Niger Delta

DPR To Sanction Fraudulent Marketers

Published

13 years ago

March 4, 2013

The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), has promised to discipline fuel stations under dispensing fuel (PMS) to Akwa Ibom public.

The Operations Controller of DPR, Sir Frank Umoeka told newsmen in Uyo that the measure was a continuous one.

“Just like we carried out an unscheduled inspection to service stations in Akwa Ibom, which led to the closure of seven fuel stations, including NNPC’s, we will continue to pay them surprise visits,’’ he said.

Umoeka decried the attitude of unscrupulous marketers who were determined to obstruct the intention of government to make life meaningful and easy for the teeming public.

The fuel stations closed were NNPC Mega Station on Itam-Ikot Ekpene road; Mobil Filling Station on Oron road; Pirana Filling Station at Nnung Udoe; Basuomoh Filling Station, Eket and Uelyndo Filling Station on Uyo village road, among others.

He assured that the DPR would ensure that the public accessed the petroleum products at the correct price, quantity and quality.

Our sources said that fuel stations in the state had sold fuel for between N115 and N120 per liter against the N97 approved price.

Worst of it was that they under-dispensed the product to the public.

The unexpected inspection and intervention of DPR on the fraudulent act by the fuel markers was commended by residents of Uyo.

Mr Akpan Etim, said he was surprised that an NNPC Mega Station could be involved in such criminal act against the public.

“Each time I go to buy fuel at the mega station I always feel am not cheated but to my greatest surprise mega station was among the fuel stations that under dispense fuel to the public.

“We don’t even know what the state’s Petroleum Product Monitoring Committee is doing. It takes two to tango and I am sure they must have been bought over by the marketers,’’ he said.

He commended the DPR for carrying out such an important and unscheduled inspection aimed at checking the criminal acts exhibited by the marketers.

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

1 week ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Mr. Monday Agbonika, has vowed to hunt down and bring to justice those behind the killing of eight NSCDC operatives in the State.

Agbonika gave the assurance on Tuesday during an on-the-spot assessment of the attack scene, which also involved the abduction of a Chinese national.

Describing the incident as “a dastardly act that will not go unpunished”, the Commissioner expressed condolences to the Edo State Command of the NSCDC.

He paid tribute to the fallen operatives, describing them as “gallant personnel who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.”

“We stand in solidarity with the NSCDC in this grief. Their sacrifice will not be in vain, and Edo people should expect justice”, Agbonika said.

In a separate meeting with Chinese community members at BUA Cement, Okpella, the police chief assured that efforts were ongoing to rescue the abducted expatriate alive.

“Our men are on the ground, and operations have been intensified. We are determined to rescue the kidnapped victim and prevent further incidents in the area”, he said.

Agbonika appealed for calm among residents, urging cooperation through timely and credible intelligence to aid ongoing security operations.

“Security is a collective responsibility. We call on residents to support us with information. Together, we will defeat criminals threatening Edo’s peace”, he added.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and properties, stressing that it would not relent until the attackers were arrested and justice delivered.

The Tide’s source reports that the Okpella attack occurred on Friday.

Niger Delta

Police Nab Suspected Illicit Drugs Dealer In Delta

Published

1 week ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

The Police Command in Delta State has arrested a suspected female illicit drugs dealer in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.

The command’s Spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Warri on Wednesday.

Edafe said the suspect was nabbed alongside her three apprentices on August 29 by the police operatives attached to the Ughelli Area Command.

He said the operatives carried out the raid following credible information on the activities of some individuals that indulged in the sale of illicit drugs within Afisere/Ughelli town.

“The operatives trailed and arrested a drug baron who operates a chemist store in Afisere Community alongside three of her apprentices.

“The suspect led the operatives to her house at Afisere and a search warrant was executed.

“Exhibits recovered from the suspects included: 355 bottles of CSC codeine, 57 rolls of 50MG tramadol capsules, 335 rolls of 100mg tramadol capsules.

“Others were: 33 rolls of 200mg super royal, seven backwoods, 540 sachets of swinol capsules and 16 cups of Canadian liquid cannabis”, he said.

The police spokesman said investigation further revealed that the suspect was a major dealer in illicit drugs in Ughelli and its environs.

Edafe added that investigation in the matter was ongoing.

Niger Delta

C’River Assembly extends Bekwarra LG Chairman’s Suspension By 3 Months

Published

1 week ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

The Cross River State House of Assembly has extended the suspension of the Bekwarra Council Chairman, Ms. Theresa Ushie, to 90 days.

Speaker of the Assembly, Mr. Elvert Ayambem, made the remark on Wednesday during plenary.

The Tide’s source recalls that Ushie was suspended on June 10 for three months on allegations of corruption, misconduct and abuse of power.

The suspension followed a petition from the Bekwarra Local Government Legislative Council, signed by eight of its members, who also attempted to impeach her.

Ayambem explained that the extension was to allow the House Committee on Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions and Conflict Resolution more time to investigate the petition written against the chairman by the Bekwarra Legislature.

The House had earlier deliberated on a motion calling for the extension of the office of the LGA Acting Chairman, Mr. Egbung Obama, before agreeing to extend Ushie’s suspension.

In his remarks, Chairman of the Investigative Committee and member, representing Abi State Constituency, Mr. Davies Etta, said the committee needed more time to carry out a thorough investigation.

Ushie was elected as Bekwarra Local Government Council Chairman and sworn-in in November 2024.