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Dangote Refinery to Begin PMS, Diesel Distribution Nationwide

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June 15, 2025

Beyond fuel delivery, Dangote Refinery is also offering a credit facility to bulk buyers Purchasing a minimum of 500,000 litres

Dangote Refinery to Begin PMS, Diesel Distribution Nationwide

— Offers Free Delivery, Credit to Bulk Buyers

By Lukman Omikunle

LAGOS, June 15, 2025 — In a bold move to reshape Nigeria’s fuel supply chain, Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced it will commence nationwide distribution of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and diesel from August 15, 2025.

The company revealed that the initiative will cater to marketers, petrol dealers, manufacturers, telecom firms, the aviation sector, and other bulk users across Nigeria. The distribution comes with a significant incentive—free logistics support—aimed at reducing operational costs and improving fuel availability across the country.

To power this extensive operation, the refinery has deployed 4,000 brand-new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered tankers, along with over 100 CNG tankers supporting newly established daughter booster stations nationwide.

“This strategic programme is part of our broader commitment to eliminating logistics costs, enhancing energy efficiency, promoting sustainability and supporting Nigeria’s economic development,” the company said in a statement.

Beyond fuel delivery, Dangote Refinery is also offering a credit facility to bulk buyers. Purchasers of a minimum of 500,000 litres will be eligible to receive an additional 500,000 litres on credit for two weeks, backed by a bank guarantee.

The initiative is expected to have a ripple effect across the economy—lowering production costs, reducing inflationary pressure, reviving dormant petrol stations, stimulating SMEs, and driving job creation in underserved communities.

“This marks a major milestone in our vision to revolutionise Nigeria’s energy sector,” the company added, stating that the project aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The company also praised the Federal Government’s support, especially through the Naira-for-Crude scheme, which it said has stabilised domestic fuel supply in the face of global price shocks.

Registration for interested stakeholders will run for 60 days, from June 16 to August 15, and will include a Know Your Customer (KYC) process. Enquiries can be directed via phone or email at sales.enquiry@dangote.com.

With this rollout, Dangote Petroleum Refinery aims to establish itself as a transformative force in Nigeria’s downstream sector—delivering affordable, accessible, and sustainable energy to every corner of the nation. Read More

Political Homecoming: Ogun Deputy Gov Welcomes Amosun Ally, Rahmon ‘Arugbo’, Back to APC

Politics

Lukman Omikunle

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June 14, 2025

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Political Homecoming: Ogun Deputy Gov Welcomes Amosun Ally, Rahmon ‘Arugbo’, Back to APC

By Lukman Omikunle

The Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, has received Comrade Rotimi Rahmon, popularly known as Arugbo, back into the fold of the All Progressives Congress (APC), marking a significant political realignment ahead of future elections.

Rahmon, a notable ally of former Governor Ibikunle Amosun, visited the Deputy Governor in her office to formally announce his decision to return to the ruling party with his loyal supporters.

Announcing the development in a statement shared on her official Facebook page on Saturday, Salako-Oyedele said: “I recently received one of the leading political figures in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government, Comrade Rotimi Rahmon (aka Arugbo), who came to formally brief me on his decision, along with his loyal supporters, to return to the All Progressives Congress (APC).”

According to her, Rahmon stated that his decision followed wide consultations with the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, after which he concluded that the APC remained “the best platform for meaningful impact and progressive governance.”

“He shared that after extensive consultations with our Governor, H.E. Prince Dapo Abiodun CON, he is convinced that the APC remains the best platform for meaningful impact and progressive governance,” she noted.

The Deputy Governor expressed confidence that Rahmon’s return would further strengthen the party’s base at the grassroots and reaffirmed the administration’s inclusive approach to leadership.

“I welcomed him back into the fold and encouraged him and his team to swiftly re-engage in their respective wards where, I assured him, they will be warmly received. Together, we continue to build a stronger, united APC in Ogun State under the inclusive and visionary leadership of our Governor,” she added.

Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele with Rotimi Rahmon at her Oke-Mosan office in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital. Photo Credit: **Noimot Salako-Oyedele** Facebook page

Rahmon, a seasoned grassroots politician, first gained recognition as the Executive Chairman of Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government during Amosun’s administration. He later served as the Chairman of the Ogun State Local Government Service Commission, enhancing his influence within the state’s political structure.

In 2019, he contested for a seat in the House of Representatives under the platform of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) but lost.

In the 2023 elections, he again featured prominently in opposition politics by aligning with Adekunle Akinlade, a former governorship candidate of the APM, and Ladi Adebutu, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the last general election, in an attempt to unseat Governor Dapo Abiodun—a mission that narrowly failed.

However, with Rahmon’s return to the APC, political observers say the realignment may reshape the dynamics in Ado-Odo/Ota and potentially strengthen the ruling party’s grassroots mobilization ahead of 2027. Read More

Investigate Murders of Dele Giwa, Kudirat Abiola, Bola Ige — Soyinka Urges Tinubu

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June 14, 2025

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Soyinka’s call may reignite pressure on the government to confront some of the unresolved tragedies that still haunt Nigeria’s democratic evolution

Investigate Murders of Dele Giwa, Kudirat Abiola, Bola Ige — Soyinka Urges Tinubu

Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, has called on President Bola Tinubu to launch a full investigation into the unresolved murders of prominent Nigerians, including journalist Dele Giwa, democracy activist Kudirat Abiola, and former Attorney General Chief Bola Ige.

Speaking with selected journalists in Lagos on Saturday as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 2025 Democracy Day, Soyinka stressed the need for closure in these high-profile cases, which he described as “dark stains” on the nation’s democratic journey.

“For the sake of closure, let us investigate how they died. Some Nigerians here and abroad know what happened and can provide clues,” Soyinka said.

His appeal comes in the wake of President Tinubu’s Democracy Day address to a joint session of the National Assembly, during which national honours were conferred on key figures of the pro-democracy struggle.

While Soyinka commended the recognition of some heroes, he pointed out several glaring omissions, noting that the awards only represented a portion of those who made sacrifices.

“I am dedicating my honour to the memory of Beko Ransom-Kuti,” Soyinka said, describing the late activist as a “defender of human rights, champion of good governance, and campaigner for democracy” who endured multiple detentions under military rule.

Soyinka also warned against diminishing the significance of the June 12 struggle, emphasizing the high cost many paid to resist military tyranny.

“Let no one treat June 12 lightly. People died, were tortured, imprisoned. That memory must not fade,” he said.

His remarks came just hours after the Presidency denied awarding national honours to rights activist Aisha Yesufu and 35 others, despite widespread speculation following Thursday’s announcement.

Among the 66 awardees honoured at the National Assembly were Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, former NEC Chairman Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, and Kudirat Abiola, who was posthumously recognized for her role in the June 12 movement.

President Tinubu also broke new ground by granting a posthumous state pardon to environmentalist Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni Nine, nearly 30 years after their execution by the Sani Abacha regime.

“I also confer posthumous national honours on Ken Saro-Wiwa (CON), the leader of the Ogoni Nine and his fellow travellers,” Tinubu announced.

“I shall also be exercising my powers under the prerogative of mercy to grant these national heroes a full pardon,” he added.

While Saro-Wiwa was awarded the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), the other eight were conferred with the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON). This marks the first time a Nigerian president has publicly acknowledged their contributions to democracy and environmental justice.

The Ogoni Nine, who were hanged in 1995 after a trial widely condemned as politically motivated, were activists of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP). Their execution drew international outrage and led to Nigeria’s suspension from the Commonwealth.

Honoured alongside Saro-Wiwa were Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine.

With the renewed focus on national healing and justice, Soyinka’s call may reignite pressure on the government to confront some of the unresolved tragedies that still haunt Nigeria’s democratic evolution. Read More

Why Awujale is Distancing Self from Governor Abiodun – Inside Sources

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June 14, 2025

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Despite official statements attributing the Awujale’s absence at Ojude Oba to health reasons, sources from the palace claim that the monarch was unwilling to share the stage with Governor Abiodun

Why Awujale is Distancing Self from Governor Abiodun – Inside Sources

Fresh details have emerged highlighting the widening gulf between the Awujale of Ijebu Land, Oba Sikiru Adetona, and the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun.

According to sources within the palace and political circles, the once-cordial relationship between the revered monarch and the state’s chief executive has soured considerably, primarily over the issue of the proposed creation of a new State out of Old Ijebu province.

It is alleged that Governor Abiodun has been subtly undermining the bill for the creation of Ijebu State, recently sponsored by Senator Gbenga Daniel, who represents Ogun East in the National Assembly.

Awujale, a staunch advocate for the creation of the state—with Ijebu-Ode as the capital—is said to be furious over Abiodun’s perceived manipulation of the Akarigbo of Remo and other stakeholders, sowing confusion over the matter.

The monarch reportedly believes the governor’s actions are driven not by a desire to protect the interests of the Remo people, but by a calculated political ambition ahead of the 2027 elections.

Notably, Remo leaders had already agreed to cede the state capital to Ijebu-Ode, as long as the name “Ijebu-Remo” reflects their inclusion in the new state structure. Even so, the Awujale remains unconvinced of Abiodun’s sincerity.

Palace insiders claim that at the height of his displeasure, the monarch considered convening a press conference to expose alleged irregularities and political misdeeds tied to the governor and his close allies.

That plan was eventually shelved after a palace source informed that a former governor in the State swiftly intervened. Out of respect for the elder statesman, Awujale agreed to stand down, though his distrust of Abiodun remains palpable.

The monarch’s disapproval was most evident during the 2025 Ojude Oba Festival, a major cultural event in Ijebuland. Breaking with a long-standing tradition, Awujale stayed away—an absence that sent shockwaves through the state.

Contrary to official statements citing health concerns, palace sources insist that the monarch’s decision was deliberate and rooted in his unwillingness to share the stage with Governor Abiodun.

Surprisingly, Governor Abiodun appeared unfazed by the monarch’s absence. In what many described as a show of defiance, he made a grand entrance to the festival grounds in a decorated horse-drawn carriage, flanked by aides and loyalists.

His arrival was met with loud cheers from supporters, turning the cultural celebration into a campaign-style spectacle—further fuelling allegations that the governor is politicizing revered traditional institutions and ceremonies.

As tensions linger, political watchers and cultural custodians alike are expressing concern over the implications of the strained relationship between the governor and one of Nigeria’s most respected traditional rulers.

Whether a reconciliation will occur before the end of Abiodun’s tenure remains uncertain—but for now, the silence between the two speaks volumes. Read More

N976m Oil Subsidy Scam: EFCC Declares Fugitive Fargo Petroleum CEO Seun Ogunbambo Wanted

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June 14, 2025

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N976m Oil Subsidy Scam: EFCC Declares Fugitive Fargo Petroleum CEO Seun Ogunbambo Wanted

The EFCC has warned the public against harboring him and is urging anyone with information about his whereabouts to report to any of its zonal offices across the country

N976m Oil Subsidy Scam: EFCC Declares Fugitive Fargo Petroleum CEO Seun Ogunbambo Wanted

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared Seun Ogunbambo, the Managing Director of Fargo Petroleum and Gas Limited, wanted for allegedly defrauding the Federal Government of N976.65 million through fraudulent oil subsidy claims.

In a public notice released on Friday, the anti-graft agency described Ogunbambo as a fugitive from justice. According to the EFCC, he absconded after being granted bail while standing trial before a Lagos State High Court.

“The suspect vanished after being granted bail and has since failed to appear in court,” said Dele Oyewale, EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity.

Ogunbambo was being prosecuted alongside Mamman Ali and Christian Taylor, both of whom were convicted and sentenced to 14 years in prison each on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, for their roles in the same scam.

The case revolves around a bogus subsidy payment totaling ₦976,653,110.28, which the EFCC said was fraudulently claimed as payment for petroleum products that were never supplied.

Described as light-skinned and fluent in English and Yoruba, Ogunbambo was last traced to 2, Olamijuyuan Crescent, Ikoyi, Lagos.

The EFCC has warned the public against harboring him and is urging anyone with information about his whereabouts to report to any of its zonal offices across the country—in Lagos, Enugu, Kano, Gombe, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Benin, Kaduna, Sokoto, Makurdi, Ilorin, Maiduguri, Uyo, or Abuja. Read More

Tinubu Honours Kudirat Abiola, Nwosu, Yar’Adua as June 12 Icons

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June 12, 2025

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Tinubu Honours Kudirat Abiola, Nwosu, Yar’Adua as June 12 Icons

As part of his Democracy Day address to the National Assembly, President Bola Tinubu posthumously honoured several key figures in Nigeria’s democratic history, including Kudirat Abiola, wife of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola—the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993, presidential election.

Others recognised were Professor Humphrey Nwosu, the former chairman of the defunct National Electoral Commission (NEC), who oversaw the 1993 polls, and the late former Vice President Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, a stalwart in Nigeria’s pro-democracy movement.

The national honours were conferred in recognition of their enduring contributions and sacrifices in the fight for democratic governance.

June 12 is now commemorated as Democracy Day in Nigeria, marking the date of what is widely regarded as the country’s freest and fairest election.

The 1993 election, won by MKO Abiola, was annulled by the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida, triggering nationwide protests and a prolonged struggle for the return to civilian rule. Kudirat Abiola became a leading voice in that fight until her assassination in 1996. Read More

Democracy Day: June 12 Becomes Official Presidential Address Day

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June 12, 2025

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Democracy Day: June 12 Becomes Official Presidential Address Day

The move adds further weight to June 12, already recognised as Democracy Day in honour of the annulled 1993 presidential election

Democracy Day: June 12 Becomes Official Presidential Address Day

In a historic move aligning with Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebrations, the National Assembly has officially designated June 12 as the annual day for the President to address a joint session of the legislature.

The formal adoption took place on Thursday during a special sitting at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, where President Bola Tinubu delivered a commemorative Democracy Day address.

Presiding over the session, Senate President Godswill Akpabio confirmed the resolution following a motion raised by Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.

“Mr President, in the eloquent speech by the Honourable Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, he raised a motion that June 12 should be formalised as the Presidential Day of Address to the joint session of the National Assembly. I hereby put the question,” Akpabio declared, prompting a vocal vote from lawmakers.

“Those in support of the motion, moved and seconded, say ‘Aye’; those against say ‘Nay’. The ‘Ayes’ have it,” he ruled.

Turning to President Tinubu, Akpabio added, “Mr President, that is the motion of the National Assembly, done in your presence. Mr Speaker, the statistics do not lie—we are quite happy with the data you rolled out and the House that we all run.”

The move adds further weight to June 12, already recognised as Democracy Day in honour of the annulled 1993 presidential election widely considered Nigeria’s freest and fairest.

Just days earlier, on June 10, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele had hinted at the plan during a media chat, revealing that legislation to institutionalise the address was imminent.

L-R: Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Tajudeen Abass, Speaker Federal House of Representatives

“We are hoping to bring a bill soon to institutionalise the President’s address on June 12 because of its historical importance. There can’t be a better time to address the nation through the Parliament than on June 12, especially since it is a joint sitting of the National Assembly,” Bamidele said.

He also revealed an additional provision in the draft bill: to make the National Assembly complex the official venue for future presidential swearing-in ceremonies.

“In that bill, we are hoping to ensure that the swearing-in ceremony of the next President and Commander-in-Chief of Nigeria—whom we believe will be President Bola Ahmed Tinubu—will be held within the arcade of the National Assembly,” he stated. Read More

Democracy Day: PDP Accuses Gov. Abiodun of Misrule, Neglect in Ogun

Politics

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June 12, 2025

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Tella cited the incomplete Agro-Cargo Airport and unfulfilled promises to improve road networks connecting Ogun to Lagos as glaring examples of Abiodun’s administration’s inefficiency

Democracy Day: PDP Accuses Gov. Abiodun of Misrule, Neglect in Ogun

As Nigerians marked Democracy Day, the Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took a swipe at Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration, accusing it of gross incompetence, nepotism, and lack of transparency.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Thursday by the PDP State Chairman, Abayomi Tella, the party criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government for what it described as “six uneventful years” in office, marked by stalled infrastructure, neglected public services, and failed campaign promises.

“The state cannot boast of accelerated road construction or rehabilitation across both urban and rural areas, while schools and health centres remain in deplorable condition despite the huge earnings accruing to the state,” Tella said.

He cited the incomplete Agro-Cargo Airport and unfulfilled promises to improve road networks connecting Ogun to Lagos as glaring examples of Abiodun’s administration’s inefficiency.

“Instead, what we have is lopsided execution of infrastructure, with more focus on Iperu and its surroundings, while rural areas like Ogun Waterside, Imeko, Yewa North, and Ipokia remain largely neglected,” he added.

Tella further noted that many campaign projects had either stalled or remained mere concepts with “limited visible impact on the grassroots.”

On healthcare, the opposition party decried the abandonment of public health services and the severe shortage of medical personnel. “There has been no improved access to quality healthcare and rehabilitation of primary healthcare facilities,” the statement read.

The PDP also lambasted the government’s record in education, alleging that public schools in rural areas are sustained primarily by local community efforts, despite claims of reforms and support for digital learning. “The number of out-of-school children in rural areas continues to rise,” Tella warned.

In terms of youth empowerment and job creation, the party claimed that most initiatives were “mere plots to scratch the surface” and “conduit pipes to divert public resources to private pockets.”

Tella also criticised the administration’s lack of public engagement. “Poor communication with citizens, limited town hall meetings, and allegations of nepotism in project execution and employment have defined this government,” he said.

He pointed to the recently concluded Gateway Games as a case study in alleged financial opacity. “Despite our insistence that details of the festival’s expenditure be made public, the Abiodun-led administration looked away.”

“Democracy has suffered, and Ogun State has suffered more under the clueless watch of Mr. Dapo Abiodun,” Tella declared.

Nonetheless, he urged Ogun residents not to lose hope, promising that “a comforting period that will wipe away their tears is around the corner.” Read More

Afrobeats Legends Reunite as D’banj Confirms Joint Tour With 2Baba and Timaya

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June 11, 2025

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The joint tour may be themed around gratitude

Afrobeats Legends Reunite as D’banj Confirms Joint Tour With 2Baba and Timaya

Afrobeats icon D’banj has officially confirmed plans for a joint tour with fellow music heavyweights 2Baba and Timaya, in what promises to be one of the most nostalgic reunions in Nigerian music history.

Speaking during a recent interview with Adesope Live in London, D’banj reflected on the evolution of Afrobeats—from its humble beginnings in West Africa in the early 2000s to its current status as a global sound.

“I was speaking with Timaya the other day and he was like, ‘Banger, it’s okay, you’ve entrepreneur enough. It’s time to come out.’ And I said the same thing,” D’banj revealed. “I’m speaking to 2Face as well. 2Face was telling me – let’s go on a tour together.”

The ‘Oliver Twist’ crooner explained that the trio is eager to reconnect with their fans and celebrate their extensive catalog of hits. “We have myself, 2Face and Timaya. We have great bodies of work. Because of how our industry is, there is a big market for everyone. So, yes, we will be going on a tour,” he said.

In addition to the tour, D’banj announced an upcoming collaboration with 2Baba titled “Feeling Good.” He hinted that the joint tour may also be themed around gratitude.

“For those who have waited, I want to thank you guys. I think that would be the tag of the tour—just to thank. Because looking back 20 years…”

Reflecting on the genre’s global acceptance, D’banj credited the African diaspora for helping push Afrobeats into mainstream pop culture.

“Now everybody is Afrobeats, everybody is African. But I remember when in this London it was not that great for you to say you are a Nigerian. We all wanted to be Jamaicans. Back then, everybody was embracing Jamaica,” he said. “These days, there is no UK movie that I’ve seen and our music is not in. So a big kudos not just to the creatives but to the whole community.”

The highly anticipated tour and collaboration are set to reignite the golden era of Afrobeats and bring longtime fans back into the groove. Read More

Appeal Court Stops Lower Court Proceedings in Akpoti-Uduaghan Suspension Dispute

Politics

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June 11, 2025

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The motion also warned that allowing the lower court to proceed could undermine the impact of any future ruling from the appellate court

Appeal Court Stops Lower Court Proceedings in Akpoti-Uduaghan Suspension Dispute

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has ordered an immediate suspension of proceedings at the Federal High Court in the case filed by suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, challenging her suspension from the Senate.

This development followed a motion filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who sought an extension of time to appeal a ruling delivered by Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court on March 10.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had approached the High Court, arguing that her suspension from the Senate was unconstitutional and violated legislative procedures.

In his March 10 ruling, Justice Egwuatu instructed Akpabio and three other defendants to respond within 72 hours, explaining why the court should not grant an injunction preventing further investigation or disciplinary action against the senator. He emphasized that any action taken by the Senate must comply with constitutional provisions, the Senate Standing Orders (2023), and the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act.

However, Akpabio, through his counsel Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN), filed a motion on March 20 seeking more time to appeal the decision. The legal team argued that the High Court’s consolidation of all pending applications for a March 25 hearing denied them the opportunity to file a timely appeal within the statutory 14-day window.

In an affidavit submitted by Toyo Jimmy, a senior legislative aide to Akpabio, it was claimed that the High Court’s approach infringed on the Senate president’s right to fair hearing and access to legal redress.

The motion also warned that allowing the lower court to proceed could undermine the impact of any future ruling from the appellate court.

Agreeing with the arguments, the Court of Appeal, in a ruling delivered on May 21, granted a stay of proceedings at the High Court pending the determination of the appeal. The panel of justices—Hama Barka, Adebukunola Banjoko, and Okon Abang—concluded that allowing the lower court to move forward could render the appellate court’s eventual decision ineffective.

In addition to halting the High Court case, the Appeal Court imposed a ₦100,000 cost against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and ordered the related appeal with case number /ABJ/PRE/ROA/CV/395M/2025 to be struck out from the register.