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Court Stops PENGASSAN, Others From Cutting Gas Supply To Dangote Refinery

Published

3 weeks ago

September 29, 2025

Justice Emmanuel Danjuma Subilim of the National Industrial Court in Abuja has restrained the Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) from embarking on its planned industrial action against Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE.

Justice Subilim, in a ruling on an ex-parte application by Dangote Refinery on Monday, specifically restrained the defendants, which included the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. (NNPCL), the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Authority, and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, from cutting crude and gas supply to Dangote Refinery.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, George Ibrahim, from Ogwu James Onoja Law Firm in Abuja, argued the application and secured the order against the defendants.

The senior lawyer, in the ex-parte motion, applied for an order of interim injunction restraining the 1st Defendant, its members, agents, servants, privies, representatives, assigns, or whatsoever and howsoever called, from calling or directing the halt of crude and gas supply to the Claimant under any guise and/or embarking on any industrial action against the Claimant with a view to crippling, blocking roads, or obstructing the flow of vehicular movement, shutting down operations of the Claimant or licensees of the 2nd to 4th Defendants named in the 1st Defendant’s directives dated September 26, 2025, or by any means frustrating the businesses/activities of the Claimant/Applicant pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

He said, “An order of interim injunction restraining the 2nd–4th Defendants, their employees, members, agents, servants, privies, representatives, licensees, assigns, or whatsoever and howsoever called, from giving effect to the directives of the 1st Defendant to halt the supply of crude and gas to the Claimant, or joining, continuing, embarking on, or in any manner participating in the planned industrial action of the 1st Defendant and its affiliates and cronies, or any other strike whatsoever against the Claimant/Applicant, with a view to frustrating her businesses and operations pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.”

Ibrahim argued that the Applicant is a petroleum production and/or distribution company licensed to own, operate, and produce petroleum and petrochemical products for the general consumption of the Nigerian public, and whose business provides essential services to the Nigerian economy and the general public.

He said that in recent times, there have been incidents of sabotage by some employees of the Claimant at the Claimant’s plant, which raised issues of grave health concern and the safety of human lives.

According to him, the management of the Claimant came to an irresistible conclusion that there should be re-organisation in the plant, which led to the relieving of some of its staff of their employment, and same was communicated to all staff by a memo or circular dated September 25, 2025.

The senior lawyer said that in the early hours of Friday, the 26th day of September 2025, the Claimant received an online report that Nigerian workers were laid off by the Claimant because they joined the 1st Defendant’s union.

According to him, the management of the Claimant, by a press statement, refuted the said report and explained in clear terms that the Claimant was not averse to its members unionizing, as that is their constitutional right, but clarified that the Claimant has over 3,000 Nigerians in its workforce and that only a negligible number of staff were affected by the re-organisation of the plant as a result of sabotage and safety concerns.

The lawyer asserted that by a letter dated September 26, 2025, and circulated online, the 1st Defendant, through its General Secretary, Comrade Lamumba Ighotemu Okugbawa, wrote to the Hon. Minister of Petroleum and Gas and warned that the 1st Defendant and its members were going to take action that would force the Claimant to its knees if the Claimant failed to recall the affected staff, which was described in the said letter as over 800.

He said, “The 1st Defendant issued a press statement on the 26th day of September 2025, wherein it erroneously referred to the laying off of the workers by the Claimant as anti-labour practices, alleging that the workers were being victimized because they joined the 1st Defendant as members of the union, which is not correct.

“Irrespective of the explanation offered by the Claimant in Exhibit DR3, the 1st Defendant became more provoked and directed its Executives and Members in the licensees of the 2nd–4th Defendants, through whom the Claimant accesses crude and gas for its plant, to stop supplying gas to the Claimant.

“The 2nd–4th Defendants are on standby to carry out the directives of the 1st Defendant through their agents and licensees, as mentioned in Exhibit DR6, with a view to stopping the supply of gas and crude oil to the Claimant in order to halt its business and operation as threatened, unless the Honourable Court intervenes.

“The 1st Defendant is going to make good its threat to shut down operations of the Claimant, knowing the strength of its membership across the country, unless the Honourable Court intervenes.

“The Claimant’s plant was constructed with over 20 Billion US Dollars by its promoters to solve the energy problem of Nigeria that has been lingering for decades and has been sailing with good results to consumer satisfaction, and has been making significant contributions to the economy of Nigeria. But the 1st Defendant, if allowed to make good its threat, will undoubtedly plunge Nigeria into the dark days of energy dearth and crisis, and again jeopardize the livelihood of the Nigerian end users and consumers, and negatively impact the economy.

“The 1st Defendant, its members, and protégés in the services of the 2nd–4th Defendants have perfected plans to embark on an industrial action which will cripple the operations and services of the Claimant to the Nigerian public as well as the economy.

“The 1st Defendant has not engaged the Claimant with respect to a dispute, if any, before championing and calling for an industrial action against the Claimant, contrary to the extant laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

In his brief ruling on the ex-parte application, Justice Subilim held that the balance of convenience is in favour of the Applicants, as the continuation of the strike would irreparably damage its business and cripple the provision of essential services to the Nigerian public.

The judge held that it was in the interest of justice for the Court to restrain the Respondents to preserve industrial peace and further aid the continuous provision of essential services to the Nigerian public pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.

Justice Subilim, while granting the restraining order, directed that same be served on the defendants immediately along with the motion on notice.

The judge held that the restraining order shall last for seven days only.

He subsequently fixed October 13 for hearing of the motion on notice.

Related Topics:Court Dangote Dangote Refinery Pengassan

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NDLEA Intercepts Drugs Concealed In Frozen Snails, Electrical Bulbs

Published

12 hours ago

October 19, 2025

Editor

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have intercepted consignments of illicit drugs concealed in frozen snails, electrical bulbs, and female clothes bound for the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

According to a statement released on Sunday by the agency’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, the interceptions were made at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport and a courier company in Lagos.

Babafemi said two suspects have been arrested in connection with the seizures.

“One of them, a cargo agent Boladale Riliwan, was arrested on October 7, 2025, following the discovery of 15 parcels of skunk, a strain of cannabis, concealed in 10 pieces of giant rechargeable electrical bulbs he presented in a carton for airfreight to the Democratic Republic of Congo at the export shed of the Lagos airport,” Babafemi added.

Babafemi said another suspect, a 48-year-old UK-based public health assistant, Olawale Hakeemot, was arrested on October 12 at the departure hall of Terminal 2 of the MMIA, Ikeja.

He said she was found with 2,300 pills of tramadol 225mg concealed in frozen snails while attempting to board a Qatar Airways flight to Manchester, United Kingdom.

“Attempt by another syndicate to export 810 pills of bromazepam hidden in female clothes going to the United States was also thwarted by NDLEA officers at a courier company in Lagos on Thursday, 16th October,” he added.

In Adamawa State, Babafemi said operatives intercepted a suspect, Bello Buba, at an NDLEA checkpoint in Namtari, Yola South Local Government Area, with 38,270 pills of tramadol concealed in the spare tyre, boot, and door compartments of his Honda Civic.

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PSC Reviews Disciplinary Cases, Reinstates Dismissed Police Officers

Published

14 hours ago

October 19, 2025

Editor

The Police Service Commission has reinstated some police officers who had been punished after reviewing a series of disciplinary cases.

The commission said no fewer than 24 appeals and one pending disciplinary matter were deliberated on during its plenary.

A statement on Sunday by the PSC spokesperson, Ikechukwu Ani, said the decisions were aimed at ensuring fairness and justice in police disciplinary administration.

Among the officers reinstated was ACP Ejiofor Grace Obiageli, who had been compulsorily retired following an incident on September 8, 2023, at Old Netim Division, Akamkpa, Cross River State.

“The Commission approved her reinstatement from the date of her compulsory retirement and to be properly placed so as to be at par with her mates,” Ani added.

Ani also said the commission freed ACP Muhammad Yunusa from a punishment of severe reprimand, restored the rank of CSP Ihekandu Okwuonu, and reinstated him, subject to his date of retirement.

“The Commission also freed ACP Muhammad Awwal Yunusa from a punishment of severe Reprimand, restored the rank of CSP Ihekandu Allwell Okwuonu and reinstated him, but subject to his date of retirement.

“SP Clement Awoyemi got the Commission’s approval for adjustment of his date of reinstatement while ASP Bamiselu Oluwaseun, ASP Ahmed Monday and ASP Imoohi Doora were all reinstated,” he said.

Ani equally said the commission dismissed petitions against DIG Bzigu Dali, describing allegations of falsified records as frivolous.

“The Commission also noted that, as the exclusive body on Police Discipline, the warning letter issued to the officer, and which did not emanate from the Commission, was null and void. It also quashed the reversal of his date of birth from 10th of April 1967 to 10th of April 1966 through a signal”, he said.

Ani said the PSC Chairman, DIG Hashimu Argungu (retd), promised that the commission would continue to ensure that justice is served promptly in all disciplinary cases.

He noted that officers who are cleared of wrongdoing should not have their careers hindered by administrative delays or errors.

“The Commission will henceforth ensure that pending disciplinary matters are treated with despatch so that those found culpable are made to face the consequences while those exonerated are freed to continue with their career progression.

“The Commission will not at any time impede the career progression of any Officer who is not found guilty of any misdemeanour,” Argungu was quoted as saying.

Ani also said at the commencement of its second plenary meeting on Thursday, the Commission approved the promotion of several deserving officers, including the appointment of a new Deputy Inspector-General of Police and the promotion of one Commissioner of Police to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General.

Among those promoted were SP Omenihu Obinna, Commander, Anti-Cult Unit, Abia State Command; DSP Bankole Olajide Joseph, Commander, Bank Guard, Lagos State Command; and several others confirmed as Assistant Superintendents of Police, including Ede Stella Ukamaka of the Police Hospital, Awka, Anambra State; Omeife Bethrand Emeka of 45 PMF, Force Headquarters, Abuja; and Nnamdi Nwoba, O/C Surveillance, Ubakala Division, Abia State Command.

ASP Adeyemi Adeola, Chief of Staff to the Chairman of a Lagos State Task Force, was also promoted to the rank of DSP.

The reinstatements come amid the Police Service Commission’s ongoing efforts to restore confidence in its disciplinary processes and correct administrative injustices within the Nigeria Police Force.

The PUNCH reports that over the years, several officers have petitioned the commission over what they described as wrongful sanctions, arbitrary punishments, or flawed disciplinary proceedings.

News

Police Warn Against Protest In Aso Rock, Environs

Published

21 hours ago

October 19, 2025

Editor

The Nigeria Police Force has warned intending protesters, agitating for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kalu, against any form of protest around the Aso Rock and its environs.

A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, in Abuja, said the warning followed an order of a Federal High Court, Abuja.

He said the court, in a suit between the Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Omoyele Sowore & 4 others, on Oct. 17, restrained any form of protest around the Aso Rock and its environs.

“The order restrains the respondents and any other persons or groups acting under their instruction from staging protests within and around Aso Rock Villa and its environs.

“Other areas are the National Assembly Complex, Force Headquarters, the Court of Appeal, Eagle Square and Shehu Shagari Way.

“Accordingly, all intending protesters and counter-protest groups are strongly advised to avoid restricted areas and to refrain from any act capable of provoking confrontation or disturbing public order,” he said.

The police spokesman said the force would ensure the free flow of traffic, protection of lives and property, and security of all law-abiding citizens.

According to him, any person or group that uses protests as cover to incite violence, carry or use offensive weapons, vandalise public or private property, kidnap, or engage in acts likely to cause loss of life or serious injury will be dealt with decisively.

He said offenders would be arrested, subjected to full investigation, and prosecuted under relevant criminal laws, including laws relating to public order, violent conduct and terrorism where applicable.

Hundeyin said those who incite others via social media or other platforms would be investigated and prosecuted, using digital evidence.

He said the Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr Kayode Egbetokun, had directed the Commissioner of Police (CP) in charge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and relevant operational commands to ensure strict enforcement of the court’s order.

Hundeyin said the I-G had directed the CP to maintain visible and strategic deployments across vulnerable locations, and ensure the safety of residents and lawful activities in the FCT.

He urged organisers of the protest and participants to avoid the restricted areas specified by the court and refrain from carrying weapons, engaging in provocative conduct, or encouraging others to breach the law.

Hundeyin also urged the protesters to channel their grievances through the courts and other lawful avenues rather than the streets.

The police spokesman said adequate security arrangements had been made to protect lives and property of law-abiding Nigerians.

He enjoined those, not engaging in the protest to go about their lawful businesses without fear as anyone found to be in breach of the court’s order or in contempt of the law and be arrested and prosecuted.