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Nigeria News (Standard)

SERAP Sues NNPCL in Abuja Over Alleged ₦5.9 Billion Rebranding Expenditure

Group demands full disclosure of rebranding costs; NNPCL yet to respond as calls for transparency intensify

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Group demands full disclosure of rebranding costs; NNPCL yet to respond as calls for transparency intensify

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking an order to compel the oil corporation to account for an alleged ₦5.9 billion spent on rebranding. The suit was lodged on Sunday, 14 June, amid growing public scrutiny over transparency in public sector spending.

According to court filings, SERAP is requesting that NNPCL publish detailed information on the procurement process, contractors involved, and justification for the expenditure. The group maintains that such disclosure is necessary given the significant amount involved and persistent concerns about accountability within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

The move by SERAP comes at a time when many Nigerians are demanding greater openness from state-run enterprises following years of allegations regarding mismanagement of public funds. NNPCL’s rebranding initiative, reportedly costing ₦5.9 billion, has drawn criticism from civil society organisations and members of the public who argue that such sums could be better utilised for critical infrastructure or social services.

As at press time, NNPCL had not issued any official response to the suit or provided clarification on how the rebranding funds were spent. SERAP insists that making this information public will set a precedent for fiscal responsibility across government-owned entities.

The case is expected to be heard in the coming weeks at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Observers say the outcome could shape future demands for transparency from other major government agencies handling large budgets.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/887551-serap-sues-nnpcl-over-failure-to-account-for-%e2%82%a65-9-billion-rebranding-cost.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Zamfara Police Neutralise Explosive Planted by Suspected Bandits on Tsafe Road

Prompt action by Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit follows tip-off from local residents, averting possible mass casualties

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Prompt action by Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit follows tip-off from local residents, averting possible mass casualties

Police operatives in Zamfara State have safely defused an improvised explosive device (IED) allegedly planted by suspected bandits along a major road in Tsafe Local Government Area. The incident, which occurred along the Kunchin Kalgo axis, was confirmed by the Zamfara State Police Command in a statement issued on Saturday.

According to police authorities, officers from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit were swiftly deployed to the scene after credible intelligence was received from community members. The IED was discovered before it could detonate, and security personnel successfully neutralised the device without any reported casualties or disruption to traffic.

The command stated that preliminary investigations indicate the explosive was strategically placed to inflict harm on innocent commuters and other road users. “Preliminary findings indicate that the explosive device was strategically planted to cause mass casualties among innocent road users and commuters,” the command said in its statement.

Police attributed the timely discovery of the device to improved collaboration between security agencies and residents in Zamfara State. “Through the Command’s robust community engagement strategy, effective partnerships, and sustained networking with local community members, timely and credible information was received, enabling the operatives to respond swiftly and neutralise the threat before any harm could occur,” police authorities added.

This incident highlights ongoing security challenges in Zamfara, part of Nigeria’s North-West geopolitical zone, where banditry and attacks on travellers have persisted despite heightened security measures. The police command reiterated its call for continued vigilance and cooperation from residents to help prevent further attacks. Authorities have assured that investigations are ongoing to identify those behind the attempted attack.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/police-defuse-bandits-explosive-on-zamfara-road/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Niger State Shuts 15 Health Centres, Arrests Suspected Fake Doctor in Suleja Crackdown

Private Health Facilities Agency seals Ellamara Hospital, says operation follows intelligence reports on unqualified practitioners

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Private Health Facilities Agency seals Ellamara Hospital, says operation follows intelligence reports on unqualified practitioners

Authorities in Niger State have sealed off 15 private health centres and arrested a man accused of practising as a fake doctor during an enforcement operation in Suleja Local Government Area on Saturday. The action was led by the Niger State Private Health Facilities Agency as part of efforts to sanitise the health sector and protect residents from unsafe medical practices.

According to Dr Abdullahi Suleiman, Executive Chairman of the agency, the clampdown followed intelligence reports and routine compliance checks that revealed irregularities in several facilities. Suleiman said Ellamara Specialist Hospital was shut down after inspectors discovered that a suspect had been providing medical services without necessary qualifications or a valid practising licence.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect, who allegedly dropped out of medical school, had worked as a medical doctor in Suleja for about six years. The agency noted that he was previously disengaged by a former employer over issues related to his credentials and had reportedly been arrested before in Cross River State for similar offences.

Suleiman stated that the ongoing enforcement exercise is aimed at upholding regulatory standards and ensuring only qualified professionals operate in Niger State’s health sector. “We will not tolerate quackery or illegal medical practice that puts lives at risk,” he said during an inspection tour. The agency did not immediately disclose the names of other affected centres but assured residents that further investigations would be carried out.

The Niger State Private Health Facilities Agency has urged members of the public to report suspicious activities at any health facility and warned operators to comply strictly with registration and licensing requirements. Further updates are expected as authorities continue their probe into private healthcare operations across Suleja LGA.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/niger-cracks-down-on-fake-doctors-shuts-down-15-health-centres/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Factcheckers Expose Old Imo State Killings Video Circulating as Recent Attack

Digital investigators confirm viral footage predates latest security incidents as Imo Police warn public against misinformation

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Digital investigators confirm viral footage predates latest security incidents as Imo Police warn public against misinformation

A video currently trending on social media claiming to show a recent attack in Imo State has been confirmed by factcheckers to be footage from an earlier incident. The video, which depicts scenes of violence and casualties, began circulating widely on Sunday, sparking fear among residents and concern from local authorities.

Investigators traced the origins of the clip and discovered it was first shared online months ago, following clashes in a different part of Imo State. Despite its age, the video resurfaced with captions linking it to alleged fresh attacks this week in communities around Orlu Local Government Area. Security agencies have since clarified that no such new incident matching the viral content occurred on the dates claimed.

The situation highlights ongoing challenges with misinformation in Nigeria’s security environment, especially in South-East states where tensions remain high over recurring violence. False claims and recycled videos have previously heightened anxiety and complicated response efforts by both security forces and humanitarian agencies.

Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, cautioned residents against spreading unverified content online. “We urge members of the public to verify any information before sharing it further. Misinformation undermines security operations and causes unnecessary panic,” Okoye said in a written statement on Monday.

Authorities said they are monitoring digital platforms for misleading posts while urging citizens to report suspicious activities through official channels. Analysts warn that repeated circulation of old violent imagery can erode public trust and distract attention from legitimate security concerns still facing communities across Imo State.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/887558-factcheck-old-video-of-killings-in-imo-recirculated-as-a-recent-attack.html

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