News
Man arrested for attempting to vandalise NNPC pipeline in Calabar

The Cross River Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) says it had arrested one suspect for allegedly attempting to vandalise a pipeline in Calabar.
The state Commandant of the corps, Mr Samuel Fadeyi, made this known on Monday in Calabar, while briefing newsmen on the activities of the corps.
Fadeyi disclosed that the suspect was arrested on Aug. 26, in connection with an attempt to vandalise a pipeline of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) at the tank farm in Calabar.
He also disclosed that the suspect was the security personnel of the moribund tank farm, owned by Mettle Energy and Gas, where the pipeline was connected to.
He explained that the suspect was arrested by his men on surveillance patrol alongside the maintenance unit of Latee Jay company, a private outfit involved in the monitoring of pipelines in the state.
According to him, during the surveillance, they noticed a small collapse hole around the area, suggesting that there was a pit in between.
In his words, “NSCDC officials dug the hole and they discovered that it was actually a tunnel, leading from the moribund tank farm, Mettle Energy and Gas, into the pipeline.
“Further investigation showed that they had some equipment which they were actually going to use to connect to the pipeline, breach it and then syphon petroleum product.
“This whole digging took place underground, such that one will not know what was going on. The tunnel leads to the tank farm at one end and the other leads to the pipeline.
“We have commenced an investigation, and the suspect is helping to give us credible information on those behind this illegal act”.
The commandant noted that the act was carried out by a cartel, assuring that the corps would ensure that those at large were also arrested.
He disclosed that the owners of the tank farm must have permitted the illegal act, adding that the digging of the pit to breach the NNPC pipeline was done within a month.
He said that the distance of the tunnel to the NNPC pipeline was about 100 meters, adding that the suspect had already finished the digging and was waiting to connect their own pipe to the NNPC pipeline.
“Oil theft has been a major problem, in fact, it has dominated the major discourse in the country right now because of the effect on the nation’s economy.
“Last week, the Commandant General of NSCDC, Dr Abubakar Audi, read a riot act to commands in the Niger Delta, particularly on the need to strengthen the anti-vandal team.
“That message was passed unto my men and you can see the result. I can assure you that the perpetrators of this act won’t be spared,” he added.
The suspect, while speaking to newsmen, said he was promised large sums of money by those who involved him in the illegal act.
In his words, “two men came into my office and said they want to help me make some money. They asked me to allow them to dig the pipeline and I did.
“They asked me not to panic that I was going to make a huge amount of money. They gave me N500 on the first day they came.
“They went and brought people from Portharcourt who dug this tunnel day and night. They promised that when they want to lay the pipes, they will give me a huge amount of money.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that exhibits recovered from the suspects included a shovel, connecting pipes, buckets and knives.
(NAN)
Headlines
Police arrest 6 for vandalism, receipt of stolen items in Jigawa

The Police Command in Jigawa, has arrested six suspected vandals in the Kazaure Local Government Area of the state.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Lawan Shiisu, confirmed the arrest in a statement in Dutse on Monday.
Shiisu said that five of the suspects, aged between 28 and 53, were arrested for vandalism, while the sixth suspect, a 30-year-old, was apprehended for allegedly receiving stolen items.
He explained that two of the suspects were arrested on Feb. 26 after allegedly vandalising streetlight, armoured cable wires and individual conduit service wires in the Bandutsi area of the LGA.
He added that three more suspects were arrested on Feb. 28 after allegedly conspiring to vandalise approximately 2,000 meters of high-tension wire in the Faru and Daba villages of the same LGA.
According to him, during interrogation, the suspects identified Musa Yahaya, a 30-year-old from the Wajen Gabas area in Kazaure town, as an accomplice and the receiver of the stolen items.
The command’s spokesperson alleged that Yahaya was aware that the cable wires belonged to the government and were stolen items.
He added that the suspects, who had allegedly confessed to the crime, had since been charged to court.
Headlines
Supreme Court nullifies Rivers LG elections

The Supreme Court on Friday, nullified the Local Government election in Rivers State, which was conducted on Oct. 5, 2024.
A five-member panel of the apex court unanimously held that the election was conducted in violation of relevant laws.
Justice Jamilu Tukur, in the lead judgment, agreed with the appellant, the All Progressives Congress (APC), that conditions precedent were not complied with before the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) held the election.
Justice Tukur held that there was no evidence that the voters’ registration continued until 90 days before the election and that the requisite notices were issued as required by law.
Headlines
Anike Agbaje-Williams, Africa’s First Face on TV, Passes Away at 88

Nigeria has lost a broadcasting icon as Chief Anike Agbaje-Williams, Africa’s first female television broadcaster, has passed away at the age of 88.
Her family announced her passing in a statement signed by Mrs. Banji Sokoya, revealing that the veteran broadcaster died peacefully in Ibadan, where she lived most of her life.
“Goodnight, my ever so cherished mummy, boss, and mentor. We’ll surely see in the morning,” the statement read.
Born on October 23, 1936, Agbaje-Williams made history as the first face to appear on television in Africa when she featured on Western Nigerian Television (WNTV) in Ibadan during its test transmission and official launch on October 31, 1959. She was also the first voice heard on Africa’s first commercial radio station, Western Nigeria Broadcasting Service (WNBS), earning her the title of “Double-First.”
She had a distinguished career in broadcasting, rising through the ranks to become a respected producer and director of programmes before retiring in July 1986.
A devoted member of All Saints Church, Jericho, Ibadan, she was also one of its oldest choristers. Her family described her as a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose legacy will be cherished forever.
“The family profoundly mourns the passing of a great icon. We take comfort in knowing she lived a glorious, remarkable, and impactful life. She inspired many fans and mentees over the years,” the statement read.
The family has requested privacy during this period of mourning, with funeral arrangements to be announced later.
-
Business3 years ago
Facebook, Instagram Temporarily Allow Posts on Ukraine War Calling for Violence Against Invading Russians or Putin’s Death
-
Headlines3 years ago
Nigeria, Other West African Countries Facing Worst Food Crisis in 10 Years, Aid Groups Say
-
Foreign3 years ago
New York Consulate installs machines for 10-year passport
-
Technology6 months ago
Zero Trust Architecture in a Remote World: Securing the New Normal
-
Entertainment2 years ago
Phyna emerges winner of Big Brother Naija Season 7
-
Business9 months ago
Nigeria Customs modernisation project to check extortion of traders
-
Business11 months ago
We generated N30.2 bn revenue in three months – Kano NCS Comptroller
-
Headlines9 months ago
Philippines’ Vice President Sara Duterte resigns from Cabinet