News
Reps probe abandoned $38.7m NNPC-NAOC power project
The House of Representatives has unveiled plans to investigate the abandoned $38.7 million Phase 2 of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation – Nigerian Agip Oil Company joint venture Okpai independence power plant project.
The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion sponsored by a lawmaker, Nnamdi Ezechi, who called for the intervention of federal lawmakers.
In his lead debate, Ezechi observed that the Okpai Independent Power Plant project, a joint venture between NAOC and the Federal Government, received approval from the National Electricity Regulatory Commission for the construction of Phase 2.
Ezechi said, “The House also notes that despite the substantial investment of $38.7m, and the commencement of Phase II construction in November 2017, the project ended up being abandoned, resulting in the dilapidation of the critical federal infrastructure.
“The House is aware that the Phase II project has reached approximately 90 per cent completion prior to its abandonment by contractors – Saipem Contracting Nigeria Limited and Nigerian Agip Oil Company.
“The House further notes that the project site is in a grave state of decay, with billions of dollars worth of equipment and turbines unused, covered by grass, and taken over by shrubs.
“The House is concerned that the abandonment of the Phase II project jeopardises significant investments and furthermore hampers an increase in electricity generation for the nation.”
The lawmaker added that the “House is also concerned that there is ambiguity surrounding the project’s contract amount, casting doubt on accountability and transparency in its execution.
“The House recognises the fact that the NAOC and Saipem Contracting Nigeria SCNL were involved in the award and execution of the project.
“The House is disturbed about the lack of advancement of the project and the need for government action to preserve this essential national resource,” he noted.
Consequently, the House mandated its Committee on Power to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the funding and contractors, which includes NAOC and SCNL, and ascertain the impediments leading to the abandonment of the project, and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
Paganengigha Anagha, the detained younger brother of former Governor of Bayelsa State Timipre Sylva has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to compel the Department of State Service, DSS, to release him from custody where he had spent 171 days.
Anagha, who was detained in connection with his brother’s alleged coup attempt, asked Justice Hauwa Joseph Yilwa to in the alternative, order the secret police to arraign him in court if implicated in their investigations.
In a motion on notice argued by his counsel, Mr Micheal Jonathan Numan, SAN, Sylva’s younger brother claimed that the 60 days detention order granted DSS on November 17, 2025 to detain him for the purpose of investigation of allegations against the former governor of Bayelsa has since lapsed.
At Tuesday’s proceedings, he was not brought to Court by DSS neither was any charge filed against him and four others in detention.
In the motion argued on Tuesday, Anagha submitted that he was unjustly detained under the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act of the National Assembly in violation of the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The motion marked FHC/ABJ/CD/2405/2025 was brought pursuant to sections 35, 36 and 46 of the 1999 Constitution, sections 7, 158, 267 and 296 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 and section 6 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act
The detainee, through his lawyer, told the court that he had not been allowed to access his lawyer and family members since his detention and argued that the provision of the 1999 Constitution takes precedent over the National Assembly Act under which he was hauled into detention.
Anagha admitted that the 60 days detention granted by the court to DSS was renewable but added that the DSS had not applied for renewal of the detention order because it had since concluded investigation into the matter.
Insisting that his continued detention is in gross violation of the 1999 Constitution and abuse of statutory power on the part of the DSS, the detainee passionately pleaded with the judge to order his immediate unconditional release or issue an order for him to be produced in court for arraignment on any offense or charge against him.
He claimed that his detention under the guise of investigation was an affront to the system of justice administration, adding that it is unfair to keep him endlessly without trial.
He asked the court to admit him to bail under fair conditions to stop further abuse of his detention or to be formally charged to court to answer any charge against him.
The detainee said he has confidence in the judiciary and that succour will be brought to his family if allowed unconditional release due to expiration of the 60 day detention order been used by DSS to justify his continued detention.
His motion on notice was predicated on 16 grounds and 22 paragraph- affidavit and deposed to by his wife in pleading for the Court’s intervention in his ordeal.
However, the DSS represented by Y. I Umar asked the court to dismiss the application.
Meanwhile, Justice Hawa Yilwa has fixed April 23 to rule on whether to release the detainee as requested or not.
Anagha is being detained alongside Musa Mohammed, Ayuba Reuben, Friday Lusa Paul, and Ayegbaife Suobite who aligned with the applicant in pleading for their own release too
The Supreme Court has fixed hearing for April 22 in the two appeals filed by the Kabiru Turaki-led leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against the March 9 judgements of the Court of Appeal.
A five-member panel of the apex court, led by Justice Mohammed Garba, fixed the date while ruling on Tuesday.
The court granted accelerated hearing in the appeals, granted for the departure from the court’s rule and the abridgment of time within which the respondents are to file their briefs.
The court ordered the respondents to file their briefs within five days and for the appellants to file reply brief with two days if any.
It adjourned till April 22 for the hearing of the two appeals.
The ruling was on two motions on notice filed by the appellants – and moved on Tuesday by their lawyers – Chris Uche (SAN) and Paul Erokoro (SAN).
The two appeals by the Turaki-led PDP are against two the judgments delivered on March 9 affirming two judgments of the Federal High Court in Abuja that ordered the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) not to hold its national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2025 until it complied with relevant statutory provisions including the Electoral Act and Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties (2022).
Both judgments by the Federal High Court were handed down last year by Justices James Omotosho and Peter Lifu (both of the Federal High Court, Abuja) in two suits filed by four aggrieved members of the PDP, including former governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido.
Tuesday’s proceedings before the Supreme Court were witnessed by Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, Kabiru Turaki, former governors of Niger and Jigawa states – Aliyu Babangida and Lamido – and Taufeek Arapaja.
Details shortly…
The United States and Israel have disrupted Iran’s aviation sector in recent hostilities, with 60 passenger aircraft grounded.
The newspaper Shargh, citing the association of Iranian airlines, reported Monday that the aircraft were affected during the conflict.
Seven airports across the country were reportedly hit in the strikes.
The most severe damage was recorded at Mehrabad Airport in the capital, as well as in the northwestern city of Tabriz and the central desert city of Kashan.
It is a popular destination for domestic and international travelers.
Major carriers including Mahan Air and Iran Air were among the hardest hit, the association said.
The damage came amid a fragile two-week ceasefire agreed by the warring parties last week.
However, initial negotiations aimed at ending the conflict failed over the weekend, raising uncertainty about the stability of the truce and the timeline for recovery in Iran’s aviation industry.
Timipre Sylva’s brother, Anagha pleads with court to compel DSS to release him from detention
Supreme Court to hear appeals on PDP leadership crisis on April 20
WAR: US, Israel ground Iran’s aircraft
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