News
SERAP Demands Tinubu Probe N26bn Oil Sector Scandal

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has given President Bola Tinubu a seven-day ultimatum to address alleged corruption in the oil sector.
The group is urging him to direct the Attorney General, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and anti-corruption agencies to investigate the disappearance of over N26 billion.
In 2021, the funds were reportedly missing, diverted, or stolen from the Petroleum Technology Development Fund and the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources.
In a statement dated February 1, 2025, signed by SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation warned that if the government fails to act within the stipulated timeframe, it will take legal action to compel compliance in the public interest.
READ ALSO: Court Dismisses SERAP’s Suit Against NASS Budget
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within seven days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal action to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest,” the letter read.
The revelations, detailed in the 2021 annual audited report released by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation on November 13, 2024, highlight alleged financial mismanagement and corruption within the oil sector, with funds reportedly unaccounted for, mismanaged, or spent without due process.
“The allegations suggest a grave violation of public trust, the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended), the country’s anti-corruption legislation, and international anti-corruption obligations,” SERAP stated.
The organisation called for the immediate prosecution of those responsible and the full recovery and remittance of any missing public funds to the national treasury.
READ ALSO: SERAP Challenges Tinubu, Shettima, Govs, Ministers, NASS Members, Others To Publish Their Assets
It also urged the government to allocate recovered funds toward addressing Nigeria’s budget deficit and easing the country’s debt crisis.
Financial Mismanagement Allegations
The Auditor-General’s report outlined several questionable expenditures by the PTDF and the Petroleum Ministry, including:
“Over N25 billion was paid for contracts without supporting documents.
N326 million deposited in two banks unaccounted for.
“N107 million for the supply, installation, and commissioning of a library automation system awarded without National Information Technology Development Agency approval. N46 million was paid to three companies for services without evidence of execution.
READ ALSO: SERAP Challenges Tinubu, Shettima, Govs, Ministers, NASS Members, Others To Publish Their Assets
“N60 million in stamp duty fees from capital expenditure contracts unremitted. N64 million for store items reportedly not supplied.
“N41 million was paid for services not yet performed or goods not yet supplied.
N137 million was used for recurrent expenditures without National Assembly approval. N232 million was paid to seven companies for “stakeholders’ engagement in the Niger Delta” without details on the nature of the engagement, location, or justification.
“The Auditor-General fears the money may have been diverted. He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury,” the report repeatedly stated.
Calls for Accountability
SERAP emphasised that tackling corruption in the oil sector would significantly help address Nigeria’s financial challenges.
READ ALSO: Direct DSS To End Attack Against Us, SERAP Tells Tinubu
“Despite the country’s enormous oil wealth, ordinary Nigerians have derived very little benefit from oil money, primarily due to widespread grand corruption and the entrenched culture of impunity among perpetrators,” SERAP’s letter stated.
The organisation cited Nigeria’s constitutional obligations and international commitments, such as the UN Convention against Corruption and the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption, as key legal frameworks requiring the government to act swiftly.
“Under Section 16(1) of the Constitution, your government has a responsibility to ‘secure the maximum welfare, freedom, and happiness of every citizen based on social justice and equality of status and opportunity,’” the letter added.
SERAP reiterated its demand for immediate and effective measures to investigate the allegations, prosecute those found culpable, and recover stolen funds.
“The country’s wealth ought to be used solely for the benefit of the Nigerian people and the sake of present and future generations,” it stated.
News
Migration Agency Warns Migrants Against Irregular Travel Routes

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM), in collaboration with Giving is Healing Foundation, has sensitised residents of Ayobo in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State on the dangers of irregular migration and the need to embrace legal travel procedures.
Speaking during a sensitisation programme held at Megida Ifelodu Community Development Association in Ayobo, the founder of Giving is Healing Foundation, Mr. Gbolahan Ayediran, warned intending migrants against using illegal travel routes.
Ayediran said many Nigerians desire to migrate abroad in search of better opportunities but often ignore proper procedures, thereby exposing themselves to several dangers.
“Lots of people want to migrate and most of them do it in the wrong direction. The reason for the programme is for us to advise people on how they can migrate in the right way. As much as migration is their right, they should do it correctly,” he said.
READ ALSO:How Wike Rescued Me From Political Oblivion — Oshiomhole
He advised intending travellers to obtain the necessary travel documents before embarking on any journey, noting that such documents include international passports, visas, flight tickets and yellow cards, depending on the destination country.
According to him, migrants should also gather adequate information about their destination countries to enable them make informed decisions before travelling.
Ayediran further highlighted some of the dangers associated with irregular migration, including abuse, exploitation, discrimination and forced labour.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Megida Ifelodu Community Development Association, Elder Mathews Amusan, commended the organisers for enlightening members of the community on safe migration practices.
READ ALSO: He Can’t Fix His Party Let Alone Nigeria – Oshiomhole Blasts Atiku
He urged residents planning to travel abroad to always follow legal migration procedures to avoid falling victim to human trafficking and other migration-related challenges.
One of the participants, Mr. Kolawole Adenoko, said the programme enlightened him on the dangers of irregular migration and the importance of travelling through the proper channels.
He added that he would also educate his relatives and friends on the risks associated with illegal migration.
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.”
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