution was relying on all the paragraphs of the affidavit, particularly paragraphs 10 to 23.

“We shall be relying on the aforementioned processes, urging your Lordship to refuse the application, as the applicant has not placed truthful facts before this honourable court that are capable of swaying the mind of the court to exercise its discretion in favour of the applicant,” Kehinde said.

After hearing the parties, Justice Umar adjourned the matter to the 30th of June, 2026 for ruling.

Following the adjournment, the defence orally applied for Sowore to be released to his legal team pending the ruling, undertaking to produce him in court on June 30.

The prosecution opposed the request, describing it as “a little bit absurd” and arguing that such an application ought to be made formally to enable the prosecution respond.

In his reply, the defence argued that releasing the defendant would not interfere with the court’s ruling and that the application was within the court’s discretion.

Counsel also informed the court that he had received information that Sowore was in a bad state of health and urged the court to grant the request.

The prosecution, however, reminded the court of “the optics of the matter” but left the decision to the discretion of the court.

Justice Umar pointed out that granting the request would defeat the purpose of adjourning the case to prepare his ruling, noting that he was yet to go through the processes filed by both parties.

He subsequently denied the application, and ordered that the defendant be returned to court for the ruling on June 30.

The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi has said the Federal Government will begin engagements with cement manufacturers from July 1st to address the rising cost of cement in the country.

Umahi revealed this at the unveiling of Lafarge’s new corporate identity, now rebranded as HBM, a member of the HUAXIN Group, at the Lagos Continental Hotel.

This was contained in a statement signed by his Media aide, Francis Nwaze, in Abuja, yesterday.

The minister said the high cost of cement was placing pressure on ongoing infrastructure projects and increasing contractors’ demands for contract variations.

“I want to insist that Lafarge, now HBM, and other manufacturers of cement should reduce their prices. We shall be engaging on this from the first of July,” Umahi stated.

“Manufacturers of cement must reduce their prices because the contractors are choking me to review their contracts. But nobody is reviewing anybody’s contract. It’s the manufacturers of cement that should review their costs,” he added.

Umahi noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is investing heavily in critical infrastructure nationwide, creating unprecedented opportunities for manufacturers and investors.

He urged HBM and other industry players to expand production capacity to meet the growing demands of the nation’s infrastructure revolution.

While commending the company on its rebranding and renewed commitment to Nigeria, the minister assured the management of government support and partnership.

He said, “I commend you very highly, and I say welcome on board, and we are going to work together. The market is smaller than the president’s efforts. So, enlarge your coast.”

The minister highlighted progress under the Renewed Hope Agenda, citing the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as evidence of the administration’s bold vision for national transformation.

He said the quality and scale of the project had attracted global attention, with foreign institutions acknowledging its standard.

“When the Dutch Bank came to evaluate our project, they said it was undervalued and that the project is of topmost quality. Today, our neighbouring nations are coming to steal the technology of the coastal highway,” Umahi stated.

Umahi expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for the leadership and political will driving the country’s infrastructure renaissance, assuring Nigerians that the administration remained on course to restore prosperity.

“I want to use this opportunity to thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and I commit that Mr. President is committed to taking this country. The President knows what he is doing. The vision and mission are achievable, and we are on course, and this country will be taken back for the good of Nigerians,” he said.

No fewer than three persons were reportedly killed after a heavy downpour triggered severe flooding across parts of Onitsha, Anambra State, on Saturday evening.

The victims were said to have been swept away by raging floodwaters that overwhelmed drainage channels and major roads within the commercial city.

Residents said two of the bodies were recovered at Akor, a location within the Onitsha metropolis, while the third victim, believed to be a commercial tricycle operator, was found near Zenith Bank by Ogboefere Market in Okpoko, Ogbaru Local Government Area. The rainfall, which began at about 5:30 p.m., caused widespread flooding as drains and gutters overflowed, disrupting vehicular movement and creating panic among motorists and residents.

Areas badly affected included New and Old Market Road, Awka Road, Oguta Road and Ojedi Road, where floodwaters submerged sections of the roads and impeded traffic flow. Eyewitnesses said motorists were forced to reverse along parts of Ojedi Road and Oguta Road to avoid being swept into deep drainage channels concealed by floodwaters.

Beyond the reported loss of lives, residents also complained of disruptions to telecommunications services, with difficulties in making calls and receiving text and WhatsApp messages since the rainstorm.

Meanwhile, the Anambra Keke Drivers Forum (AKDF) identified the deceased tricycle operator as one of its members.

In a statement, the forum identified the victim as Mmaduabuchi Elechi, whose tricycle, bearing registration number KED 142 VN, was reportedly found parked beside his body near Zenith Bank, Ogboefere Market.

The forum described the incident as tragic and appealed to members of the public, community leaders, transport unions and anyone familiar with the deceased to assist in reaching his family.

“We kindly appeal to members of the public, friends, relatives and community leaders who may know the family of the deceased to help contact his next of kin and relatives,” the statement said.

“This information is being circulated to ensure that his family is properly informed and supported during this difficult time.”

The forum also prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul and comfort for his family.

Efforts to obtain official confirmation from the Anambra State Police Command were unsuccessful, as calls and text messages sent to the Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, were not responded to as of the time of filing this report.

The Oyo State Government, yesterday, issued a seven day notice to relatives and next of kin of unclaimed corpses deposited in various public hospital mortuaries across the state to come forward for identification and claim, after which the bodies will be given a mass burial.

This was contained in a statement signed by the state Commissioner for Health, Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, in Ibadan, the state capital.

She said, “The government noted a significant increase in the number of unclaimed corpses currently deposited in mortuaries within public health facilities across the state.

“The corpses were brought to the facilities by the Nigeria Police Force, the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Nigerian Correctional Service, and other relevant agencies. Over time, the bodies have remained unclaimed, resulting in severe congestion in the affected mortuaries, many of which have now reached their storage capacities.

“In view of this development and the need to ensure the continued efficient operation of health facilities, members of the public, particularly individuals with missing relatives, are urged to visit the relevant public hospital mortuaries for the purpose of identification and possible claim of the corpses.

“Arrangements are being finalised for the conduct of a mass burial of all unclaimed corpses in the affected facilities, which will take place seven days from the date of this publication.”

Ajetunmobi further explained that the seven-day notice is intended to provide an opportunity for relatives and other concerned persons to come forward for identification before the burial exercise is carried out.

She, therefore, reiterated that the state government remained committed to maintaining acceptable public health standards and ensuring the effective management of healthcare facilities across the state.

The crisis in the Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB), took another twist yesterday as leader of the organization, Nnamdi Kanu announced the expulsion of members of the dissolved 3rd Administration of the Directorate of State, DOS, the group’s apex administrative organ.

The crisis ensued after Kanu, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, announced the dissolution of the 3rd Administration of the DOS, headed by Chika Edoziem.

He also announced the appointment of a 4th Administration, headed by Chris Nwaogu, as a replacement.

But Edoziem kicked against the development and in a counter move, issued a statement to declare that IPOB has suspended Kanu as the group’s leader.

Edoziem also announced the suspension of the spokesman, Emma Powerful.

However, IPOB, in a statement by Powerful, dismissed Kanu’s purported suspension, describing it as illegal, null and void.

The group subsequently published details of its Code of Conduct, which stated that Kanu, as leader of the group, has the exclusive authority to appoint and dissolve the DOS.

In a statement he personally signed, which was made available to journalists yesterday sunday, June 21, 2026, Kanu – who is serving a life sentence in Sokoto prison following his conviction on terrorism charges filed against him by the Nigerian government, declared that the expulsion of members of the Edoziem-led DOS is with immediate effect.

Those expelled were listed as: Chika Edoziem, Tony Nzurumike, Austin Agbanyim, Chukwudi Oforma, Isaiah Ubah, Colins Chinedu, Chinasa Nworu

Fidelis Ejiogu, Chidinma Nworu a.k.a Juliet Edward Filatro and Keke Uda.

“I, Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, Supreme Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Worldwide, Head of the Biafra Restoration Project and Director of Radio Biafra, hereby announce the indefinite expulsion of the following members of the dissolved 3rd Administration of the Directorate of State from the Indigenous People of Biafra with immediate effect:

“These individuals are hereby expelled from IPOB indefinitely. They no longer represent, speak for, or act in any capacity on behalf of the Indigenous People of Biafra,” Kanu said in the statement.

Giving a historical context of the decision, Kanu said a change of leadership in the DOS is not new, even as he explained that the tenure of the Edoziem-led team had already elapsed before he renewed its mandate.

The IPOB leader further explained that whereas the dissolution of the 3rd Administration of the DOS was an administrative action, the expulsion of the team is a disciplinary measure arising from the conduct of the affected persons.

He emphasized that all actions were taken in accordance with the IPOB Code of Conduct.

“I appointed the 3rd Administration of the Directorate of State from Kuje Prison in March 2017. The original six-month term of that administration lapsed on 16 September 2017. They were allowed to continue in office solely at my pleasure and discretion as Supreme Leader. A change of leadership in the Directorate of State is therefore not new.

“The dissolution of the 3rd Administration of the Directorate of State was an administrative action. The expulsions announced herein are disciplinary actions arising from the conduct of the affected individuals before and after that dissolution and are based upon their repeated violations of the IPOB Code of Conduct.

“The Indigenous People of Biafra is governed by its Code of Conduct, which remains the supreme governing instrument of the movement. Every officer, coordinator, representative, and member is bound by its provisions without exception. The authority to appoint, discipline, suspend, remove, dissolve, or expel any officer or administration of IPOB is vested in the office of the Supreme Leader. The expulsions announced herein are made pursuant to that authority and in accordance with the IPOB Code of Conduct,” Kanu stated.

Further stating the grounds for the expulsion, Kanu noted that the expelled individuals have been found guilty of grave breaches of the IPOB Code of Conduct and the binding constitution of the Indigenous People of Biafra.

He added, “Specific acts of misconduct include: Wilful abandonment of the Supreme Leader and other Biafrans in detention for years without providing adequate legal, welfare, or medical support; Countermanding my explicit directive for AVID, Rising Sun, and Ambassadors for Self-Determination to raise funds for my urgent medical treatment when I was critically ill in DSS custody; Persistent attacks on my lawyers and active efforts to undermine my case in court with the help of some political actors in the South-East;

“Spurious allegations against my brothers in order to damage my family name; Persistent false claim that my brothers returned me to court after the Court of Appeal discharge of 13 October 2022, when in fact it was my then legal team (including Chief Mike Ozekhome and Ifeanyi Ejiofor) that went back to court instead of filing a preliminary objection to the Federal Government’s application for stay; Repeated disregard of my warnings and instructions to change course and focus on the real issues;

“Open claim that I will not be released by President Tinubu unless I abandon Biafra, which became the basis for their widespread disobedience and sabotage; Circulation of the fabricated story that two African countries advised them to abandon me in detention;

Sustained campaign of calumny to demarket me and seize control of the movement for political interests not aligned with Biafra; Persistent attacks on anybody who has ever called for my release, including revered figures such as His Majesty Eze Agubuzu. It took special intervention for Mike Arnold not to receive the same treatment;

“Unauthorized removal of officers I appointed and replacement with persons chosen for personal loyalty;

Alteration of the IPOB oath of office to demand loyalty to themselves instead of the cause and the Supreme Leader;

Conduct calculated to weaken IPOB and render it toothless.

“Their repeated violations of the IPOB Code of Conduct and refusal to heed repeated warnings have necessitated this disciplinary action.”

Kanu warned that any person, group, or entity that deals with, associates with, hosts, platforms, or speaks on behalf of the expelled individuals “shall be regarded as acting against the interests of IPOB and Biafra”.

He directed all genuine members, coordinators and supporters of IPOB across the world to give every material and moral support to the 4th Administration of the Directorate of State led by Mazi Chris Nwaogu.

“The movement remains resolute, focused, and united under my clear leadership and vision,” Kanu declared.

The Federal Government has begun fresh efforts to harmonise tax administration in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as part of measures to end multiple taxation, improve revenue collection and support faster development across Abuja.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Taiwo Oyedele, disclosed this in a statement posted on his WhatsApp platform on Sunday after a meeting with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr Nyesom Wike.

According to Oyedele, the discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between the two ministries to drive the FCT’s development agenda, with particular attention to improving tax administration within the territory.

He said the planned harmonisation would create a more coordinated tax system that reduces the burden of multiple taxes on residents and businesses while ensuring government revenue is collected more efficiently.

“The two Ministers also reviewed plans to harmonise tax administration within the FCT,” Oyedele said.

He explained that the initiative is designed to eliminate “multiple taxation while optimising revenue generation in line with the new tax reform law, to accelerate development across the Territory.”

The Finance Minister said the meeting also explored ways to deepen collaboration to support ongoing infrastructure renewal projects in the nation’s capital.

According to him, the discussions “centred on strengthening collaboration to advance the FCT’s infrastructure renewal agenda.”

Oyedele also praised Wike’s approach to infrastructure development, noting that the FCT Minister has prioritised completing projects that had been abandoned for years rather than starting new ones.

He said this strategy is helping to unlock economic and social value for residents by bringing previously stalled public projects into use.

The proposed tax harmonisation is expected to simplify tax administration for individuals and businesses operating in the FCT and to align the territory’s revenue system with the provisions of the new tax reform law.

President Bola Tinubu has commended the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies involved in the successful operation in Kogi State that led to the elimination of notorious bandit kingpin, Ibrahim Bastuji.

The President described the operation as a significant blow to criminal networks terrorising communities in Kogi and neighbouring states.

He noted that Bastuji’s reign of violence, kidnapping and attacks on civilians had caused untold hardship for residents, and his neutralisation will restore confidence and give respite for residents of the area.

A statement by the presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, quoted Tinubu as saying: “I congratulate our gallant troops on this decisive milestone. Nigeria will not surrender any part of its territory to criminals.

“Those who choose the path of violence against innocent citizens will find no hiding place. This success reflects the renewed determination of our security forces to secure every inch of our land, President Tinubu said the rescue of the widow of the late former Chief of Defence Information, General Rabe Abubakar (retd), demonstrates a high standard of professionalism and the needed determination to confront forces of evil.

“The safe return of Hajiya Amina Rabe Abubakar is a source of relief to her family and to all Nigerians. I commend the intelligence coordination and bravery of the officers and men who executed the rescue operation. We owe a debt of gratitude to our troops who risk their lives daily to keep us safe,” he added.

President Tinubu reassured Nigerians that the government will continue to provide the Armed Forces with the resources, training and support needed to end banditry, kidnapping and all forms of violent crimes.

He urged citizens to continue cooperating with security agencies by providing timely information and necessary support.

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has ordered the stay of execution of the judgment that directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties.

In a unanimous decision, a three-member panel of the appellate court led by Justice A. B. Mohammed, berated Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja for flouting an order it made on May 22, which directed him to suspend proceedings before him.

The appellate court held that Justice Lifu’s action amounted to an affront on the hierarchy of courts.

It held that the lower court’s action was “the highest form of judicial impertinence,” stressing that the Supreme Court previously held that a judge who acted in such manner “is unfit for the bench as it amounts to judicial rascality.”

“Courts are enjoined to protect their integrity. This Court has supervisory authority over the trial court. The decision of the lower court to proceed with the judgment despite the express order of this court is a brazen violation of the hierarchy of the court and the 1999 Constitution.

“This court has the duty to invoke its powers in ensuring that its orders are made.

“The application for stay of execution is here yet granted. The enforcement of the judgment is stayed,” the appellate court held.

It would be recalled that aside from the ADC, the other parties the high court directed INEC to deregister are: the Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party (AP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

According to the court, the five political parties failed to meet the constitutional requirements to warrant their continued existence and participation in future elections.

It barred INEC from further according recognition to the parties, accepting nominations of candidates from the affected parties, or giving effect to their activities for the purpose of participating in the 2027 general elections.

Moreover, Justice Lifu ordered the defendants to stop parading themselves as registered political parties in the country.

He held that there was merit in a suit filed against them by the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL).

The group, in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026, prayed the court to determine whether INEC has a constitutional obligation to remove political parties that fail to meet the electoral performance thresholds set out in Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), as reinforced by the Electoral Act 2022 and INEC’s regulations.

It was the position of the plaintiff that the five political parties listed as defendants had persistently failed to meet the constitutional benchmarks required to retain their registration.

The former legislators stressed that the requirements include: winning at least 25 per cent of votes in a state during a presidential election or securing at least one elective seat at the national, state, or local government level.

They told the court that the ADC and the four other parties performed poorly in both the 2023 general elections and by-elections conducted by INEC, thereby failing to win seats across key tiers of government.

The litigants insisted that the continued existence of the ADC and the other defendants as recognised political parties is unlawful and undermines the integrity of the country’s electoral system.