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Tag: Kyari

  • Petroleum sector probe: Lawyers demand suspension of NNPC head, Kyari, others

    Petroleum sector probe: Lawyers demand suspension of NNPC head, Kyari, others

    No fewer than 20 constitutional lawyers have called on the House of Representatives’ Joint Committee on Petroleum (Downstream and Midstream), to recommend the suspension of the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), Mele Kyari.

    This call also includes the suspension of Lawal Sade, Managing Director of NNPC Trading Company, and Bala Wunti, Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), pending the conclusion of a forensic investigation into the company’s operations.

    The lawyers, led by constitutional activist, Tijani Usman, issued a press statement on Thursday, insisting that suspending these executives was crucial to ensuring an uninterrupted investigation. They argued that allowing these officials to remain in their positions would enable them to access sensitive information and documents, potentially derailing the investigation.

    The legal practitioners criticised Kyari and his team for allegedly sabotaging President Tinubu’s efforts to salvage the nation’s economy. They asserted that the executives’ incompetence has hindered legislative intentions aimed at improving the petroleum sector.

    The lawyers equally urged the Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere (Downstream) and Hon. Henry Okojie (Midstream)-led probe panel not to sweep the OVH Acquisition and other related deals under the carpet as they are the larger issues the joint committee should look into beyond those raised in the motion that prompted the forensic investigation.

    “It is quite fascinating that the House of Representatives has resolved to carry out a forensic investigation into the presence of middlemen in trading, the indiscriminate issuance of licenses, the unavailability of laboratories to check adulterated products, the influx of adulterated products into the country, the allegation of non-domestication of profits realised from crude marketing sales in local banks, and other anomalies.

    “Interestingly too, the forensic investigation also cover the importation of substandard products and high-sulphur diesel into Nigeria, the sale of petroleum products below fair market value, and the impact on downstream and local refineries and as the source of funds for such interventions, amongst other things, and report back to the House within four weeks for further legislative action.

    “However, this would be efforts in futility if the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari and his cohorts, especially Lawal Sade, the Managing Director of NNPC Trading Company and Bala Wunti, the Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS) are allowed to remain in office why the investigation is being conducted.

    “Thus, we urge the House of Representatives’ Joint Committee on Petroleum (Downstream and Midstream) conducting forensic investigation into the state of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and downstream sector generally to recommend their suspension to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu or else they will use their tremendous influence to sabotage this timely intervention.

    “When that is done, President Tinubu who should by now realised that the Kyari- led NNPCL was sabotaging his efforts to fix the economy due to their crass incompetent and mischief should suspend the management of the company to give the lawmakers unfettered access to do their job.

    “Beyond those rots spelt out in the motion which necessitated the probe, the Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere (Downstream) and Hon. Henry Okojie (Midstream)-led probe panel should make sure the OVH Acquisition and other sleeze are not swept under the carpet.

    “Nigerians are well aware how after N140 billion purchase, NNPCL was unable to complete the acquisition of OVH Energy Marketing Limited‘s downstream assets. So, the panel will be daring the people who are already fed up with the kleptomania in the company.”

  • Port Harcourt refinery to resume production end of March – Kyari

    Port Harcourt refinery to resume production end of March – Kyari

    The Group Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Ltd (NNPCL), Mr Mele Kyari, on Thursday said  the Port Harcourt refinery would begin production by end of March.

    Kyari said this after a meeting with the Senate Ad-hoc Committee, investigating the various Turn Around Maintenance (TAM) projects of Nigerian refineries.

    “In the next two weeks, production will start, we did mechanical completion of Port Harcourt, that was what we said in Dec 2023.

    “That means we are done with our rehabilitation work, now you are to test if this completion is okay,” he said

    On Warri refinery, Kyari said mechanical works had been completed, adding that the facility  was undergoing the regulatory compliance processes.

    He, however, said Kaduna would not be  ready until  December.

    Kyari said that all the crude lines were active, adding that over 450,000 barrels had been delivered into Port Harcourt refinery.

    “Yes, there may be security issues, but also government is responding to the situation.

    “We are happy to work with the committee and promise not to hide anything from them,” Kyari said.

    Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee, Sen. Ifeanyi Uba (APC -Anambra), said the committee was satisfied with the information from NNPCL.

    Ubah said the committee had an understanding of when to go for oversight function of the refineries.

    “I believe everything is positively on track.

    “We want the refineries to work and we have gotten firm promise from NNPCL on when they will begin operation.

    “The next step is to visit the refineries and assess the progress,” he said.

    The committee will meet with Kyari on March 19, on issues relating to crude oil theft.

  • How NNPC will use gas to revolutionise Nigeria’s power, industries – Kyari

    How NNPC will use gas to revolutionise Nigeria’s power, industries – Kyari

    The Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd., Mr Mele Kyari, says the company will utilise Nigeria’s abundant gas resources to revolutionise the nation’s power and industrial sector.

    Kyari said this in Abuja at a Shareholders Agreement (SHA) signing between the NNPC Ltd., UTM Offshore (an indigenous company) and Delta State Government, on the development of the first Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) facility in Nigeria.

    He said in a statement that gas would be used to bring revolution in Nigeria in the next two to three years as they were already progressing on the initiatives to bring gas to the domestic market.

    “Our backbone infrastructures are almost ready to ensure we achieve that. Once that happens, we will see the immediate impact on the power sector, gas-based industries and several collateral values this will create,” the GCEO said.

    Describing the FLNG project as a task that must be done, Kyari said Nigeria’s abundant gas resources have been under-utilised, adding that the new focus would monetise such gas resources for national and global benefit.

    According to him, the FLNG Project clearly fits into the Federal Government’s gas aspirations under the Decade of Gas Initiative and in line with Mr President’s agenda to create a gas hub to maximise value for prosperity.

    Reiterating NNPC Ltd.’s commitment towards the project, Kyari said the FLNG was the first of its kind that the company was taking keen interest in.

    Kyari also said NNPC Ltd. had equity in the project.

    “There are several Floating LNGs that we are promoting, including fixed LNG projects. We are happy to collaborate with the Delta State Government. We will take practical steps to deliver this project on schedule and at the best possible cost,” the GCEO added.

    Earlier in his remarks, the Group Managing Director of UTM Offshore Limited, Mr Julius Rone, described the SHA execution as another significant milestone in actualising Nigeria’s first indigenous FLNG.

    He commended President Bola Tinubu for his dedication towards developing the Nation’s gas resources, as exemplified in the recently held COP28 Conference in Dubai, UAE.

    He also lauded the GCEO of NNPC Ltd for his leadership and commitment in ensuring that Nigeria’s gas resources were developed within the provisions of the Petroleum Industry act (PIA) 2021.

    Also speaking, the Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, said that the Delta State Government, which had 40 per cent of Nigeria’s proven gas reserves, decided to take eight per cent equity on the project.

    This, he said, was because of the company’s conviction of the strategic importance of the project to the national economy.

    The governor said that apart from producing over 300,000 metric tonnes of LPG (cooking gas) which would be dedicated to the domestic market, the FLNG project would also help to mitigate environmental hazards in the Niger Delta.

    Oborevwori said the FLNG would reduce gas flaring, create ample employment opportunities and ensure the switch from kerosene and firewood to cleaner energy, thus improving the health and general wellbeing of the people.

    In attendance to witness the execution of the SHA was the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr Ekperikpe Ekpo, who said FLNG would ensure monetisation of Nigeria’s gas resources to drive the economy and attain energy security.

    Mr Olalekan Ogunleye, the Executive Vice President, Gas, Power and New Energy, spoke briefly on the project and lauded the Federal Government for its belief in the ability of gas to drive and accelerate economic growth.

    The FLNG facility is expected to produce 1.81 to 2.72 metric tonnes of gas per annum (mtpa).

    Its project equity has NNPC Ltd., UTM Offshore and the Delta State Government holding 20 per cent, 72 per cent and eight per cent stakes respectively.

  • FG plans 50% subsidy for wheat farmers – Kyari

    FG plans 50% subsidy for wheat farmers – Kyari

    Minister of Agriculture Abubakar Kyari, says the Federal Government is giving out 50 per cent subsidy to wheat farmers in the upcoming dry season farming to ensure massive production of the grain in the country.

    Kyari spoke to newsmen shortly after inspecting assorted seed wheat productions in Kano on Friday.

    ”We are fully committed towards massive wheat production in the upcoming dry seasons farming for local and foreign export actions,” he said.

    He explained that  President Tinubu’s renewed agenda was aimed at making sure that Nigeria secured food production, starting from next Month, with wheat farming taking toll in the dry season farming.

    The minister, who was in Kano and Jigawa to supervise the seeds production, expressed satisfaction that the local production was the vital component of farming.

    “Jigawa State has shown a lot of interest in wheat farming by providing 40,000 hectares of land for wheat farming, closing on the 70,000 hectares set aside by the Federal Government to achieve this year,” he said.

    The minister explained that the Federal Government was making efforts to have enough seeds that would cover the 70,000 hectares provided for wheat farming.

    “The breeder and foundation seeds were checked before it became satisfied to phase out wheat importation before next year’s irrigation farming.

    “This is because importation of the wheat is taking a lot of Nigeria’s foreign reserve.

    Kyari noted that the Federal Government planned to secure the nation’s food production and be self-sufficient, adding that local production was one way that the importation of seeds would completely be stopped.

    “In the next 4-5 years with the Programmes set out, Nigeria would completely stop importations of wheat seeds and be self-sufficient with the local production that would enhance food production and security.”

    The minister was at the National Wheat Council Ware Houses at Sharada, AA Albasu Grains Company, and  Alyumna Seeds Production Company.

    NAN

  • NNPC explains increase in PMS price to N617 per litre

    NNPC explains increase in PMS price to N617 per litre

    The Nigerian National Petroleum Company L.td. has attributed the increase in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) also known as petrol to the market realities.

    The company’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Malam Mele Kyari, stated this in an interview with newsmen shortly after a private meeting with the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, at the Presidential Villa, on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Kyari explained that the increase in the price of pms has nothing to do with supply issue, adding that there are robust supply of the product in the country.

    ”I don’t have the details this moment. You know we have the Marketing Wing of the company, they adjust prices depending on the market realities.

    ”And this is the meaning of making sure that the market regulate itself so that prices will go up and sometimes they will come down also and this is really what we are seeing in reality this is how the market works.

    ”There is no supply issue completely when you go to the market you buy the product you come to the market and sale it at prevailing market price there is nothing to do with supply we don’t have supply issues.”

    ”There are robust supply, we have over 32 days supply in the country, that’s not a problem. What I know is that the market forces will regulate the market, prices will go down sometimes and sometime it will go up but there will be stability of supply.

    He assured Nigerians that the policy was the best way for the country going forward.

    ”And I am also assuring Nigerians that this is the best way to go forward so that we can adjust prices when market comes.

    ”I know that a number of companies have imported petroleum pms so many of them are online. Market forces have started to play, people have confidence in the market and private sector people are now importing product.

    ”And there is no way they can recover their cost if they cannot take market reflective cost,” Kyari said.

    On his part, Alhaji, Farouk Ahmed, Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), said the authority doesn’t set price of the product but it was market determine itself.

    ”As a regulator you know I told you back in May we are not going to be setting price the market will determine itself and as you saw back in early June when prices came out it was based on the cost of importation plus other logistics of distribution and of course the profit margin by the importer.

    ”This market is deregulated, is open to all participants. As a mentioned also yesterday (Monday) when I was in Lagos we have about 56 marketing companies that have applied for and obtained license to import.

    ”Out of those 10 of them have indicated to supply within the third quarter which is July, August and September. And out of those already we received some cargoes from some of these Marketers.

    Prudent Energy, AYM Shafa and Emadeb Cargo is arriving tomorrow (Wednesday), So this is like just an encouragement to see that the market is liberated and everyone is free to import so long you are working within the framework especially in tems of quality.”

    He insisted that the authority as a regulator would not put cap on the price because it was not part of those importing the product.

    ”But the pricing as a regulator we are not going to put the cap on the price because we are not part of those importing, we are not a marketing company, we are just a regulator.

    ”So when you say market forces are working basically what it means is that you can see the price of the Crude Oil going up, couple of week ago recovering around 70 dollars per barrel now is around 80 dollars per barrel

    ”So of course the crude price also drive the product price you know because the imposters are importing they are basen it on the course of importation plus other cost element in terms of local distribution.”

  • Kyari meets Tinubu, gives update on removal of subsidy

    Kyari meets Tinubu, gives update on removal of subsidy

    The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has assured Nigerians that fuel queues in filling stations, following the affirmation of the removal of subsidy, will soon vanished.

    Malam Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), briefed State House correspondents after meeting President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Tinubu, had in his inaugural speech on Monday, commended the past administration for phasing out the petrol subsidy regime, which had increasingly favoured the rich more than the poor.

    Kyari said that the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) stipulated that the price of petroleum should be determined by market forces.

    “I know all us must have seen the fuel queues in filling stations across the country.

    “It is very understandable that whenever announcements to changes to prices of petroleum happen, both buyers and marketers will like assurance of what exactly this means and typically, consumers will rush to the filling stations to fill their tanks and that is why you are seeing these queues.

    “And also for marketers, they will like to see exactly what this means in terms of how are we going to sell the products if subsidy on PMS is removed?

    “And the combination of the two is what you are seeing -the obvious dislocation on distribution and we believe that this will go away very quickly.

    “And as you may be aware, PIB which was accented in 2021 and became an Act, made it clear that the price of petroleum must be priced at the market,” Kyari stated.

    He said, however, that the government also decided to provide for subsidy in the 2022 Appropriation Act and also for half year in 2023.

    According to him, while the PIA is clear that petroleum should be priced, but it did not say that government cannot put its money in any way it wants.

    “Therefore, we, as a commercial company established by the PIA, we are doing it strictly as business; delivering value as supply of last resort by virtue of the law but at a cost to the federation.

    “And that cost includes the cost of subsidy; this subsidy cost should have been money that will be given to the NNPC, may be on monthly or daily basis.

    “However, since the provision of the N6 trillion in 2022 and N3.7 trillion in 2023, we have not received no payment whatsoever from the federation; that means they are unable to pay and we continue and continue to support the subsidy from the cash flow of the NNPC.”

    He also explained further:“That is when we net off our physical obligations of taxes and royalties, there is still a balance we are funding from our cash flow and that has become very difficult, and it affects our other operations.

    “We are not able to keep some of this cash to invest in our core businesses and the end result is that it can be a huge challenge for the company.

    “And we have highlighted this severally to government; that they must compensate NNPC; they must pay NNPC for the money we have spent on subsidy.’’

    The NNPC Ltd boss said that by virtue of the law and the Appropriation Act 2023, funding was no longer available while the country could no longer fund the subsidy and no longer able to pay NNPC.

    “Therefore, we are pleased to note the president’s commitment to the removal of subsidy because they cannot afford it anymore.

    “And we will take necessary steps to ensure that we recover our cost from the market and also being mindful of the fact that situations like this can lead to exploitation of customers.

    “And we are working with the regulator who is here with me to see how we can cap such excessive management of greed to say the least,” Kyari said.

    “And this will be contained by virtue of the provisions of the law; the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the competitor agencies will play their part.

    “We believe very strongly that this is actually belated; we have been doing subsidy that has no significant value to the rest of the federation and the rest of our countrymen.

    “And we think this is a very commendable step taken by the president to bring into effect the provisions of the law,’’ he added.

    On his part, Mr Farouk Ahmed, the Chief Executive of NMDPRA, said that the pronouncement by the president was in tandem with the law.

    Ahmed said that prospective importers who met the criteria would be licenced to import fuel in order to ease pressure on NNPC.

    He said that efforts were underway to make sure that consumers were not exploited.

    “We also understand the provision of the law that provided for the removal of subsidy from February 2021; therefore, the president’s pronouncement yesterday was in line with the law.

    “However, what I can assure is that we are ready to license anybody who wants to import because NNPC has always been supplier of PMS.

    “However, with the removal of subsidy as pronounced by the president that opened the floodgate for any intending marketer that wants to import PMS, we are ready to issue lincences for them to do; at least that will open up competition and of course there will be less burden on NNPC.

    “I also want to assure the general public that NMDPRA and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission will make sure that consumers are not taken advantage of,’’ he said.

  • NNPCL spends $1bn so far on AKK gas pipeline project – Kyari

    NNPCL spends $1bn so far on AKK gas pipeline project – Kyari

    The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) says it has so far spent over 1.1 billion dollars on the ongoing construction of the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline and Station project from its cash-flow.

    The NNPC Limited GCEO, Malam Mele Kyari said this on Monday while touring some of its project sites in Kogi, with newsmen and other stakeholders.

    Kyari was accompanied by some top officials of the NNPC Limited and Oilserv Limited, (Pipelines and Facilities), the contractor of the project.

    Kyari said the company would continue to fund the massive project which it was delivering in phases and has been active even though it did not have third party finance for the project.

    “So far, NNPC Ltd has funded over 1.1billion dollars on the project and to date none of the project activities is abandoned as reported and we reassure all stakeholders that we have a line of sight to project delivery on schedule.

    “NNPC Limited remains highly committed towards the delivery of strategic National infrastructure projects through responsive project delivery, active collaboration with government security agencies and communities as well as deployment of technology for delivering the project.

    “This is is one of the most massive projects of proportion value to our country for economic growth. It is a must-deliver project and we have continued to fund in spite of not having third party finance support, we will deliver this project.

    “We do not owe a dollar to our contractors, there are over 30 sites that are active today in this project, we are very hopeful and optimistic to deliver this project,” he assured.

    The GCEO decried the fact that due to insecurity, it had lost some site workers thereby expressed sadness over thier demise and consoled their families whom he said the company shared in their grief.

    He said 70 per cent of the welding work had been completed adding that once welding was completed, it could actually flow gas through the pipeline.

    He said on completion the pipeline would deliver two billon cubic feet of gas, powering industries, powering power plants and creating gas based industries.

    He said the entire welding work would be completed by the third quarter of 2023 then it would actually energise the pipeline.

    Kyari further said that the gas pipeline was projected to support power plants with a total of 3,645 Mega Watts, adding that it would soon begin constrution of Abuja- Kaduna power plants in ernest.

    Earlier, Mr Steve Nnorom, Project Manager, Oilserv Ltd explained that there were three schematic of the pipeline and station installations which included Brovo, Chalie and Alpha spread segment, that showed progress of the project.

    He said they were currently doing full auto welding, completed 73 per cent of its mainland welding works and had done 222 kilo metres remaining 27 kilo metres of welding work to complete.

    “We are crossing rivers, railway, existing pipelines. We have other sites where various work activities are ongoing, our target is that concurrently all works will be going on at different spread,” he said

    Nnorom, while noting that the project has been active and fully financed said that it has purely 100 per cent Nigerian workers

  • NNPC Ltd to disclose new asset base – Kyari

    NNPC Ltd to disclose new asset base – Kyari

    The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) says its huge asset base will be disclosed soon in view of its current status.

    Malam Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd made this known on Tuesday at a media chat after the Presidential unveiling of the New NNPC Limited at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    President Muhammadu Buhari unveiled the new NNPC Ltd. which would operate as a profitable commercial entity and declare dividends to its 200 million shareholders.

    The Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) provides for the transition of NNPC into a fully commercial entity, a Limited Liability Company incorporated under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), to be known as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd.

    The Africa’s largest National Oil Company (NOC) would also support sustainable growth across other sectors of the economy as it delivers energy to the world.

    The Group CEO said the organisation’s structure would be changed so as to get different results while more competencies would be embraced.

    “We now have a smarter, more responsive, and more accountable company that must act within the premises of all the regulations that are accountable for private companies.

    “We must also meet the standards for best practices in the industry, in terms of governance and make sure that all regulations are applied.

    “We must ensure that we deliver back to back to all our stakeholders, ” he said.

    Kyari said that its value would translate in two forms: ensuring dividends and delivering energy being longed by shareholders.

    He said the new company was in the position to achieve both mandates because it was now an enabling company that could act quickly and can also make decisions quickly.

    He said that by the middle of 2023, the company would be having systems, processes, line of profitability, and accountability to stakeholders.

    On subsidy, he said the NNPC Limited had no issue with it rather it would be an issue of the state.

    “Whatever is the decision and policy of the state, the NNPC is there to deliver commercial value to the customer at the price that the state want,” he said.

  • Extradition: Abba Kyari disagrees with AGF over late filing of court process

    Extradition: Abba Kyari disagrees with AGF over late filing of court process

    Suspended DCP Abba Kyari on Thursday told a Federal High Court, Abuja that the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF)’s response to his counter-affidavit was an abuse of court process.

    Kyari, in a notice of preliminary objection marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/249/2022 dated and filed on May 19 by Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, before Justice Inyang Ekwo, said the AGF’s reply was filed out of time and without leave of court first sought and obtained.

    According to Agabi, Order 4 Rule 3 of the Extradition Act (Modification Order, 2014 & Federal High Court (Extradition Proceedings) Rules, 2015 specify that “..upon being served with the counter affidavit of the fugitive, the applicant may file a reply on point of law within 48 hours.’’

    The senior lawyer argued that the AGF, who was the applicant, did not file a reply; but a further and better affidavit.

    “The applicant’s further and better affidavit has no iota of law supporting it.

    “The further and better affidavit filed by the applicant is incompetent and ought to be struck out,” he said.

    In a written address in support, Agabi stressed that the AGF defied the rules of the court by not filing their response within stipulated time,

    He said: “By the counter-affidavit dated the 6th April, 2022 filed by the respondent (Kyari), the applicant (AGF) ought to have filed their reply on point of law on the 8th April, 2022 as provided by the rules but the applicant went extra miles to wait until 19th April, 2022 before they filed their further and better affidavit.

    “Consequently, the further and better affidavit having no backing of law, constitute an abuse of court process and liable to be dismissed,” citing previous cases to back the submission.

    When the matter was called on Thursday, Nureni Jimoh, SAN, who appeared for Kyari, informed that he had an application seeking for leave to file a further affidavit to the AGF’s response to their preliminary objection which they had earlier countered.

    Jimoh said a copy of the further affidavit had been served on Pius Akutah, counsel for the AGF.

    Akutah, who acknowledged the service of the further affidavit on him, opposed Jimoh’s move to seek court leave to allow him filed the further affidavit.

    He described the action as an attempt to attack their own counter affidavit filed against the motion.

    But Justice Ekwo ordered Kyari’s lawyer to move the application.

    Moving the motion, Jimoh said he filed an application on May 19 for leave to file a further affidavit, urging the court to grant the request.

    But Akutah opposed the application, saying a counter-affidavit dated May 26 and served on the respondent had been filed in the regard.

    “We equally have a written address dated May 25 and filed May 26,” he said, urging the court to refuse the application.

    Ruling, the judge held that granting an application was at the discretion of the court.

    “I am minded that this application be granted on its merit so that the matter could be heard and moved forward,” he said, granting all Kyari’s prayers.

    After the ruling, Akutah indicated his intention to respond to the further affidavit.

    Justice Ekwo adjourned the matter until June 3 (Friday) to allow the AGF’s lawyer filed a reply to Kyari’s preliminary objection, ordering all processes to be filed and served for all the applications to be heard on the adjourned date.

    Justice Ekwo had, on April 27, fixed today for hearing of all the applications.

    The Federal Government had sought for Kyari’s extradition to the United States (U.S) to answer a case over his alleged linked with the fraudster, Ramon Abbas, aka Hushpuppi.

    The Federal Government, through the Office of the AGF, had filed the application marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/249/2022.

    The suit, titled: “Application for the Extradition of Abba Kyari to the U.S.,” was dated and filed March 2.

    While the AGF is the applicant, Kyari is the respondent in the application.

    Kyari was formerly the head of Inspector-General of Police special Intelligence Response Team (IRT).

    The application was filed under the Extradition Act, as part of Nigerian government’s approval of the request by the U. S. for Kyari’s extradition.

    Kyari and six others are currently facing a separate trial on allegations bordering on drug trafficking before a sister court presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite.

    NAN

  • Cocaine saga: Abba Kyari rejects prison food, keeps to himself

    Cocaine saga: Abba Kyari rejects prison food, keeps to himself

    Indicted former police boss and team lead of intelligence Response Team, (IRT )Abba Kyari rejects prison food and opts to eat food prepared only by his wife or family members.

    Kyari, who is under prosecution for drug trafficking alongside four other policemen, was denied bail by the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.

    Recall that the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency had in charges before the court, accused Kyari and four other officers of conspiracy, obstruction and dealing in cocaine worth 17.55kg.

    The judge, Emeka Nwike, denied Kyari bail and gave an order for him and others involved in the case to be remanded in Prison.

    The court held that the NDLEA placed sufficient materials before it to warrant the refusal of bail to Kyari and his co-defendants -Sunday Ubia, Simon Agirgba, and John Nuhu, who are former IRT members.

    Findings yesterday showed that Kyari and his co-defendants have settled down in the custodial centre but sources said the DCP has largely kept to himself since his arrival on Monday.

    Inmates, it was gathered, are vey excited to have Kyari present in their midst as many have had encounters with him before being jailed.

    An officer at Kuje prisons hints that Kyari doesn’t eat prison food.

    “We suspected that he may not eat the food being served here. So, we were not surprised when he opted for the food prepared by his wife or family members.

    “His presence has, however, generated excitement in the facility. Many inmates who have had some encounters with him and others who heard about his ongoing trial have been discussing the fact that a senior policeman like him was remanded in Kuje where some individuals he investigated are also serving time.”

    NCoS spokesman, Francis Enobore, says inmates facing prosecution have the right to eat food prepared by their family members, noting that they are free to provide their own food.

    “Our law allows us to request any inmate who wishes to do self-feeding to apply through a formal application to the officer in-charge of the custodial centre. Subject to the approval of the official in-charge, the applicant will make arrangements with whoever he wishes to bring food for him.”

    “The caveat is that if the person fails to bring food, he would not be fed from the service’s kitchen. Again, whoever is bringing his food, it is compulsory the person tastes the food in the presence of the officer conducting the visit to ensure that the food is wholesome before passing it over to the inmate.”
    Apart from alcohol and cigarettes, he informs, any type of food could be allowed to be taken by inmates in the prison provided it’s from close family members.