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JUST IN: Reps Dissolve Committee Investigating Adulterated Fuel Import, Others

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The House of Representatives has resolved to dissolve the current ad-hoc Joint Downstream and Midstream Committee investigating the importation of adulterated petroleum products, the non-availability of crude oil for domestic refineries, and other critical energy security issues.

At the committee’s inauguration penultimate Monday, the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, speaking on behalf of the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, expressed concern over the resurgence of fuel queues at petrol stations, the increasing cost of Premium Motor Spirit, and the unavailability of crude oil feedstock for domestic refineries.

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Kalu noted that the investigation would also extend to other related issues impacting the sector, emphasizing the need for compliance with global standards in the quality of petroleum products imported into Nigeria.

He stressed that the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria must ensure that all petrol imported into the country is rigorously tested in laboratories to meet standard sulfur and octane levels.

READ ALSO: JUST IN: Govt Declares 24-hour Curfew As Rioting Continues In Kaduna Communities

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“It is unacceptable that the petrol imported into the country contains high sulfur levels, is lead, and has low octane levels. This has previously led to socio-economic losses, including damage to vehicle engines.

“One critical aspect we must address is the infrastructure for quality assurance that enables robust testing of petroleum products with full adherence to the standard practice for manual sampling,” Kalu said.

He tasked the joint committee with investigating the quality and the number of laboratories that both the NMDPRA and SON use for their tests and to provide actionable feedback.

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Since the probe began, the House has faced controversies, with lawmakers splitting into various groups and factions.

READ ALSO: How miscreants Hijack Protests, Loot Shops In Kadun

The ad-hoc committee led by the Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Downstream, Ikenga Ugochinyere, had been calling for the sack of the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd, Mele Kyari, while another group of 50 lawmakers has called for his retention.

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The lawmakers led by Billy Osawaru ( Edo State) said the call for the sacking of Kyari when an investigation is currently being carried out was an action that is against parliamentary culture.

However, in a statement on Monday in Abuja, the Spokesperson for the House, Rotimi Akin, announced that the ad-hoc committee had been dissolved and a new one would be constituted.

He said, “The Leadership of the House of Representatives has resolved to dissolve the current ad-hoc Joint Downstream and Midstream Committee.

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“Initially tasked with investigating the importation of adulterated petroleum products, the non-availability of crude oil for domestic refineries, and other critical energy security issues, this committee will be succeeded by a newly constituted ad-hoc committee with the same mandate.”

Akin added, “To ensure the efficacy and independence of this investigation, the new committee will consist of honourable members selected for their expertise, competence, and integrity.

“The House remains committed to addressing these vital issues and ensuring thorough oversight. Further details on the new committee’s operations will be provided in due course.”

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Tinubu Appoints Prof. Akinfeleye, Others To Varsities’ Governing Councils

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President Bola Tinubu has appointed Chisom Obih to the Governing Council of Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State.

Obih’s appointment follows the death of a member of the council.

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Tinubu also appointed Prof. Ralph Akinfeleye, a renowned communications specialist, to the Governing Council of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State.

This was disclosed in a press statement on Tuesday signed by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

READ ALSO:Tinubu Appoints New MD For Bank Of Agriculture

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The statement noted that Akinfeleye is the former Head of the Department of Mass Communication at the University of Lagos and the Chairman of the Centre of Excellence in Multimedia and Cinematography/Unilag Radio 103.1 FM and Television.

Formerly a member of the Governing Council of Yakubu Gowon University of Abuja, Akinfeleye replaces Mr. Wahab Owokoniran, who was appointed Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Federal University of Transport, Daura, Katsina State,” it said.

The statement also said that the President named Prof. Ibrahim Adamu Yakasai as the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Health Sciences and Technology, Tsafe, Zamfara State.

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READ ALSO:Tinubu Appoints New NABTEB Registrar, UBEC Chairman, Others

The President appointed Mr. Hamisu Yusuf Yelwa as the university’s registrar, Usman Nakazalle Sanusi as the Bursar, and Dr. Shehu Aminu Liman as the Librarian.

A retired Colonel from the Nigerian Army, Prof. Yakasai, is the Provost of the College of Health Sciences at Bayero University in Kano. He is also the chairman of the Committee of Provosts of Colleges of Medicine in Nigeria and a governing council member at the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State.

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“He obtained an MBBS at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He later won a scholarship from the European Economic Commission to do his postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom, where he obtained a membership to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and a fellowship at the same prestigious college.

READ ALSO:2027: Tinubu Has Done Much For N’Delta, Deserves Our Support — Otuaro

Prof. Yakasai obtained a Master’s in Medical Education at the University of Winchester and subsequently went to the USA to pursue the Fellowship of the International College of Surgeons, FICS (USA), and the Fellowship of the American College of Surgeons.

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“He also served as the Director-General of the Hospitals Management Board, Kano State,” it added.

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Peter Obi Questions Due Process In Ibom Air Passenger’s Lifetime Ban

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The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has condemned the lifetime flight ban imposed by the Airline Operators of Nigeria and Ibom Air on passenger Comfort Emmanson for alleged misconduct, as stated in his X post on Tuesday.

Obi criticised Nigeria’s justice system, likening it to a “spider’s web” that ensnares the weak while allowing the powerful to escape, and questioned the fairness and due process behind Emmanson’s sanction.

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The incident, captured in videos shared on X on August 10, 2025, showed Emmanson, a woman in her twenties, angrily confronting an Ibom Air flight attendant and airport security officials.

In response, Ibom Air restricted her travel, and the AON placed her on a lifetime no-fly list, describing her actions as one of the “most severe cases of unruly behaviour” in 2025, leading to her remand in Kirikiri Correctional Centre until October 6.

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On Monday, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority director of public affairs and consumer protection, Mike Achimugu, said that while the airline had the right to pursue prosecution, the parties could still settle out of court if they agreed to, allowing for possible withdrawal of the case.

The former Anambra governor questioned the process that led to Emmanson’s sanction, asking whether all avenues for justice and compassionate resolution had been exhausted.

Obi said it was a “tragic irony” that a young woman could be barred for life while “those in positions of authority perpetrate far greater offences that harm the nation deeply, yet move freely in comfort, shielded from consequences”.

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This morning, I woke up to learn that the passenger, the young Ms Comfort Emmanson in her twenties, has been banned from flying for life — once again showing how our system works, proving the truth of Anacharsis’s words that ‘the law is like a spider’s web: it catches the weak, while the powerful break through with ease’,” Obi wrote.

READ ALSO:Presidency In Nigeria Should Be Five-year Single Tenure — Peter Obi

There is something systemically wrong and unjust about this authoritarian decision.

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“What due process was followed overnight, leading to this sanction? Have we exhausted the avenues of justice and compassionate resolution in this matter?

“It is a tragic irony that a young lady in her twenties can be banned for life, while we — her parents — commit worse crimes against humanity and are celebrated.

“Those in positions of authority perpetrate far greater offences that harm the nation deeply, yet move freely in comfort, shielded from consequences.

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REAS ALSO:Jonathan, Obi Can’t Match APC’s Strength For 2027 – Mustapha Salihu

“In Ms Emmanson’s case, the authorities acted with lightning speed, but the same urgency is absent when dealing with the influential and politically connected.

“If this young woman, who indeed acted wrongly, now seeks to apologise, who will hear her cry in a country where the pain of the poor is invisible and the dignity of the less privileged is often disregarded? Justice must be consistent, or it becomes oppression in disguise.”

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Restating the need for compassion and rehabilitation, Obi said, “power must never determine who is punished”.

READ ALSO:How APC Can Be Defeated In 2027 – Peter Obi

The incident happened days after a row at the domestic terminal of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, involving Wasiu Ayinde, a popular Fuji musician.

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The musician was placed on a no-fly list, pending the outcome of a full investigation.

The NCAA also petitioned the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Inspector-General of police to investigate the incident.

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IG Upgrades Police Legal Section To Directorate

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The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode, has approved the upgrade of the Legal Section of the Nigeria Police Force to the Directorate of Legal Services.

Egbetokun said the move was aimed at creating a clear institutional identity for the Force’s legal operations, strengthening cohesion, and securing recognition across both domestic and international jurisdictions.

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In a statement on Tuesday, Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the new directorate would be the apex legal arm of the force, responsible for the coordination and delivery of legal services..

According to the statement, Adejobi said the responsibilities will include legal training, comprehensive policy review, and structured engagement with prosecutorial bodies, the judiciary, and other relevant stakeholders in the justice sector.

READ ALSO:NIMC Announces Upgrade Of NIN Enrolment Portal For Nigerians In Diaspora

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He said, “In line with the ongoing strategic reforms aimed at strengthening institutional capacity and enhancing operational efficiency across all departments of the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector-General of Police has approved the elevation of the Legal Section of the Force to the Directorate of Legal Services.

“The Directorate will serve as the apex legal arm of the Nigeria Police Force, responsible for the coordination and delivery of legal services, including legal training, comprehensive policy review, and structured engagement with prosecutorial bodies, the judiciary, and other relevant stakeholders in the justice sector.

“The move is designed to create a clear institutional identity for the Force’s legal operations, strengthen cohesion, and secure recognition across both domestic and international jurisdictions.”

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READ ALSO:IGP Decorates Six New DIGs, One AIG

The IG also announced the appointment of Assistant Inspector-General Ohiozoba O. Ehiede as the pioneer Director of the Directorate of Legal Services.

AIG Ehiede brings with him a wealth of experience, proven leadership, and a distinguished record of service, which are expected to drive the Directorate’s mandate with excellence,” Adejobi quoted the IGP as saying.

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This upgrade reflects the Nigeria Police Force’s renewed commitment to aligning its operations with global law enforcement standards and ensuring that legal processes within the Force meet the highest levels of professionalism, transparency, and efficiency. By consolidating its legal structures under a directorate framework, the Force aims to improve its prosecutorial prowess to meet the international best policing standards, ” the statement added.

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