The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared the Managing Director of Fargo Petroleum and Gas Limited, Seun Ogunbambo, wanted over fake fuel subsidy claims.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, Ogunbambo defrauded the federal government to the tune of over nine hundred million naira.
The statement added that the businessman was standing trial before a Lagos State High Court, but disappeared after he was released on bail
ObasEmpire understands, according to the EFCC statement, that his co-defendants, Mamman Nasir Ali and Christian Taylor, were convicted and sentenced to 14 years imprisonment each on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.
Meanwhile, former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa, has revealed that Nigeria lost $450 million to fraud under the Petroleum Support Fund (PSF) between 2006 and 2012.
ObasEmpire reports that Bawa made the disclosure in his newly released book titled “The Shadow of Loot & Losses: Uncovering Nigeria’s Petroleum Subsidy Fraud”, which chronicles the deep-rooted corruption that plagued Nigeria’s petrol subsidy regime.
The former EFCC boss, who led a special investigation team during his tenure at the commission, stated that several oil marketers were found culpable and subsequently faced prosecution.
Bawa also provided insight into Nigeria’s broader subsidy burden, estimating that the country has spent more than ₦16.5 trillion on petrol subsidies since the return to democratic rule in 1999.
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has announced the introduction of the Fleet Registration option on its Central Motor Registry Information System (e-CMR) portal
The new “Fleet” option on the Central Motor Registry (CMR) platform enables individuals and organisations to register multiple vehicles in a single session to ease vehicle documentation for transport operators, logistics firms, and other fleet managers.
.The Force Public Relations Department disclosed this on its official X account.
According to the Police, those who have previously registered do not need to create a new profile for fleet submissions. Instead, they can simply log in and add more vehicles
.“If you already have a profile from an existing registration, there’s no need to create a new one. Just log in, go to the Request page, and select ‘Fleet’ under CMR Request to add your new vehicles,” they not
The evolution of CMR
For more than six decades, Nigeria’s Central Motor Registry relied on a manual process that frequently led to inefficiencies, backlogs, and gaps in tracking vehicle-related crimes.
In a bid to modernize vehicle documentation and respond to the increasing complexity of auto-related offences, the Nigeria Police launched the electronic Central Motor Registry (e-CMR) in April 2023
With the e-CMR system, motor vehicle owners across Nigeria can now register their vehicles, upload ownership data, and receive digitally verifiable certificates all remotely using any internet-enabled device.
A Step-by-step guide to fleet Registration
Visit the e-CMR portalGo to: https: //cmris.npf.gov.ng Click “Get Started”This begins your vehicle registration process.Create or log into your profileIf you already have a profile, there’s no need to create a new one. Simply log in.Choose CMR Request > FleetOn the Request page, select “Fleet” under CMR Request.Enter vehicle detailsInput vehicle category, plate number type, and other details. Click “Add” to register more vehicles.
Proceed to paymentOnce all vehicle entries are complete, click “Proceed” to view your invoice and make payment.Download your certificateLog back into your profile after 24 to 72 hours to download your CMR certificates.Proceed to paymentOnce all vehicle entries are complete, click “Proceed” to view your invoice and make payment.Download your certificateLog back into your profile after 24 to 72 hours to download your CMR certificates.
The CMR registration plays a crucial role in digital policing, making it easier to track vehicles in cases of theft, fraud, or verification.
Obasempire reports that a surge of public anger has erupted following the Federal High Court in Abuja’s ruling to detain protesters from the recent #EndBadGovernance demonstrations, accusing them of sedition and terrorism.
The court, led by Justice Emeka Nwite, decreed that the protesters be held at the Kuje Correctional Centre until a bail hearing on September 11, 2024.
The Federal Government, through these accusations, has framed the protest as an effort to destabilize the nation, a move widely criticized as an assault on democratic rights.
The decision has triggered significant outrage on social media, with many Nigerians condemning it as indicative of a “full-blown dictatorship.”
Critics have charged the administration with attempting to stifle dissent and silence opposition voices.
Some have even alleged that the government is enslaving its own citizens, with the charges viewed as a direct attack on the right to protest in a democratic society.
One Twitter user, @PureStanley1, voiced his concerns, stating, “According to APC and the police, Activists and Journalists are a threat to Nigeria and should be eradicated from the face of the earth, but terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers are not a threat to Nigeria? Nigeria has been captured. The same people that championed and spearheaded series of protests under and against GEJ’s government are now against protests? And you call this democracy? Nigeria is practicing DemoCRAZY and not Democracy, know the difference!!!”
Another user, @AndinoAsuquo, questioned the charges, writing, “Treason for protesting?? Can someone please explain to him that this is democracy government.”
The severity of the charges has also raised alarms among other social media commentators. @Isthisjohnson remarked, “This is really alarming! Treason charges for protesting is a serious escalation. It feels like we’re stepping into dangerous territory where speaking out could have dire consequences. We need to keep raising awareness about this.”
@OurFavOnlineDoc added, “To charge protesters to court for ‘treason’ in a country where the punishment for treason is the death penalty is an attempt by the government to use the powers of the state to execute its own citizens. Why is the Nigerian judiciary entertaining this madness? Why is nobody speaking up about this? Or wait, are we in a dictatorship now?”
The perceived double standard in the government’s handling of different groups was highlighted by @Shehusky, who tweeted, “So, peaceful protesters are the enemies of Nigeria that should be sentenced to death for treason. Not Boko Haram, not bandits, not killer herders, not treasury looters, not kidnappers, not election riggers, not corrupt judges, and not religious extremists. Nigeria is captured.”
@FS_Yusuf_ echoed this sentiment, criticising the government’s actions: “You are rehabilitating Boko Haram terrorists. You are watching politicians loot and walk away freely. Every day terrorists on TikTok send us videos of their successful operations. But you arrested peace protesters and charged them for treason??? The Nigerian government is a criminal organisation.”
According to @mrfestusogun, “Arresting peaceful protesters for the heinous crime of treason is full-blown dictatorship.”
This sentiment was echoed by @bassiology, who said, “The regime is doing everything possible to scare people from protesting and holding them accountable.”
@OkpanachiUdale expressed frustration, stating, “I’ve always maintained my thoughts about this government. There is nothing democratic about it; in fact, it’s worse than any military regime in Nigeria. At least Nigerians didn’t live in fear of kidnappers, bandits, and terrorists during military regimes.”
As the protesters await their next court appearance, the controversy surrounding the charges is expected to grow, with many questioning the state of democracy in Nigeria under the current administration.
The debate over the legitimacy of the charges will likely intensify as the September 11 hearing approaches.
Obasempire reports that law enforcement in Canada has detained Amaka Sonnberger, a Nigerian woman residing in Canada, who had threatened to poison Yoruba and Benin individuals living in the North American nation.
The Toronto Police Service indicated that Ms. Sonnberger, aged 46, was apprehended on Sunday and has been charged with making threats.
“She is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice, 2201 Finch Avenue West on Monday, September 2nd, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. in courtroom 107,” the Toronto Police said in a statement published on their website on Sunday.
“This investigation is being treated as a suspected hate-motivated offence,” the police said, adding that those who wish to volunteer information on the case should contact them.
“When suspected hate-motivated offences are reported to police, the investigation could be led by a Divisional investigator with the support of the Hate Crime Unit (HCU), or in some cases, will be investigated exclusively by the HCU.
“If it is alleged a criminal offence was committed (such as assault or mischief) and it is believed to have been motivated by bias, prejudice or hate, the officer-in-charge may consult with the Crown. If a person is charged and convicted of the offence, the Judge will take into consideration hate as an aggravating factor when imposing a sentence.
“Wilful promotion of hatred and advocating genocide are hate propaganda (hate speech) offences which require the Attorney General’s consent to lay charges. These charges are often laid at a later time,” the statement said.
Abike Dabiri, the chairperson of a federal agency, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, disclosed the identity of Ms Sonnberger after a video where she allegedly made the threat surfaced on X.
“Record me very well; it’s time to start poisoning the Yoruba and the Benin. Put poison for all una food for work. Put poison for una water, make una dey kpai one by one,” Ms Sonnberger said in what appears to be a virtual meeting on TikTok.
The woman vowed that she would take poisonous substances to her workplace and poison any Yoruba or Benin person she came across.
She claimed that her comment was in response to the “hate” against the Igbo. Some other voices could be heard, interjecting and prodding her.
It is, however, unclear how many people attended the virtual meeting with her.
“I want make Ndi Igbo get that heart of wickedness. Una too dey quiet,” the woman said, addressing other participants. “Enough is enough! If you have any means of kpaing them, kpai them commot for road.”
Obasempire reports that Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO) of the Nigeria Police, on Wednesday, took to X (formerly Twitter) to address a comment from a user who stated that they would never marry the child of a police officer due to perceived curses associated with the profession.
Adejobi’s response was pointed and direct. He questioned the user’s background and suggested that every profession has its challenges and criticisms.
In his tweet, Adejobi wrote, “How we wish we knew where your dad worked or works, we would have deduced whether his profession is worse or remains the worst, and his children have been so cursed.”
“This street called X can cover many things. Could you be bold enough to tell us your background or dad’s so that we judge you here right away. Orisirisi.”
The user, identified as @abugeorge87, responded by defending their father’s profession and character. They stated, “My dad is a proud contractor and a carpenter, and he trained all his children well, a very well-respected person in the communities.
“My dad’s money doesn’t come with a curse or oppress the people by cheating them. I can tell you a lot more about my dad but use that one to hold yourself.”
The exchange highlights ongoing public debates about the perception of police officers and their families.
Adejobi’s response emphasizes the challenges faced by law enforcement officials and the often unfair criticisms directed at them. Meanwhile, @abugeorge87’s reply underscores a desire to defend and honor their family’s reputation.
Obasempire reports that Since Bobrisky released his sensational gratitude list, outlining every celebrity—both male and female—who contributed financially, the male names mentioned have been embroiled in controversy.
Don Jazzy, reportedly transferring a generous 4 million naira to Bobrisky’s account, has faced backlash from his own followers.
They are accusing him of promoting and endorsing what they view as the celebration of gay culture.
A storm of anger has erupted on the Instagram page of Nigerian music icon Michael Collins Ajereh, better known as Don Jazzy, following claims of his significant financial contribution to Nigerian crossdresser Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky.
Upset fans, feeling deceived and confused, have vented their fury, flooding his social media profiles with continuous criticism.
This outcry followed Bobrisky’s recent revelation, where he publicly expressed appreciation for the male celebrities who generously donated a total of N30.6 million to him.
Earlier, Bobrisky had stirred attention by honoring top female celebrities, including Tonto Dikeh and Funke Akindele, who had collectively given N18.7 million to his cause.
The real bombshell came when Bobrisky highlighted the male supporters who stood by him: Mavin Records’ Don Jazzy allegedly contributed a staggering N4 million, football star Victor Osimhen added N3 million, actor Yhemo Lee donated N1.5 million, and socialite Abu Abel contributed N1 million.
The male celebrities on Bobrisky’s list have faced intense scrutiny, particularly Don Jazzy.
His fans are especially outraged, viewing his actions as a betrayal of traditional values and launching a vehement verbal assault, accusing him of endorsing the normalization of gay practices in Nigeria.
This follows Verydarkman (VDM) unleashing a scathing critique against Don Jazzy, Tiwa Savage, and the other celebrities who contributed to Bobrisky.
VDM didn’t hold back; he called them out with fervor, demanding they explain their moral rationale for supporting a crossdresser.
Obasempire reports that the banned Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shiites, has refuted allegations that they killed two police officers during a confrontation with security forces.
The two officers were brutally slain on Sunday after a violent clash between the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command and IMN members.
The command while reacting to the incident, accused the Shi’ite sect of an “unprovoked attack” on its men at Wuse junction by a traffic light.
The command said the group attacked its men with stones, wielding machetes, locally made explosives, and knives.
However, the IMN, while speaking with The Whistler, denied the allegations by the police.
A leader of the IMN group, Abdullahi Musa who led the procession on Sunday in Abuja, told the publication that the police command opened fire on its unarmed” members during a procession, which he described as “religious” observed by Shi’ites across the world.
He insisted that police officers in plain clothes killed their colleagues so they could put the blame on them.
Musa explained that the two-day trek which kicked off on Saturday, was aimed at joining its members around the globe in solidarity against the brutal assassination of Imam Husain (AS), a revolutionary leader who sacrificed his life fighting against injustice, tyranny and oppression.
Musa revealed that contrary to the narratives of the police, its members had duly informed the public, through a statement and the FCT Police Command through a letter, issued by its lawyer before embarking on the procession.
He said, “Before we embarked on this procession, we had issued a statement since Friday, to let the public know that the usual Arbaeen trek is going to take place on Saturday and Sunday, and this statement was published
“The commissioner of police was invited and he was fully aware. Before we came in the morning, they had asked us where we were starting the procession and we told them. We decided to divide ourselves into two. The initial plan was to take off from Banex so that people could converge at the Wuse market bridge.
“Unfortunately, early in the morning on Sunday, the police went and dropped six vans of fully armed policemen at Banex and Berger under the bridge. When we saw this, we decided to change routes, so we would not have issues with them because we know they usually attack us.
“If police came to protect you, would they come with armoured tanks and boxes of ammunition? Will they come to protect you during a procession, is that how they do? because this is not the first time, they always attacked us.
“We decided to go to Wuse Zone 3 junction and then trek to Wuse market, but before we arrived at Wuse market, we heard that they had arrested some of our brothers and sisters.
“We didn’t talk to them, but as we arrived at Wuse market, Wallahi, I swear to God almighty, I was in the front, and we were holding placards and citing in Arabic, ‘Imam Husain, we are with you and we are matching in solidarity’ and carrying flag signifying ‘Ashura’ and these people opened fire, not even tear-gas.
“They opened fire with live ammunition, I was there, and everybody started running. So, I am not aware of all these allegations they are saying that our people killed police. How? Were we armed? We were not armed. We were only carrying placards. Is a placard a weapon? If the people knew that we were armed, they would not face us.”
In a further response to the police report of razing police vehicles, Musa said, “Today we found out that there is a brother who was arrested by Policemen in mufti, looking like Agberos (touts). It is the policemen in mufti that set those vehicles ablaze.
“If there is any officer that was killed, he was killed by his fellow officers in mufti or uniforms. We do not kill anyone, but advocate for a better life for Nigeria.”
Obasempire reports that Nigerians have condemned the Police Public Relations Officer of the FCT, SP Josephine Adeh, for urging citizens to acknowledge the Force’s efforts.
In a statement on X on Thursday, Adeh noted that although the Force risks their lives to safeguard the welfare and property of Nigerians, they continue to face criticism.
“I’ve come to realise that police work is often a thankless job. Despite all we do, including risking our lives, we still face criticism from the public. Our officers are out there day and night, ensuring the safety of citizens, yet their efforts often go unnoticed,” her statement reads.
Her statement has, however, attracted severe criticism from Nigerians, with many alleging that the Force does not deserve commendation because of the prevalent corruption in the Force.
Chronicle NG highlights some of the reactions of Nigerians to Nigerians to the police PRO’s statement.
Tobi Akinbo J, “Madam, it is God that protects Nigerians, not police. You protect politicians; it’s understandable. You can’t reap thank you where you didn’t sow.”
Sayeen Mainamdu: “Madam police are only protecting politicians, while citizens are paying police to protect them, so nothing comes for free.”
Tonye Barcanista, “Maybe you will be appreciated when you focus on your real job instead of desperately seeking social media fame and validation.”
Prince Somorin Osifeso, “Madam, you knew the job before you applied for it. If you are after a cushy, safe job, then go apply to be a librarian. Only have to worry about paper cuts.
“I want selfless warriors in the police department, not people that want the public to kneel down and lick their boots.”
Maetrix Ogbu, “If it’s written in your job description on your employment letter that service users ‘must’ show police personnel’s appreciation after police services are rendered, then you may have a case.
“If it isn’t written on your job description, I am afraid to inform you that you deserve to be given a query for demanding appreciation of any kind from service users in order to carry out your fully paid jobs. Remember, you willingly accepted your job offer.”
Ifedolapo, “Well, I understand how you feel about not being acknowledged for your efforts, but you can only speak for a few good police officers, as the majority of bandwagons are the ones bringing down the efforts of the few good ones. Something has to be done to change the narrative.”
Henry Nwokedi, “Most of the officers on the road don’t know their jobs; they are only out there to make money from motorists. I don’t trust the Nigerian police, and to the best of my knowledge, they are not working or risking their lives for me; rather, they are busy risking their lives for the politicians.”
Joy Arewa queen, “The rogue policemen overwhelm the few good ones. The Nigerian police has to do a lot of PR to clean up its image.”
Nsuhoreidem Nyongidem, “I understand that receiving a salary at the end of the month is a way of recognising your hard work and dedication. It can be frustrating when someone receives a salary without fulfilling their responsibilities.”
Myke Peters, “The police force is ideally a noble profession and should be respected; however, the police force in Nigeria is nothing to write home about. You guys should work on yourselves first, please.”
E. Okaraka, “I’m very surprised this is coming from a learned person like you. If you’re doing well and discharging your duty well without exploitation and corruption, Nigerians that I know are very appreciative, but you rather work for our common enemies (politicians)”
Yusuf Lateef Onisona, “The responsibility of law enforcement goes beyond ensuring safety; it also involves maintaining trust with the community. Go by public poll or opinion, Nigerian police lack integrity and general acceptance.”
Mazi Joe Abuchi: “In Nigeria, the police is useless compared to other countries. In European countries, the police are respected like no tomorrow because of the law and order, unlike the Nigerian police out there collecting bribes here and there. So no regards to you people.”
Imiegha_moses, “But they get paid extra through extortions and illegal raids, which results in forced bail bonds. Don’t pretend you don’t know these things occur on a daily basis. The Nigerian citizens will not hesitate to cast their ‘no’ votes in a police referendum if it ever happens.”
The tragic event occurred in Samaru, Zaria, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. The family received the compensation on August 7, 2024, prompting significant backlash on social media.
Many Nigerians are expressing disbelief and anger over the compensation, deeming it as grossly insufficient for the loss.
The outrage is visible in various online reactions, where users are condemning the government and military for what they view as a disrespectful valuation of human life.
For example, one user commented that N300,000 is not enough even to buy a cow, let alone compensate for a human life, while another labeled the payment an “extreme insult.”
Several commentators are questioning the value assigned to northern lives and the overall effectiveness of the government in addressing grievances.
Critics argue that the compensation highlights broader issues with governance and societal values, and point out inconsistencies in handling similar cases across different regions of Nigeria.
The frustration extends beyond this specific case, with many Nigerians using it to highlight broader dissatisfaction with the current administration’s approach to issues like security and economic hardship.
The discussion around this case has amplified calls for a reassessment of how the government handles victim compensation and values human life.
Obasempire reports that fugitive former Kogi State Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello is seeking political asylum in Niger Republic, following an arrangement facilitated by Nigerian Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle.
Bello, whose eight-year tenure in Kogi was marked by authoritarianism, violence, and alleged elimination of political rivals, has been evading capture since the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) issued a warrant for his arrest over accusations of embezzling over N80 billion.
Sources indicate that Matawalle has a close relationship with General Abdourahamane Tchiani’s military regime, which has assured protection for his investments in Niger.
Sources in Abuja and Niamey, the capital of Niger, reveal that Matawalle negotiated the arrangement to keep Yahaya Bello secure in Niger, with representatives of Tchiani’s military junta involved in the discussions.
“Part of the deal involves the former Kogi Governor investing in Niger Republic and paying millions of unspecified sums to support his asylum.
“The asylum will guarantee his free movement in Niger Republic, Burkina Faso and Mali, the three countries with military governments and bilateral relations,” a source privy to the development told our correspondent in confidence.
Recall that after Yahaya Bello was smuggled out of his home in Zone 4, Wuse District Abuja, by his successor, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo when officials of the EFCC arrived to arrest him, he has not been seen again in public.
Matawalle, a close friend of GYB as the ex-Kogi State is fondly known, arranged an asylum for him, allegedly using military personnel under his watch to smuggle him through Kebbi state via illela border with two dark tinted hilux pick up vans and a Land Cruiser Sports Utility Vehicle.
Credible intels accused Matawalle of aiding the military junta in Niger Republic with information from the Nigerian government in exchange for protection of his huge investment in the tiny country running into millions of dollars.
Some of the offshore investments are allegedly proceeds from the financial windfall from the office of ex- National Security Adviser, Col Ibrahim Dasuki, oil bunkering and looting of Zamfara State resources where he served as Governor for four years.
