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*Nationwide Strike: Group Calls For Arrest Of NUPENG Leaders, Claims Union Planning To Burn Down Dangote’s CNG Trucks*

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

A civil society group known as Right for Human Dignity and Justice (RHDAJ), has called on the Inspector General of Police and the Director-General of the Department of State Services to immediately arrest and prosecute the General Secre­tary and President of NUPENG, Afolabi Ol­awale, Williams Akporeha and their surrogates in the union over what it described as economic sabotage capable of destabilizing the country.

The move followed rising tensions over Dangote Refinery and MRS Holdings Limited’s alleged policy against unionisation and deployment of 4,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered trucks across Nigeria for the nationwide distribution of petroleum products.

It also admonished the custodians of the country’s security architecture to work on the intelligence report that suggested that some overzealous members of NUPENG in connivance with some non-state actors are planning to burn down Dangote’s CNG trucks. Citing the ugly experience of Endsars violent protest, the rights group advised the government to be proactive by putting NUPENG to check.

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RHDAJ during a press briefing on Sunday at a popular hotel in Port Harcourt noted that holding a planned nationwide strike and protest scheduled for Monday, September 8, 2025, was “mischievous” and “ill-advised.”

Executive director of the rights group who is a senior lawyer, Ihe­anyi Kingsley said all relevant security agencies in Nigeria should not stand idly by and allow some few “disgruntled elements” who have no respect for the rule of law to shut down the country for their selfish gains.

Iheanyi said the affront of NUPENG must be nipped in the bud to serve as deterrent to others who are strike mongers and also those who relish in overheating the polity to embarrass the government, create chaos and rely on self-help which was a recipe for an­archy and a total breakdown of law and order.

The group did not hold back its concerns by advising Nigeria Labour Congress to resist NUPENG’s desperation and its lack of empathy to the plight of millions of Nigerians by insisting to disrupt socio-economic activities in the country that could incite the citizens to arson and other life-threatening violence.

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It also admonished Comrade Joe Ajaero-led leadership of NLC not to fall for the union’s gambit or booby trap which has no bearing with workers’ welfare or protection of workers’ means of livelihoods. It maintained that unlawful activity as a form of protest is not protected under the law of Nigeria while also explaining that protesters engaging in such activities should be apprehended.

According to Ihe­anyi, “The rationale behind holding a planned nationwide strike and protest scheduled for Monday, September 8, 2025 is mischievous and ill-advised. The vicious decision of Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers is questionable and perceived to be a deliberate attempt and unpatriotic act that is capable of rubbishing and maligning the image of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the nation as a whole.

“Intelligence report also suggested that some overzealous members of NUPENG in connivance with some thugs are planning to burn down Dangote’s CNG trucks. This is a wake up call for the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the DSS to come out forcibly on the Union, and order immediate arrest and prosecution of the President and the General Secretary of NUPENG, Comrades Williams Akporeha and Afolabi Olawale. The scars of the 2020 Endsars violent protest are still in the minds of the people, as a result of this our security agents must never allow the repeat of that ugly past and should urgently put NUPENG to check

“NUPENG should be cognizant of the reality that full deregulation in the petroleum industry has increased competition among marketers and other players in the industry like Dangote refinery and MRS Oil Nigeria Plc, which is now leading to better pricing for consumers and enhancing service delivery, enabling market forces to dictate prices and encourage increased production. NUPENG or any other saboteurs should not serve as cog in the wheel of Nigeria’s progress. We therefore advise them to go and study the Petroleum Industry industry Act.

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“The commitment of the Nigeria Police Force and the DSS to adequately carry out their constitutional mandates in accordance with the Law and respect for rights of citizens should be patriotically and proactively displayed on Monday by compelling NUPENG to halt their planned protest, arrest their leaders, as well as individuals who intend to join the protest with the intent to embarrass the government, destabilise the country and rape it of its peace and order. Alhaji Aliko Dangote, management of his refinery and Alhaji Sayyu Idris Dantata should be commended and supported by the government and people of Nigeria and not vilified.

“Furthermore,, we would love to advise the Nigeria Labour Congress under the able leadership of Comrade Joe Ajaero to resist NUPENG’s desperation and its lack of empathy to the plight of millions of Nigerians by insisting to disrupt socio-economic activities in the country, capable of inciting the citizens to arson and other life-threatening violence. NLC should not fall for the union’s gambit or their booby trap which has no bearing with workers’ welfare or protection of workers’ means of livelihoods.

“It is a huge surprise that NUPENG has failed to immortalize the achievements of its past and founding fathers neither do they have any reasonable plans to preserve or improve on them. Moreover, the Union also failed to take a departure from the legacy of greed and criminal aggrandisement which has no connection with a shared vision of development.

“True progress is not just about building an 8-storey building tower for the Union’s administrative and secretariat staff who are less than 20 in numbers, but a show of lack of common sense and pure relish for profligacy, simply because they have access to freebies. It has certainly reached a stage whereby the government will be left with no option but to proscribe the union or bring in a sole administrator who will look at their books, expose the corruption and bring in EFCC, ICPC and the NFIU to the fray such that there will be room for probity and people would be held accountable for their actions and inactions.

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“This is the same people who were deaf and dumb when the fuel subsidy was removed, the same people that were silent when minimum wage was not implemented, the same set of people who were never bothered that oil and gas workers are being casualized in the industry including workers in NNPCL. They should cover their faces in shame and stop playing on the sensibilities of Nigerians.”

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Kogi varsity expels two students over gay practice, rusticates four for fighting

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The Management of Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, has expelled two students for alleged involvement in gay practice and rusticated four others for one academic session over a campus fight.

According to a statement issued on Friday by the university’s Information and Protocol Unit, the sanctions were ratified during the 31st Regular Meeting of the University Senate following recommendations from the Students’ Disciplinary Committee.

The statement read, “The Management of Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara, has approved the expulsion of two students for involvement in gay practice and the rustication of four others for one academic session over acts of fighting on campus.”

The affected students were notified in letters signed by the Deputy Registrar, Academics, Eli Gbadafu, copies of which were made available to the Information, Public Relations and Protocol Unit of the university.

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The statement further read, “The institution stated that the disciplinary actions were taken in accordance with the provisions of the Students’ Handbook, Second Edition, as amended in 2025.”

Onumoko Hamza of the Biology Education department and Abdulazeez Eneji of the Mining Engineering department were expelled over gay practice.

Four other students were rusticated for one academic session over fighting. They are Favor Akowe of the Microbiology department, Simbiat Babamuharuna of the Biology department, Zainab Omayoza of the Biochemistry department, and Sukura Bukola, also of the Biochemistry department.

The statement read, “The University Management reiterated its commitment to maintaining discipline, order and a conducive environment for teaching and learning.”

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It added, “Management warned that it would not hesitate to take decisive disciplinary action against any student found guilty of violating the rules and regulations of the University.”

The statement read further, “Students are therefore advised to familiarise themselves with the provisions of the Students’ Handbook and conduct themselves in accordance with the established rules and regulations of the University.”

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CAN faults FRSC amendment bill, seeks Tinubu’s intervention

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The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the South-West region has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to withhold assent to the proposed Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026.

The Senate had passed an amendment to the FRSC Act, proposing tougher penalties for a range of traffic offences as part of efforts to improve road safety and strengthen compliance with traffic regulations.

One of the major provisions of the amendment bill introduces a N100,000 fine for motorists who fail to obey traffic lights, road signs, road markings, or other traffic control devices.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Bishop Dr. Barnabas Tunde Akinsanya, CAN said it supports the Federal government’s efforts to improve road safety and reduce accidents.

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It explained that it is concerned about the provisions prescribing sanctions for preaching in commercial buses and prohibiting hawking in such vehicles.

The association further argued that the measures could also infringe on the constitutional rights to freedom of thought, conscience, religion and expression.

According to the association, although the government has a responsibility to protect lives and ensure public safety, it must also uphold the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution.

“We therefore respectfully appeal to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to withhold assent to the Bill in its present form and encourage further consultation with relevant stakeholders, including religious bodies, civil society organisations, legal experts, transport unions, and road safety professionals.

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“Such dialogue will help produce legislation that effectively promotes road safety while preserving the constitutional rights and dignity of every Nigerian,” the statement said.

The association also warned that an outright ban on hawking in commercial buses could worsen the economic hardship facing many Nigerians who rely on informal trading for their daily livelihood.

Rather than introducing measures that could further reduce people’s means of survival, CAN urged the government to focus on creating employment opportunities, reducing poverty, improving public transportation, strengthening security and enhancing citizens’ welfare.

The Christian body appealed to President Tinubu to decline assent to the bill in its current form and instead facilitate broader consultations involving religious organisations, civil society groups, legal experts, transport unions and road safety professionals.

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It maintained that such engagement would help produce legislation that enhances road safety without undermining the constitutional rights and dignity of Nigerians.

CAN stressed that Nigeria needs laws that promote national unity, safeguard lives without unnecessarily restricting fundamental freedoms, and strengthen public confidence in democratic governance.

The association, however, reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement with government to advance justice, peace, constitutional democracy and national development.

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Court Of Appeal Upholds Refusal To Restrain NCC, Dismisses COSON’s Appeal

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The Court of Appeal, Lagos Judicial Division, has dismissed an interlocutory appeal filed by the Copyright Society of Nigeria Ltd/Gte (COSON) against the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), affirming an earlier decision of the Federal High Court refusing to grant an injunction restraining the Commission.

In a unanimous judgment delivered on July 9, 2026, the appellate court also awarded ₦200,000 in costs against COSON.

According to a statement on Saturday, the three-member panel, led by Justice Polycarp Terna Kwahar, with Justice Folasade Ayodeji Ojo and Justice Muslim Sule Hassan concurring, held that there was no existing operating approval that could be preserved through an interlocutory injunction.

The appeal stemmed from COSON’s substantive suit challenging aspects of the Copyright (Collective Management Organisations) Regulations, 2007.

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Pending the determination of the case, COSON had sought an interlocutory injunction restraining the NCC from revoking its operating approval or interfering with its management, finances, bank accounts, audits and royalty collection activities.

However, the Federal High Court, in a ruling delivered on December 1, 2021, declined the application, holding that an interlocutory injunction cannot be granted to restrain an action that had already been completed.

The court noted that COSON’s operating approval had been suspended by the NCC in April 2018 and subsequently expired in May 2019, before the substantive suit and the application for injunction were filed.

In affirming the lower court’s decision, the Court of Appeal ruled that the legal status existing before the commencement of the suit was that COSON’s operating approval had already become inoperative.

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Justice Kwahar, in the lead judgment, stated: “Both the Appellant and the Respondent have demonstrated vide their affidavit evidence that the Appellant’s operation had prior to the commencement of the suit become inoperative by virtue of the suspension of the Appellant’s licence and expiration by effluxion of time. That is the status quo ante bellum before the commencement of the suit at the lower Court.”

The appellate court emphasized that the purpose of an interlocutory injunction is to preserve the status quo pending the determination of a substantive case, not to reverse actions that had already taken effect before litigation commenced.

It therefore held that granting the relief sought by COSON would have altered, rather than preserved, the existing legal position, and consequently dismissed the appeal for lacking merit.

Reacting to the judgment, the Nigerian Copyright Commission described the ruling as a reaffirmation of its position that there was no subsisting operating approval for the court to preserve through an injunction.

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The Commission further reiterated that COSON is currently not approved to operate as a Collective Management Organisation (CMO) in Nigeria.

The judgment is regarded as a significant legal victory for the NCC, reinforcing the Commission’s regulatory authority over collective management organisations and clarifying the legal limits of interlocutory injunctions in disputes involving expired or suspended regulatory approvals.

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