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FG Probes Theft In $1.1 Billion Oil Well (the Tony Elumelu’s connection)

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The largest oil and gas field financing transaction of about $1.1bn – Oil Mining License 17, owned by billionaire business tycoon, Tony Elumelu, is currently under investigation following the uncovering of an illegal oil bunkering facility connected to it, Society Reporters has learnt.

We gathered that the investigation was necessitated after the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps on Thursday, uncovered an illegal local refinery at Otamiri-Etche, Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The illegal refinery, we gathered, steals crude from OML17 fields operated by Heirs Holding Oil and Gas Limited.

In 2021, Heirs Holdings acquired 45 per cent of OML 17 from Shell Total and Eni. At the point of acquisition, the field located at the north Port Harcourt, produced just 27, 000 barrels per day, however, production rose to 40, 000 barrels per day seven months after acquisition.

We gathered that the NSCDC was able to burst the oil bunkering gang following intelligence reports from local informants.

The perpetrators were said to have tapped into Heir Holding Oil and Gas facility through the pipeline bulk delivery and stole crude oil through carefully constructed pipes to their illegal local refinery.

Further findings revealed that some insider involvement connected to the bunkering had been uncovered, and the NSCDC is currently interrogating workers both inside and outside the facility with the full support of Elumelu himself.

Sources close to the matter told us that Elumelu was disturbed by the report, as the menace had been ongoing for years, even before the field was acquired by Heirs Holdings.

“Suspected persons workings in the facility, locals, including the owner of the land being used for the illegal activities have been picked up for questioning”, sources who claimed anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter told us.

The NSCDC Commandant in Rivers State, Michael Besong Ogar, confirmed the development.

He said it was the first time of witnessing a new strategy of operations by illegal oil thieves in the country.

We also gathered that sponsors of the illegal refinery are currently being investigated and would be charged to court.

“I must confess that this is the first time of witnessing a well fabricated illegal refinery with such a wide range of pipes laid across the area, as you can see how big the land is, you can also imagine how unscrupulous people can be despite the continuous fight against illegal dealings in petroleum products.

“We have commenced intense investigation into the matter, and we will unravel the mystery behind this economic sabotage.

“The NSCDC has a clear statutory mandate to safeguard critical national assets and Infrastructures across the federation, we will not be deterred or distracted by the activities of oil thieves in the State. Without compromise we will go after them and ensure that the illegal dealings in petroleum products are reduced drastically in order to boost the nation’s economy again”, he said.

OML 17 contains fields such as Agbada, Obigbo, Obigbo North, as well as Otamini and Umuchem. It also hosts facilities that can output 150, 000 barrels per day. Gas production on the field is less than 50 million standard cubic feet per day, with estimated 2P reserves of 1.2 billion barrels of oil.

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NATE Honours Focal Point Boss, Kamal Bello

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‘honor isn’t given, its earned’ This quote depicts the mood at the just concluded 39th Conference of the Nigerian Association of Technologists in Engineering in Ibadan where the CEO of Focal Point, Engineer Kamaldeen Olalekan Bello was conferred with a Fellow title.
It was an assembly of the finest engineers and construction giants in Nigeria who converged on the Daylan Event Centre, Ibadan venue of the conference of a memorable night of honours and awards.
Kamaldeen Bello who recently bagged a Corporate Membership of Occupational Safety and Health Association UK shone like a northern star when the hall erupted at the mention of his names and citation as a Fellow.
According to the NATE, the Engineering body bestowed the honor upon the Focal Point boss for his achievements and contributions to the field of Civil Engineering.
With an enviable career devoted to the serving of God and mankind, Bello has worked in various capacity starting with Adpett Nigeria and later Danrin Engineering, the Nigerian Army and some other reputable institutions before floating his Focal Point.
At the event, the dynamic building expert whose essay ‘Moments Of Truth; How To Stop Building Collapse In Nigeria’ forms a literary debate in the Engineering and Construction industry stated that the honour was a proof that he is on the right track at this moment in his career.
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Amidst Denial, Ibadan Billionaire, Dotun Sanusi To Contest For Governor

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Despite his denial, Ilaji Farm boss, Dotun Sanusi has his eyes on the governorship seat of Oyo State.

 

Those in the know claimed the billionaire who also owns the Icast International school is hinging his chances on his closeness with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

 

Sanusi whose influence in the last election was put in play to deliver for the re election of Governor Seyi Makinde has become a sort of political influence in Oyo State.

 

The Ilaji boss, some days ago denied the guber ambition claims.

 

In his words, the billionaire claimed ‘anything that has to do with politics, count me out’.

 

But sources maintained his denial was part of the plans.

 

 

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Singer, Ebenezer Obey Loses Ex-wife

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Prolific singer, Commander Ebenezer Obey is presently not in a good mood.

 

The ageing musician who is popular for his genre of yoruba music lost one of his confidants some days ago and this has thrown a shade of grief at him.

 

The woman, Iyalode Alaba Lawson died in his Abeokuta home some days ago.

 

The woman who held the title of both the Iyalode of Egbaland and Yorubaland is said to have married the musician at her younger days. The brief affair produced a child.

 

It was said that they later went apart but maintained a close relationship till her death.

 

At 72, Iyalode Alaba Lawson was widely respected. A prominent woman and record holder, the first Nigerian woman to sit on Naccima as president.

 

Ogun State has announced the plans to give her a befitting burial.

 

 

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