Television Nigerian

Joseph Daudu (SAN), a former president of the Nigerian Bar Association, has requested that the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja deny the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Justice Minister Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) his request to end a high-profile oil theft trial involving the multinational oil trading giant Trafigura Beheer BV and Trafigura PTE Limited.
The complaint was filed under the Lagos State Criminal Code Law (Cap. C17, 2003), not the federal penal system, according to Daudu, who is representing the nominal complainant, Nadabo Energy Limited, in an appearance before Justice Mojisola Dada on Thursday.
Section 211(1) of the 1999 Constitution was broken, according to Daudu, who also stated that the notice of discontinuance sent by the AGF’s office was unlawful.

Since the prosecution started in Lagos State, he said, it is only the Attorney General of Lagos State’s jurisdiction and not the Federal Government’s.

Following a plea by Trafigura’s attorney requesting that the Federal Government take up the case, it was reported that the AGF, working through the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), had filed a notice of discontinuance.

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Daudu, however, argued that the behavior was “ultra vires, null, void, and constitutionally defective.”

He argued, “This notice should be set aside because it is fundamentally flawed and cloaked in incompetence.”

The case, ID/7980c/2018, focuses on claims made by the Special Fraud Unit (SFU) that Trafigura and five other individuals misappropriated from Nadabo Energy about $8,442,806.09 worth of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).

Osahon Asemota, Rembrandt Ltd., Jil Engineering and Oil Services Ltd., Yusuf Kwande, and Mettle Energy and Gas are among the other defendants.

Earlier, the defendants had entered not guilty pleas.

The trial had progressed considerably, and 17 witnesses had been called by the prosecution. Justice Dada dismissed the defense’s no-case statement and directed the defendants to present their case.

Trafigura’s legal team decided to request that the AGF end the case rather than continue with their defense, which led to the contentious notice of discontinuance.

The prosecution moved the notice, and the judge later released the accused.

The defendants had already been charged with similar crimes in a previous case before Justice Sedotan Ogunsanya, according to Bode Olanipekun (SAN), Trafigura’s lead attorney. He requested that the new case be dismissed on behalf of double jeopardy.
Judge Dada, however, rejected the application as without merit, ruling that there was no relationship between the two cases.

Daudu vehemently objected to Trafigura’s lawyer starting defense proceedings and calling three witnesses after multiple court rulings ordering the trial to begin. Trafigura’s lawyer then asked the AGF to take over the case.

Makurdi, Nigeria— Benue State Governor, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia, has passionately addressed the persistent insecurity in the state, expressing deep gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his timely intervention and concern for the people of Benue. Governor Alia made these remarks during the President’s visit to the state following the tragic attack on the Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area on June 13, 2025.

In his speech, the Governor praised President Tinubu’s decision to cancel other state engagements to personally visit Benue, describing it as “a clear demonstration of true leadership.” He lauded the President’s show of solidarity during what he called “one of the darkest moments for the peace-loving people of Benue State.”

Governor Alia highlighted that the security challenges facing the state have persisted for decades, resulting in the loss of lives, destruction of property, displacement of communities, and occupation of ancestral lands. He noted that the President’s visit was the first time a sitting Nigerian leader had come specifically in response to the insecurity crisis in Benue, a gesture that he believes will mark a turning point for peace and stability.

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“Our hearts are ignited with hope by your visit,” the Governor stated. “You have truly rekindled a new leaf of hope in all of us, and your presence provides unimaginable reassurance that never again will our people be subjected to this degree of undeserved and barbaric inhumanity.”

While commending security agencies for their efforts, Governor Alia called for intensified actions and more drastic measures to end the attacks. He urged the Federal Government to establish a special intervention fund to aid the rehabilitation of displaced persons, rebuild destroyed infrastructure, and restore the livelihoods of affected families.

Governor Alia also reiterated his strong support for the establishment of state police as a lasting solution to the security crisis. He emphasized that with proper federal guidelines and regulatory frameworks, the concerns surrounding state policing can be effectively addressed to prevent misuse.

He concluded by thanking President Tinubu and all dignitaries who joined the visit, calling on God to console the bereaved families and bless the collective efforts toward peace. “Your visit rekindles our hope and energizes us to continue striving for peace and unity,” the Governor said.

Present at the event were key dignitaries including the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara; Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum and Imo Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma; Governors of Nasarawa, Kogi, Taraba, and Kebbi States; APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Dr. George Akume; National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Service Chiefs, traditional rulers, and other senior officials.

Makurdi, June 18, 2025 – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in Makurdi, Benue State, this morning in a solidarity visit following the tragic attacks on Yelwata and surrounding communities. The visit, prompted by the escalating violence that has left scores dead and thousands displaced, underscored the federal government’s commitment to addressing the security crisis and fostering national unity.

Upon arrival at the Makurdi Airport, President Tinubu was welcomed by Governor Hyacinth Alia, senior government officials, and traditional rulers. Without delay, the President’s convoy proceeded to the worst-hit areas where destruction from the attacks remains stark. Tinubu personally toured the ruins of burned homes, met with displaced residents in temporary camps, and inspected ongoing relief operations. Offering heartfelt condolences, he assured affected families of immediate federal intervention for medical care, shelter, and enhanced security.

Town Hall Meeting with Stakeholders
In the afternoon, the President held a town hall meeting at the Makurdi Local Government Secretariat. The gathering brought together community leaders, traditional rulers, religious figures, youth representatives, women’s groups, security chiefs, and lawmakers.

During his address, President Tinubu described the Yelwata tragedy as “a wound on the nation’s conscience,” emphasizing that “Benue’s peace is Nigeria’s peace.” He called for calm, cooperation, and unity in confronting the challenges.

Key Announcements:
Security Measures: Deployment of federal-backed mobile police units, aerial surveillance operations, and the establishment of a special local security task force.

Humanitarian Support: Approval of a ₦2 billion emergency fund to aid survivors, rebuild homes, and restore livelihoods.

Peace Efforts: A federally backed peace conference to be hosted in Benue, bringing together all stakeholders for long-term reconciliation.

Stakeholders’ Contributions
Community representatives appealed for urgent relocation of displaced persons to safer areas and stronger collaboration in local security. While they welcomed the federal government’s support, they urged swift implementation and inclusive participation in peacebuilding.

In an interactive session, Tinubu responded to concerns on security strategies, reconstruction timelines, and reconciliation mechanisms. He reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance stance on communal violence and promised close monitoring of all pledged interventions through an inter-agency task force.

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A Call for Unity
The President concluded with a passionate plea: “Let this pain bind, not break, our unity. Benue’s strength is Nigeria’s strength, and together we will heal.” He urged leaders at all levels to reject divisive rhetoric and work for enduring peace.

Outlook
President Tinubu’s visit, marked by empathy and decisive pledges, has sparked cautious optimism across Benue communities. While residents expressed relief at the President’s personal engagement, they look forward to concrete action that will translate promises into lasting peace and security.