News
Oil Thieves Are Not From the Creeks – King Dakolo Alleges

By Joseph Ebi Kanjo
The Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom in Bayelsa State, His Royal Majesty King Bubaraye Dakolo, has urged the Federal Government to redirect its focus in the fight against oil theft, asserting that the real perpetrators are not from the oil-producing communities.
Speaking during the Health of Mother Earth Foundation’s Book Reading Series on the topic Reflections: Ecocide in the Niger Delta, King Dakolo dispelled the popular belief that oil theft is carried out by youths in the creeks. According to him, the real oil thieves are wealthy and influential individuals, often residing far from the region, who exploit impoverished young men to execute their illegal activities.
“The oil thief is usually not from the Niger Delta. He doesn’t live in the swamps and cannot even spend a night there. He is a big man—sometimes a company or even a foreign country—that funds the operations from afar,” the monarch stated.

READ ALSO: Why We’re Heavily Investing In Book And Culture Series – HOMEF Director, Bassey
He explained that oil theft is a sophisticated crime requiring technical expertise, specialized tools, and even ships to transport stolen crude, which makes it far beyond the capacity of ordinary villagers. King Dakolo emphasized that those often labeled as oil thieves are actually victims of poverty, driven by desperation to carry out these dangerous acts for minimal pay.
“Oil theft is not a small man’s business. It involves breaking pipelines, which requires specific knowledge and equipment. The main beneficiaries are insiders in the oil industry who reap massive profits from these illegal activities,” he noted.

King Dakolo pointed fingers at the oil and gas regulators for their continued failure to address the issue. He described regulatory agencies like the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) as weak and compromised, accusing them of colluding with International Oil Companies (IOCs).
READ ALSO: HOMEF’s School of Ecology Empowers Young Activists with Environmental Knowledge
“Our regulators are among the worst in the world. They have no helicopters, no boats, not even houseboats. They rely on the oil companies for transport and logistics, which makes them susceptible to manipulation,” he lamented.
He further explained how pipeline vandalism has become a source of massive profit for certain players within the industry.

“When a pipeline is vandalized, repairs can cost up to a billion dollars. And the contracts for these repairs usually go to people within the industry, not locals. So, it’s in their interest to keep the cycle going,” he added.
The king also criticized the Federal Government for failing to provide quality fuel products across the country, arguing that this failure drives demand for illegally refined fuel from vandalized pipelines.
READ ALSO: HOMEF Trains Communities On Energy Transition, Approaches
In his concluding remarks, King Dakolo painted a grim picture of the Niger Delta, describing it as a region ravaged by pollution from oil exploration and theft, and called for decisive action to protect both the environment and the people.

On his part, Dr. Nnimmo Bassey, Executive Director, HOMEF, said those who ought to protect the environment and the people are not interested in that rather profit from the oil and gas sector.
“In Nigeria, the forces that ought to be protecting the environment are not interested. The government and the companies are more interested in the dollars that come from the crude oil, and not about the quality of life the people live.
“Nobody can tell me that those who are in authority care about the environment after over 70 years of non-stop gas fare,” he said.
News
Shatta Wale Bailed Burna Boy From Ghana Prison After Arrest For Smoking Weed – Captan

Ghanian singer, Captan, has claimed that his former record label boss, Shatta Wale, once bailed Nigerian singer Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana after he was allegedly arrested for smoking weed.
Speaking in a recent podcast interview, Captan claimed that Shatta Wale sent him and others to free Burna Boy from police custody.
He also claimed that Shatta Wale and his group once accommodated Burna Boy when he was being hunted by some dangerous men.
READ ALSO: Wale Edun Opens Up After Sack
Captan said, “I once bailed Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana when he was arrested for smoking weed. Shatta Wale sent me and some guys to go and free him from police custody.
“There was a time we also accommodated him when some people were after his life. We helped him settle the case.”
He added that he and Burna Boy are no longer in good terms after the Nigerian artist’s fallout with his mentor, Shatta Wale.
He, however, said he and Shatta Wale are open to reconciling with Burna Boy if he asks for it.
Watch the video here
News
Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.
The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.
A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”
Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.
READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection
It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.
Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.
READ ALSO: Egor LG Chair, Ogbemudia, Vice, Osawe Impeached
Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.
He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.
Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.
“The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.
“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”
News
Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has urged Muslims and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country even as they celebrate the annual Eid-al-Adha
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, stated this during the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration with Muslim faithfuls held at Government House in Benin City.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of religion and tribe.
READ ALSO:ADC Penetrates Okpebholo’s District As Defections Strengthen Party in Edo Central
According to him, the present administration remains determined to building a government that reflects the diversity of Edo State, noting that competent and qualified Muslims have continued to play vital roles in his government because of their capacity, integrity and commitment to service.
“As a government, we remain committed to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity for every Edo citizen, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is why quality and competent Muslims are serving in key positions in our administration.”
Okpebholo appreciated the Muslim community in Edo State for their unwavering support and continuous prayers for his administration, noting that such prayers and support have contributed immensely to the peace and steady development being witnessed across the state.
READ ALSO:Okpebholo Felicitates Muslims On Eid-el-Fitr Celebration
He then called on all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-al-Adha to pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country needs collective prayers, unity and cooperation to overcome its present economic and security challenges.
“I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for our dear nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria needs our collective prayers, unity and support as we strive to overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for all.”
In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Abdulfatai Enabulele, applauded the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than two years in office.
The cleric commended the administration for ongoing infrastructural development and efforts geared towards improving governance in the state, but appealed to the government to revisit and complete some abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration for the benefit of the people.
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