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• July 30, 2025
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Oil wells tension: Obono-Obla urges PANDEF to broker peace between Cross River, Akwa Ibom

Former Special Adviser on Prosecution to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, has called for the intervention of a neutral body such as the Pan-Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, to mediate the growing tensions between Cross River and Akwa Ibom states over the disputed ownership of 76 oil wells. Although the Supreme Court ruled in favour
Oil wells tension: Obono-Obla urges PANDEF to broker peace between Cross River, Akwa Ibom

Former Special Adviser on Prosecution to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, has called for the intervention of a neutral body such as the Pan-Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, to mediate the growing tensions between Cross River and Akwa Ibom states over the disputed ownership of 76 oil wells.

Although the Supreme Court ruled in favour of Akwa Ibom on May 12, 2012, the current administration of Governor Bassey Otu in Cross River has expressed dissatisfaction with the judgment, triggering renewed altercations between both states and their citizens.

While the Federal Government has encouraged dialogue as a path to resolution, Cross River is reportedly considering a legal return to the apex court in hopes of overturning the verdict.

But in his statement, Obono-Obla doubted any likelihood of Cross River succeeding in having the court reverse its earlier verdict.

He said, “As a lawyer, I strongly advocate for mediation and conciliation over litigation when resolving disputes.

“Litigation, despite resulting in judgments, often fails to bring true closure. In many cases, even the victorious party suffers a pyrrhic victory—winning legally but losing in spirit and relationships.

“This is precisely why I oppose litigation as a means of resolving the current impasse between Cross River State and Akwa Ibom State, following the revelation that Cross River now hosts 67 oil wells.

“Now is the time for a credible and a neutral body like the Pan-Niger Delta Forum to step in as mediators.”

Obono-Obla insisted that his call for mediation and conciliation does not in any way imply that his home state, Cross River, stands a chance of success at the Supreme Court of Nigeria in seeking a reversal of its judgment delivered.

“I maintain that Cross River State has no legal footing if it attempts to revisit a matter conclusively settled thirteen years ago.

“The Supreme Court exercises its discretionary jurisdiction with great caution, as public policy strongly favours finality in litigation. Therefore, I advocate for a two-pronged approach to resolving the issue: first, through political engagement, and second, via legislative intervention that incorporates the so-called ‘new evidence.’ ”

He further proffered that the National Assembly can enact legislation that softens the impact of the Supreme Court’s ruling in favour of Akwa Ibom State and provides Cross River State a dignified resolution.

“In this regard, PANDEF could play a mediatory role, facilitating both political and legislative pathways to a lasting settlement.”

Oil wells tension: Obono-Obla urges PANDEF to broker peace between Cross River, Akwa Ibom

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• July 30, 2025
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Court jails AGIS staff, Henry Udora 9 years for advance fee fraud

A senior staff of Abuja Geographical Information Service, AGIS, Henry Udora has been sentenced to nine years imprisonment without option of fine. Udora was jailed by the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory upon his conviction for advance fee fraud and issuance of dud cheques. Justice Maryann Anenih found him guilty in the charges
Court jails AGIS staff, Henry Udora 9 years for advance fee fraud

A senior staff of Abuja Geographical Information Service, AGIS, Henry Udora has been sentenced to nine years imprisonment without option of fine.

Udora was jailed by the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory upon his conviction for advance fee fraud and issuance of dud cheques.

Justice Maryann Anenih found him guilty in the charges of obtaining property by fraudulent intent and issuance of dud cheques brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

Delivering judgment in the fraud charges, Justice Anenih found the convict guilty of using a company to defraud his victim of N12.5 million on the pretext of securing a plot of land contrary to Section 1(1) of the Advance Fee Fraud Prohibition and Prevention Act, 2003.

Udora was also found guilty of issuing a dud cheque for the sum of N5 million to his victim when he knew he had insufficient fund in his bank account, contrary to Section 416 (g) of the Advance Fee Fraud Act.

After reviewing the charges and evidence of the two witnesses that testified in the trial, the judge found the convict guilty of advance fee fraud.

Justice Anenih also found him guilty of issuing dud cheque.

He was sentenced to seven years imprisonment in the advance fee fraud offence and another two years in the charge of issuing dud cheque.

Justice Anenih however ordered that the sentences should run concurrently meaning that the convict will serve seven years in jail.

A plea by his lawyer, Osita Ibekwute for clemency on ground of being a first offender was rejected by the judge who stated that there was no provision for court discretion in the Advance Fee Fraud Act.

Besides, counsel to the EFCC, Victor Ughagwu had informed the judge that the convict still had series of petitions against him running into millions of maira.

Justice Anenih in response said that cases of advance fee fraud especially on Abuja land have become matters of grave concern and a serious menace in Nigeria.

The judge said that victims suffer grievous injuries, making it imperative that advance fee fraud must not be encouraged or treated with levity.

Court jails AGIS staff, Henry Udora 9 years for advance fee fraud

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• July 30, 2025
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No man’s land: Contest for Oba of Lagos – Wike’s aide rubbishes Charly Boy

The Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has rubbished claims by maverick singer, Charles Oputa, aka Charly Boy, that Lagos is not any man’s land. Charly Boy had made the remark while frowning at the renaming of a bus stop in
No man’s land: Contest for Oba of Lagos – Wike’s aide rubbishes Charly Boy

The Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has rubbished claims by maverick singer, Charles Oputa, aka Charly Boy, that Lagos is not any man’s land.

Charly Boy had made the remark while frowning at the renaming of a bus stop in Lagos.

The Bariga Local Council Development Area of Lagos State had renamed a popular bus stop from his name to ‘Olamide Baddo’ after renowned hip-hop artist, Olamide Adedeji.

Faulting the renaming of the bus stop, Charly Boy said ‘Lagos is a no man’s land,’ while likening the coastal city to New York City in the United States.

Responding, Lere Olayinka challenged Charly Boy to contest for the Oba of Lagos since the state is a no man’s land.

Posting on X, he wrote: “Ndi Lagos is no man’s land, when next the seat of Oba of Lagos becomes vacant after the present Oba must have lived long enough, go and contest for it.

“You can also contest the seats of Obas like Osolo of Isolo, Ogiyan of Ejigbo, Olu of Mushin, etc.

“You can even become Oniru, Ojora, Olumegbon, Aromire, Oluwa, Oloto, Olumegbon, Elegushi, Bajulaye, Ashogbon, etc.

“Sebi all these Traditional Titles are in your own language, not Yoruba.”

No man’s land: Contest for Oba of Lagos – Wike’s aide rubbishes Charly Boy