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NSCDC Parades 10 Oil Thieves, Impounds Nine Cars In Rivers

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Seizes wooden boat, 28,225 litres of diesel

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps said it took delivery of 10 suspects allegedly involved in illegal oil bunkering and vandalism in Kryo Community near Alakiri waterways in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The Corps said of the ten suspects, five were arrested by the 29 Battalion Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt with 44 metal pipes, four cylinders, and exhibits and handed over to the Rivers State Command of the NSCDC Command in Port Harcourt

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The other five suspects were arrested for alleged illegal bunkering by soldiers of the 6 Division Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, and handed over to the NSCDC for further investigation.

The NSCDC Commandant, Rivers State Command, Basil Igwebueze disclosed this while parading the suspects before newsmen at the Command’s Headquarters in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

READ ALSO: Nigeria Lost N2.3tn Revenue To Oil Theft in 12 Months — IOC

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Igwebueze, also disclosed that NSCDC operatives on routine patrol impounded nine vehicles abandoned by suspects who are on the Command’s trail along the Trans-Amadi axis of Port Harcourt.

He stated, “The following five suspects: Aniebiet Pascal, 22, Nnadi Ogbonna, 23, Ifeayin Delight, 25, Sunday Benjamin, 22, and Okechukwu Finbar, 20, were apprehended by 29 Battalion Nigerian Army port Harcourt with 44 metal pipes, four Cylinders containing Nitrogen Gas, one wooden boat with 25 horsepower engine along Kryo Community near Alakiri waterways in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State.

“In another development, five other suspects were also arrested with three Motorcycles, two Wheelbarrows filled with Automotive Gas Oil (Diesel), and a 1,000-meter large Industrial Pumping Hose.

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“They were arrested and handed over to NSCDC Rivers State Command by 6 military intelligence Headquarters, 6 Division Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt for further investigation and possible prosecution.”

READ ALSO: Ondo: NSCDC Arrests Pastor Over Alleged N1.6m Visa Scam

Continuing, Igwebueze said, “The Antivandal Unit of the Command while on routine patrol at Mother Cat roundabout, Trans Amadi in Port Harcourt also impounded the following vehicles being abandoned by suspects who are currently being trailed by our undercover personnel.”

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He listed the vehicles as ‘a Gold Colour Toyota Camry with number plate Rivers AJ 770 DBU laden with illegally refined AGO concealed in cellophane bags, a White and Black Futon Bus Registered as EBONYI XA 637BKL laden with 8 plastic drums of illegally refined AGO. ‘

The State NSCDC boss also said while on routine patrol its Antivandal Unit further impounded seven cars, including, a Gold Colour Toyota Avalon Camry with registration number ABIA 573 RA, a light Green Toyota Camry LAGOS LND 926 AP.

Others, Igwebueze, disclosed are, ‘a Black Toyota Avalon Camry LAGOS EKY 487 DA, an Ash colour Toyota Corolla with number plate RIVERS GGU 240 AA, a Toyota Avalon Camry LAGOS APP 330 DE, a Navy Blue Toyota Avalon Camry Car with registration number AKWA IBOM KET 62 AV, a Navy Blue Toyota Avalon Camry Car Lagos AKD 938 AV.

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READ ALSO: UK Establishes Visa Centre In Enugu, Govt Reacts

According to him, all the cars were laden with illegally refined Diesel concealed in cellophane bags.

He added, “We also impounded 15 drums of AGO, 26 concealed sacks filled with AGO, and 11 Kegs (25 litres each) of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).”

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While noting that a thorough investigation has commenced, the State NSCDC helmsman said the suspects would be charged to Court, while the products and means of conveyance would be forfeited and proceeds remitted into the federal government coffer.

The PUNCH reports that Igwebueze warned those he described as ‘unrepentant’ illegal oil thieves to turn over a new leaf or be ready to face the full wrath of the law.

Igwebueze reiterated the corps’ willingness to collaborate with sister security agencies, stressing that the NSCDC would not rest on its laurels in safeguarding all critical national assets and Infrastructures in the state.

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CAC Unveils AI-powered Portal For 30-minute Company Registrations

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The Corporate Affairs Commission has launched a pilot Artificial Intelligence-powered registration portal to overhaul the current Company Registration Portal.

The Registrar-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Hussaini Ishaq Magaji, disclosed this at the 2025 Stakeholders’ Forum meeting.

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A statement issued by the commission on Tuesday described the initiative as a game-changer aimed at significantly reducing registration timelines and enhancing the ease of doing business across the country.

According to Magaji, the new system allows for instant name reservation approvals, likening the process to opening an email account.

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It is intelligently designed to suggest available alternatives and grant real-time approvals, removing the traditional bottlenecks,” he said.

One of the portal’s standout features is its ability to facilitate business registration using only the National Identification Number of a director or proprietor.

Magaji said that once real-time NIN verification is successful, a certificate of incorporation would be generated and delivered to the applicant’s email within 30 minutes.

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He stated, “The target time for business registration is under 30 minutes to generate a certificate and deliver to the customer’s email, subject to real-time NIN verification.”

READ ALSO:CAC’s Good Women Choir Leader, Fasoyin, Speaks On Composition Of ‘Odun Nlo Sopin’ Song

While acknowledging that some delays may still arise due to external validations from the National Identity Management Commission, he revealed that a contingency plan has been built into the platform, using AI-powered photo ID matching to overcome such hitches.

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In addition, the Commission plans to introduce a two-factor authentication system with OTP verification for all transactions.

This, according to him, will ensure no changes can be made to company records without the explicit knowledge and consent of the registered directors.

Magaji further announced that a CAC mobile application would be launched in the final quarter of 2025 to allow users to track and manage transactions on the go.

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READ ALSO:JUST IN: CAC Gives Unregistered Businesses Deadline, Warns Of Jail Term

Speaking on new partnerships, he disclosed that the Commission is currently reviewing over 100 requests from local and international super agents, including the Nigerian Inter-Bank Settlement System, aimed at deepening access and streamlining services.

Meanwhile, the Registrar-General also revealed that the Commission would commence a review of its service fees effective August 1, 2025, citing the need to maintain service quality and implement ongoing reforms.

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The statement added that goodwill messages at the forum were delivered by the Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association, Port Harcourt Branch, Cordelia U. Eke; Chairman, Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators, Sir Sebastian Essien; and Chairman, Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, Elder Dogala Sakpege.

Also in attendance were Mechi Brown, Director of Industry at the Rivers State Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and Miema Akpa, who represented the Chairman of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Port Harcourt branch.

A CAC technical team was present during the event to attend to customer complaints and provide on-the-spot solutions to registration challenges.

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Lagos Monarch Dethrones Six Chiefs For ‘Impersonating’ Him At Labour Party Campaign

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The Ojora of Ijora and Iganmu Kingdom, Oba AbdulFatai Oyegbemi, has dethroned six chiefs for attending the campaign flag-off of the Labour Party at the Apapa area of Lagos State.

The monarch stated that the chiefs had attended the political event without his consent and had violated palace protocol by impersonating him there.

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The affected chiefs are Chief Lateef Ojora (Bale Alaba Oro), Chief Saliu Biliamin (Bale Alafia Dodoro), and Chief Taiwo Hassan (Bale Oke Ira).

READ ALSO:Lagos To Divert Traffic Ahead 110-day Repair Of Ogudu/Ifako Bridge

Others are Chief Idris Ojora (Bale Abule Kere), Chief Hakeem Oseni (Bale Mosafejo Amukoko), and Chief Sule Balogun (Balogun of Abule Kere).

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The development followed a palace meeting held on Monday, where Oba Oyegbemi declared the chiefs’ actions unacceptable.

In a statement sighted by our correspondent on Tuesday, it read, “Following the outcome of this event, which unfolded without his prior knowledge, Kabiyesi Ojora summoned the Bales, Balogun, and the Ojora Councils to his ancient Palace for clarification.

READ ALSO:Lagos To Divert Traffic Ahead 110-day Repair Of Ogudu/Ifako Bridge

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In a tone marked by disappointment and authority, Kabiyesi stated that the Chiefs’ actions were in violation of their duties. He reiterated that no Chief should make decisions or act on his behalf without his explicit consent, as they all serve to represent him and uphold the traditions of the land.

“The decisive action of dethroning the six Chiefs underscores his commitment to maintaining order and coherence within his leadership structure. During this assembly, Kabiyesi also took the opportunity to commend the present Government’s ongoing development initiatives in Ojora Land, expressing his commitment to continue supporting the Administration as it fosters growth and progress for the Kingdom.”

The Lagos monarch, however, affirmed the significance of transparency and collaboration between traditional authorities and their representation in political matters, while reminding all chiefs of their responsibilities while serving under the esteemed Ojora Kingdom.

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Senator Withdraws From Legislative Duties Over Health Challenge

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The lawmaker representing the Cross River North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Agom Jarigbe, has announced a temporary withdrawal from legislative and constituency engagements due to pressing health concerns.

In a statement issued on Monday, the senator disclosed that he is currently receiving medical care and, on the advice of doctors, will be away from active duties for a short period. As a result, a widely anticipated endorsement rally scheduled to be held in the coming days has been postponed.

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The lawmaker emphasised that the decision is in the best interests of his health and the effective representation of his constituents.

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He said, “This is a necessary pause, and I am having proper medical attention. God willing, I expect to fully resume my responsibilities within the next two weeks or even sooner.”

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The senator expressed appreciation for the prayers and support of his constituents while emphasising that the decision to suspend the rally was taken in recognition of the need to be at full strength when engaging with the people of Cross River North.

No mortal is immune to health challenges. This moment reminds us of the fragile nature of life and the need for compassion,” he added.

READ ALSO:Natasha Drags Ebonyi Senator To Court Over TV interview, Demands N5bn

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Jarigbe also appealed to the public to disregard political attempts to exploit his health condition for ridicule. “Let us not lose our shared sense of humanity in the name of politics,” he urged.

The senator reassured the public of his commitment to returning soon to continue the work of development in the senatorial district. He encouraged those in need of urgent healthcare assistance to contact his constituency office in his absence.

 

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