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Mohammed Abacha, Coy kicks against FG’S claim of Resolution of Court Cases on $1.3bn OML 245 with Malabu
Mohammed Abacha, the heir of late Head of State, General Sani Abacha has dismissed the claim by the federal government that all Court Cases relating to ownership of the oil exploration company, Malabu Oil and Gas have been resolved.
Abacha and PECOS Energy,dismissed the claim said to have been made by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, at a public function in Abuja.
In a protest letter against the claim written by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) , Reuben Okpanachi Atabo SAN, Mohammed Abacha and his coy issued a 14-day ultimatum to Lokpobiri to withdraw the alleged false claim or be slammed with contempt of court charges.
In the protest letter received by the AGF and Oil Minister’s offices on July 5, the Abacha family averred that the claim made at the opening session of the “Nigerian Oil and Gas Energy Week” by Lokpobiri was false, spurious, unfounded and an affront to the courts where several cases on ownership of Malabu Oil and Gas are still pending.
Lokpobiri was reported to have said that the ongoing negotiations to end the disputes surrounding Oil Mining License (OML 245) have been concluded and that the oil block will resume production in the national interest.
Malabu Oil and Gas company belonging to Abacha family was said to be the owner of deepwater OML 245 oil block located in the southern Niger Delta but in 2001, the federal government under former President Olusegun Obasanjo revoked Malabu’s license to the oil block.
In 2006, Malabu challenged the revocation in court but the matter was settled out-of-court with the government under former President Umaru Yar’Adua.
Trouble however erupted in In 2011 when Shell and Eni, two major oil companies reportedly acquired the 245 oil block for $1.3 billion from Malabu in a deal approved by the Nigerian government via transfer of rights from Malabu to Shell and ENI in exchange for consideration
but without the knowledge of the Abacha family.
Ever since, there have been series of litigations in various Courts by Abacha family to reclaim ownership of the rich oil block.
The protest letter by the senior lawyer to the Oil Minister read in part “We act as Solicitors to Malabu Oil and Gas Limited, Alhaji Mohammed Sani Abacha and Pecos Energy Ltd and on whose authority and firm instructions we write to you.
“Our Clients’ attention has been drawn to the remarks made by the Hon. Minister of State for Petroleum Resources at the opening session of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Energy Week to the effect that all legal issues relating to OPL 245 have been resolved and that the coast is clear for investors to come and invest in OML 245.
“At the said opening session, with the theme ‘Showcasing opportunities, driving investment, meeting demand’, the Hon. Minister stated thus; “I am happy to announce to you that we have resolved all the issues. We should be expecting investments in 10s of billions of dollars to create an atmosphere where we become globally competitive. Nigeria fiscals are globally competitive and those Companies that left over a year ago are coming back.”
“Sometime in 1998, Alhaji Mohammed Sani, Kweku Amafagha and Hassan Hindu co-founded Malabu Oil & Gas Limited as initial shareholders
“We wish to inform you that in 2011, there were resolution agreements between the Federal Government of Nigeria, Shell Nigeria Ultra-Deep and Nigeria Agip Exploration on OPL 245, our Clients were not represented at the said Resolution Agreements rather Chief Dan Etete who was neither a Director nor Shareholder of Malabu Oil and Gas Limited purportedly represented the company.
“It was these Resolution Agreements that subsequently led to the sale of OPL 254 to Shell Exploration and Nigeria Agip Exploration Company Limited at the cost of $1.3 Billion US Dollars.
“Our Clients who did not participate nor benefitted from the proceeds have instituted various actions in Courts.
Sir, we also wish to state categorically on behalf our Clients that there are various ongoing cases at different courts in Nigeria on OPL 245 and to this effect, we need to correct the impression that all legal issues have been resolved specifically, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/201/2017 between Malabu Oil and Gas and federal government and others.
“We wish to inform you that the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has also maintained criminal charges against some persons in respect of the purported sale.
“We wish to most respectfully inform you that the controversy surrounding the Oil Prospecting Lcence OPL 245 led to the setting up of the Ad-Hoc Committee of the House of Representative to investigate Malabu Oil & Gas via –a-vis the potential economic value of OPL 245 to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
“From the foregoing, it is evident that the remarks made by your esteemed self during the opening session of the Nigerian Energy Week is not only misleading but bereft of the factual situation on ground.
“Furthermore, the said remarks is an affront on the authority of our Courts, having regard to the fact that the matter is sub judice before various courts in Nigeria.
“By Section 6 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), judicial powers in Nigeria are vested in our Courts who are meant to determine disputes between individuals and Government.
“Also, we are now in a democratic system of government where the Rule of Law prevails and not the Rule of force.
“From the various courts, it can be seen that the Federal Government of Nigeria is a party to the ongoing suits and therefore the said remarks made by your esteemed self, amounts to writing judgment in your own favour notwithstanding the fact that you are a party to the suits.
“In view of the fact that the matters of OPL 245 are in Court, we do not need to go into further details to allow the Hon. Justices of the various courts to dispense justice.
“Take notice therefore that we are by this letter demanding that your esteemed self, issues a statement retracting your remarks made during the opening session of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Energy Week with the theme “Showcasing opportunities, driving investment, meeting demand.” which is in issue within 14 days from the receipt of this letter failure of which we shall take an action against you in a competent Court of Law without further recourse to our Clients.
“Accept the assurances of our highest esteem, the lawyer said.
- … Endorses Solar Drive, Sets Sights on 2030 Energy Targets
- …Urges Journalists to Support, Not Sabotage Nigeria’s Clean Energy Transition
In a renewed push for sustainable national development, civil society organizations have thrown their weight behind Nigeria’s shift to renewable energy, commending the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) for its commitment to powering underserved communities through clean energy solutions.
Under the umbrella of the CSOs Budget Implementation, Assessment, Monitoring, and Evaluation Committee (CBIAMEC), stakeholders held a press briefing in Abuja themed “Powering Nigeria’s Future: Advocating for a National Shift Toward Renewable Energy for Sustainable Development.”
Speaking at the event, CBIAMEC Chairman, Ambassador Splendour Agbonkpolor, emphasized that renewable energy holds the key to unlocking economic prosperity, job creation, and climate resilience. He described Nigeria’s energy access gap, where over 85 million citizens still lack electricity as a national emergency that demands bold, innovative, and inclusive solutions.
“We are here today not just to speak truth to power, but to align with power that works for the people. Renewable energy is not just a technology; it’s a tool for justice, equity, and human dignity.”Agbonkpolor said.
The committee particularly commended FG for its strategic initiatives aimed at deploying 4 megawatts of renewable energy in all 36 states and the FCT, as well as a separate plan to deliver 5 megawatts to every local government in partnership with the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON).
“These projects are not only ambitious, they are necessary. They represent a real chance to lift communities out of darkness, boost local economies, and bring Nigeria closer to its renewable energy target of 30% by 2030.” Agbonkpolor noted.
The committee also addressed the ongoing ₦10 billion in the 2025 approved budget for the installation of a solar mini-grid at the Presidential Villa. While acknowledging growing media interest and public scrutiny of the initiative, CBIAMEC clarified that its position is not one of opposition but of constructive engagement.
“We had a fruitful interface with the Director General of ECN where detailed clarifications were provided on procurement procedures, project scope, and transparency mechanisms. The Commission assured us that all steps are being taken in line with the Public Procurement Act, including competitive bidding and regular performance audits.” Agbonkpolor added.
The group pledged to serve as an independent watchdog, monitoring the implementation to ensure the solar intervention truly benefits the people and delivers value for every kobo spent. “We will be vigilant, objective, and fact-driven in our oversight role.”
Meanwhile the Committee also raised concerns over what it described as “media trials” that could derail public trust and investment in renewable energy projects. It urged journalists to uphold ethical standards, verify information, and avoid sensationalism that may hinder national progress.
“We are not calling for silence, we are calling for responsibility. The media has a powerful role to play in this transition, not as saboteurs, but as storytellers of change and partners in development.” he restated.
The briefing concluded with a five-point call to action, encouraging households to explore solar home systems, innovators to invest in green technology, communities to support mini-grid projects, policymakers to prioritize renewable energy in national planning, and the media to amplify success stories in the sector.
- …Sets the stage for a future of more possibilities
Wema Bank, Nigeria’s most innovative bank and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, has officially marked the incredible milestone of its 80th anniversary on Friday, May 2nd, 2025.
Celebrated as Nigeria’s oldest indigenous bank, Wema Bank was founded on May 2nd, 1945, as Agbonmagbe Bank Limited; an institution that has now evolved from a single-branch operation aimed at empowering indigenous Nigerians into a formidable force that continues to blaze the trail in Nigeria’s banking and financial industry.
From bridging gaps in access to finance for underserved Nigerians to empowering businesses with insightful financial solutions and support, providing a platform for other industries to thrive and proactively delivering financial solutions tailored to the needs of every Nigerian, Wema Bank has built a legacy of impact for 8 decades. With millions of customers and global presence via 150+ branches and the ALAT App, Wema Bank continues to set the pace in customer-centric innovation and impactful banking.
Extending heartfelt gratitude to the Bank’s stakeholders, Moruf Oseni, the MD/CEO of Wema Bank reiterated the Bank’s commitment to continue going above and beyond in service of its customers in the decades to come. According to him, “Wema at 80 is a milestone that extends deeply into the very roots of the industry, the people and the nation. This is an 80-year-old bank that began to set the pace for indigenous businesses in the depths of colonial rule and has remained resolute in carrying on that mission since 1945, showing the world that ‘Nigerian-owned’ can last, and institutions can be agents of transformation in their own capacity. It’s a journey I am deeply proud of and I cannot celebrate alone”.
“I take this moment to express my sincerest gratitude to every person and institution that has played a part in Wema Bank’s success story. From our customers to shareholders, investors, partners to employees past and present, and every other stakeholder whose efforts run in the veins of this great Bank. We are Wema and I take this moment, on behalf of the Board and Management of the Bank, to reiterate our lifelong commitment to you. Wema Bank is built to last, Wema Bank is built for you and Wema Bank will never relent in delivering optimum value to you. It has been 80 years of impact, and as we look ahead to a future of limitless possibilities, our promise to you remains the same. We Are With You, All The Way!”, Oseni concluded.
Wema Bank’s 80th anniversary has taken the world by storm, with a major highlight being the Wema at 80 Gala Night scheduled to hold in Lagos at 6 p.m. on Friday May 2nd, 2025. Headlined by Afrobeats stars Davido and Wande Coal, Fuji legend Ayuba, vocal sensation Yinka Davies, 9ice and a star-studded lineup of celebrities, dignitaries and stakeholders; the night promises to be one for the books, convening 8 decades of generations in a glamorous ceremony themed ‘Timeless Elegance’.
Anyone can be a part of the Wema at 80 Gala Night by tuning in live at 7 p.m. to the Bank’s YouTube Channel as well as select national TV stations.
The Africa Trade Consortium, a premier platform for promoting intra-African trade, is set to host its 5th edition of the “Tea Break Edition” on May 14th, 2024, at the Grand Pela Hotel, Durimi, Abuja. This annual event, organized by PR Times Africa Media Ltd, aims to boost trade relations within the continent and explore new business opportunities.
*Key Highlights of the Event:*
– *Date:* May 14th, 2024
– *Time:* 10:00 am
– *Venue:* Grand Pela Hotel, Durimi, Abuja
– *Theme:* “Tea Break Edition”
– *Objective:* To promote intra-African trade, strengthen economic cooperation, and unlock new trade opportunities in the tea industry and related sectors.
*This Year’s Focus:*
The 5th edition of the “Tea Break Edition” will bring together top decision-makers, businessmen and women, and diplomats from diverse regions of the continent to discuss the tea industry as a business opportunity and explore related trade prospects. The event will also address key challenges facing trade within the continent, including trade barriers, border challenges, security, and weather-related issues.
*Quotes from the Organizers:*
“The Africa Trade Consortium is committed to fostering economic growth and development within the continent by promoting trade and investment,” said the Lead Consultant of PR Times Africa Media Ltd and Convener of the Africa Trade Consortium. “We believe that the tea industry has immense potential for growth and we look forward to exploring new trade opportunities with our partners from across Africa.”
*About the Africa Trade Consortium:*
The Africa Trade Consortium is a trade initiative launched in Abuja, Nigeria in 2022. Its primary objective is to promote trade between Nigeria and other African countries, fostering economic cooperation and collaboration among nations on the continent. The consortium brings together stakeholders from various sectors, including government, private enterprise, and civil society, to facilitate dialogue and collaboration.
For more information, please visit (link unavailable) or call +234802422404.
CSOs Back Nigeria’s Clean Energy Push, Applaud ECN’s Commitment
Wema Bank Celebrates 80 Years of Impact
