Court orders return of Malabu oil block, OPL 245, to FG

Hamilton Nwosa
Writer
new-diplomat default image
new-diplomat default image

Ad

Fuel Price hike Looms as Dangote Refinery Halts Petrol Sales in Naira

By Abiola Olawale Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced its decision to suspend sales of premium motor spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, in local currency starting from Sunday, September 28, 2025. The New Diplomat reports that the decision by the refinery owned by Africa’s richest person, Alhaji Aliko Dangote has sparked fears about a potential…

Iran recalls envoys to UK, France, Germany as UN sanctions begin again

By Obinna Uballa Iran has recalled its ambassadors to the United Kingdom, France, and Germany for consultations, after the three European powers triggered the “snapback” mechanism that reinstates United Nations sanctions on Tehran for the first time in ten years. “Following the irresponsible action of three European countries in abusing the JCPOA dispute resolution mechanism…

Dangote, PENGASSAN face-off worsen as union cut Gas supplies to Dangote Refinery

By Abiola Olawale The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has issued an urgent directive to its members to halt all gas and crude oil supplies to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery effective immediately. In a strongly worded letter dated September 26, signed by PENGASSAN General Secretary Comrade Lumumba Ighotemu Okugbawa, the…

Ad

The federal high court, Abuja, has given the federal government control of the controversial OPL 245, pending investigation into the $1.1 billion Malabu oil deal.

John Tsoho, a judge, gave the order, following an ex parte motion filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The OPL245 was said to have been acquired from the federal government by Malabu Oil and Gas Limited in 1998.

It was later sold Shell and Agip.

“The property known as Oil Prospecting License (OPL 245) is to be managed by the Department of Petroleum Resources on behalf of the federal government of Nigeria pending the conclusion of investigation and prosecution,” he had declared.

On December 20, 2016, the EFCC in a nine-count charge accused Mohammad Adoke, a former attorney-general of the federation, and nine others of defrauding the federal government.

The house of representatives has also reopened its own investigation into the oil deal.

Ad

Unlocking Opportunities in the Gulf of Guinea during UNGA80
X whatsapp