A coalition of civil society groups, including OilWatch Nigeria and Workers’ Rights Alliance, held a press conference at the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC, Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, July 31, 2025, demanding the immediate arrest and prosecution of Bayo Ojulari, Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL).

The coalition alleged that Ojulari was implicated in a massive corruption scandal involving ₦34.65 billion, equivalent to $21 million. According to the group, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has already detained Abdullahi Bashir Haske, a close associate of Ojulari, who confessed to holding the $21 million on Ojulari’s behalf.

The press conference was jointly signed by the trio of Emmanuel Ekpeyong representing OilWatch Nigeria; Danladi Usman from Workers’ Right Alliance and Babatunde Anifowoshe of Nigeria Concerned Citizens. The coalition also announced a three-day peaceful protest starting August 1, 2025, at the National Assembly, NNPCL Headquarters, and the EFCC office in Abuja.

“We will not stand idly by while one individual’s greed tarnishes our collective future,” said Emmanuel Ekpeyong of OilWatch Nigeria. “The evidence against Ojulari is damning, and the EFCC must act swiftly to bring him to justice.”

The coalition also accused Ojulari of living an extravagant lifestyle, residing in the lavish Presidential Suite of the Wells Carlton Hotel, and using shell companies to siphon funds through inflated contracts and kickbacks.

The group is urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to demonstrate zero tolerance for corruption by supporting the EFCC’s efforts to arrest and prosecute Ojulari and removing him from his position as NNPCL CEO.

As the nation waits with bated breath for accountability, one thing is clear: the fight against corruption has reached a critical juncture. Will justice be served, or will the powerful once again escape accountability? Only time will tell,” the coalition stressed.

The statement reads in full:

We, the coalition of OilWatch Nigeria, Workers’ Rights Alliance, and concerned citizens, stand united today to confront a grave injustice that threatens the soul of our nation and undermines the credibility of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. We are here to demand the immediate arrest and prosecution of Mr. Bayo Ojulari, Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), who has been directly implicated in a massive corruption scandal. His actions have plunged Nigeria into a crisis of trust and economic sabotage, and we will not stand idly by while one individual’s greed tarnishes our collective future. The evidence against Ojulari is damning, and the EFCC must act swiftly to bring him to justice.

Bayo Ojulari’s Implication in a $21 Million Scandal
The recent detention of Abdullahi Bashir Haske by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for three days has exposed a staggering corruption scandal at the heart of NNPCL. Haske, a close associate of Ojulari, confessed to the EFCC that the $21 million found in his account—equivalent to approximately ₦34.65 billion at the current exchange rate of ₦1,650 to $1—belongs to Bayo Ojulari. Let us be clear: this is not a trivial sum. Thirty-four billion, six hundred and fifty million naira is an obscene amount of money, enough to fund critical infrastructure, healthcare, or education for millions of Nigerians. Yet, this fortune was allegedly stashed in an account that previously held a mere $5,000 (₦8.25 million). This revelation alone demands the immediate arrest and prosecution of Bayo Ojulari to uncover the full extent of his illicit dealings and ensure justice for the Nigerian people.

Further Allegations Against Bayo Ojulari
Extravagant Lifestyle at Wells Carlton: While Nigerians struggle to afford basic necessities, Ojulari resides in the lavish Presidential Suite of the Wells Carlton Hotel alongside Haske. This ostentatious lifestyle, funded by questionable means, is a gross betrayal of public trust and a clear indication of ill-gotten wealth.

Damage to Tinubu’s Administration: Ojulari’s actions are inflicting irreparable harm on President Tinubu’s reputation. His leadership at NNPCL has fostered a culture of corruption, eroding public confidence in the government’s commitment to transparency. Allowing him to remain free sends a dangerous signal that corruption is tolerated at the highest levels.

Shell Companies and Contract Fraud: Ojulari is accused of orchestrating the use of shell companies to siphon funds through inflated contracts and kickbacks. Haske’s testimony allegedly exposes a network of illicit transactions tied to NNPCL’s operations, with ₦34.65 billion being just the tip of the iceberg.

Cronyism and Abuse of Power: Ojulari has filled key NNPCL positions with unqualified loyalists, sidelining competent professionals and prioritizing personal gain over national interest. This cronyism has crippled NNPCL’s efficiency and deepened public distrust, particularly among oil workers.

Obstruction of Justice: Credible reports suggest Ojulari has actively interfered with EFCC investigations to shield his allies, delaying justice and allowing corrupt practices to flourish. Such actions are an affront to the rule of law and demand his immediate arrest.

Our Demands
We call on the EFCC to immediately arrest and prosecute Bayo Ojulari for his alleged role in the ₦34.65 billion scandal and other corrupt practices. The evidence provided by Haske’s confession is sufficient to warrant his detention and a thorough investigation into his financial dealings, including the source of the $21 million and his involvement in NNPCL’s questionable contracts. We also demand that President Tinubu sack Ojulari from his position as NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer to demonstrate zero tolerance for corruption and restore public confidence in his administration.
The magnitude of this scandal—₦34.65 billion stolen from the Nigerian people—cannot be overstated. This is money that could have built hospitals, schools, or roads, or ensured fair wages and safety for oil workers, yet it was allegedly funneled into private hands under Ojulari’s watch. Justice must be swift, transparent, and uncompromising.

Call to Action: Three Days of Protest
To press home our demands, we announce a three-day peaceful protest starting tomorrow, August 1, 2025, at the National Assembly, NNPCL Headquarters, and the EFCC office in Abuja. These protests, led by OilWatch Nigeria and Workers’ Rights Alliance, will send a clear message to the authorities: Nigerians, especially those in the oil sector and workers across the nation, will not tolerate corruption on this scale. We will march until Bayo Ojulari is arrested, prosecuted, and removed from office.

A Message to President Tinubu
Mr. President, your administration promised renewed hope for Nigerians. Allowing Bayo Ojulari to evade justice undermines that promise and risks further economic sabotage and public unrest. We urge you to act decisively by supporting the EFCC’s efforts to arrest and prosecute Ojulari and by removing him from NNPCL immediately. Your legacy depends on your commitment to rooting out corruption, starting with this case.

Conclusion
The fight for a corrupt-free Nigeria, where our oil wealth benefits all and workers’ rights are protected, is a collective responsibility. We call on all Nigerians—youth, women, oil workers, and patriots—to join OilWatch Nigeria and Workers’ Rights Alliance in these protests and demand justice. Together, we can hold our leaders accountable and build a nation where integrity and fairness prevail. We thank the press for amplifying our voice and the Nigerian people for standing with us. Bayo Ojulari must be arrested, prosecuted, and sacked, and we will not rest until justice is served for the ₦34.65 billion scandal and beyond.

By our reporter

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), in collaboration with the World Bank, is working to develop accessible infrastructure across the capital, aiming to create an inclusive environment that ensures equal opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).

Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, FCT Minister of State , at the close of a three-day workshop on rights-based approaches to disability-inclusive development, governance, and public policy held in Abuja. Dr. Mahmoud was represented by her Special Assistant on Social Investment, Hajiya Maijidda Kuku.

The minister emphasized that the FCT is working diligently toward inclusive governance that leaves no one behind. She noted that this goal would be achieved through the full implementation of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018.

“This workshop has not only enhanced the technical capacity of participants but also renewed our collective resolve to dismantle barriers and foster inclusive governance,” Mahmoud stated.

She urged participants to apply the knowledge gained in their respective institutions, adding, “Together, we can build an FCT that truly embodies the principles of inclusion, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.”

Dr. Mahmoud also commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its unwavering commitment to equity, inclusion, and dignity—particularly for women and persons with disabilities. She highlighted that the workshop aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda for a more inclusive Nigeria.

She expressed appreciation to the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat for championing disability inclusion and to the World Bank for its consistent support of social inclusion initiatives within the FCT.

Also speaking at the event, Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, Mandate Secretary of the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, described the workshop as part of broader efforts to domesticate and implement the United Nations Conventions on disability inclusion, alongside the 2018 Disability Act.

She explained that the workshop, supported by the World Bank, aimed to ensure the meaningful inclusion of persons with disabilities in all aspects of life within the FCT. As a result, the FCTA has developed a framework for coordinated action on disability inclusion, to be led by the Women Affairs Secretariat.

“What began as a disability desk within the Secretariat has now evolved into a comprehensive disability action platform, built through strong collaboration and partnership,” Benjamins-Laniyi said.

She added that the Secretariat would work closely with the existing structures of the FCT Social Development Secretariat to expand disability-inclusive initiatives. The newly developed platform, she explained, would operate as a superstructure reaching from the FCT Administration down to the area councils and rural communities.

“The multi-sectoral framework includes representation from all FCTA secretariats, the six area councils, and community stakeholders—such as the wives of council chairmen, traditional and religious leaders, women and youth groups, civil society organizations, and the media,” she said.

“This model represents a de facto disability convention within the FCT, uniting stakeholders across government, international bodies, communities, and CSOs. It is a vital mechanism for ensuring full implementation of the Disability Act across every part of the FCT,” she added.

Benjamins-Laniyi concluded by emphasizing that the initiative is not merely a slogan but a concrete demonstration of the Renewed Hope Agenda’s political will to create a more inclusive society—one that truly leaves no one behind.

The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) in Rivers, has urged the state government to prioritise economic empowerment, healthcare and education for Persons With Disabilities(PWDs) in the state.

The group made the remark in an event organised by the association and supported by TAF Africa in collaboration with Disability Right Fund in Port Harcourt on Thursday.

Mr Jake Epelle, Chief Executive Director(CEO)/ Founder, TAF Africa, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), expressed concerns over the exclusion of persons with disabilities from governance and decision-making processes.

Epelle stated that the event, tagged, “Stakeholders Roundtable on the Impact of Political Instability in Rivers State on Persons with Disabilities,” was to highlight the need to give PWDs a sense of belonging.
He called for a concrete and sustainable empowerment projects that would enable persons with disabilities to become resourceful and empower others.

The Chief Executive Director called for grants and scholarships to support persons with disabilities in education, and health as well as ensure their economic empowerment.

In his remarks, Dr Sofiri Peterside of the First Care Diagnostics Hospital, expressed concern over the impact of emergency rules on people with special needs.

He noted that the difficulties faced by able-bodied individuals were worse for those with health concerns or disabilities.

Peterside appealed to President Bola Tinubu-led administration to prioritise social and reliable governance that focused on inclusion of persons with disabilities, and ensure equitable government for all.

Also speaking, Mr Kie Obomanu, the immediate past Chairman of JONAPWD, in Rivers, called for PWDs’ engagement with the administration of the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Etek Ibas(Rtd) to discuss their concerns and needs.

Obomanu, further, called for policies that would enable the PWDs to access healthcare without financial burdens.

He noted that some policies already existed but emphasised that effective implementation was crucial.

Obomanu also appealed that state government should carry out empowerment schemes that would promote self-reliance and employment opportunities.

Also the state Electoral Chairman of the JONAPWD, Mr Ndubuisi Nwankwo, highlighted the plight of visually impaired students forced to relocate to other states due to inadequate learning facilities.

Nwankwo emphasised the importance of education as an instrument of change and called for the integration of persons with disabilities into the state’s education system.

Similarly, Mr Chigozie Amuda, Human Rights Activist, noted that the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities provided for their participation in governance and decision-making processes.

Amuda calls for the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the government structure of Rivers, citing their right to participate in decision-making and contribute to the state’s growth and development.
NAN