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Mining firm petitions FG over alleged invasion, theft of 12 truckloads of lithium (See document)

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File photo of a mining site

A registered mining company, K.M. Done Mining Limited, has petitioned the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development over the alleged forceful invasion of its licensed mining site in Saki, Oyo State, and the theft of 12 truckloads of lithium ore by West Africa New Energy Material Company Limited.

In the petition addressed to the Zonal Mines Officer, Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, South-West Zonal Office, Ibadan, the company accused its rival of deploying security operatives to carry out acts of forceful entry, assault, unlawful arrest, and the ejection of its workers from the site.

 

 

The petitions, dated January 12 and 15, 2026, were written by the firm’s counsel, Y.A. Azeez (Esq.), who alleged that officials of West Africa New Energy Material Company, “in connivance with men of the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army and mining marshals,” invaded the site and carted away large quantities of lithium ore.

According to the petition, the first operation was allegedly carried out with seven trucks, each conveying about 35 tonnes of lithium ore belonging to K.M. Done Mining Limited.

The company said the seven trucks were later intercepted in Ilorin, Kwara State, by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), leading to the arrest and detention of the trucks and their drivers.

However, it alleged that “having met brick walls in Kwara State,” the same company returned to the mining site with five additional trucks, each with a capacity of about 50 tonnes, to cart away more lithium ore.

Four of the trucks were said to have been diverted to Ogun State, where the lithium ore is allegedly being kept at the yard of M & W Transportation Company Limited, Saapade, Ode-Remo, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. The remaining truck reportedly developed a mechanical fault near the Oke-Ogun Polytechnic area of Saki.

In the January 15 petition, which made reference to the earlier one, the company described the development as “disheartening,” noting that the alleged second invasion occurred on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, while investigations into the earlier incident were still ongoing.

“It is disheartening to report that while the seizure and the culprits are still being investigated, the same company forcefully re-entered our client’s mining site with compromised security operatives,” the petition stated.

The firm further alleged that it had since been barred from accessing its licensed mining site by West Africa New Energy Material Company, allegedly using policemen, soldiers, mining marshals of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and hoodlums.

The petition also claimed that three workers of K.M. Done Mining Limited were still being detained at the Mining Marshal headquarters of the NSCDC in Abuja “for no offence,” without being charged to court or granted administrative bail.

Denying allegations of illegal mining, the company insisted that it was operating strictly within its duly allocated mining site.

“Our client is not an illegal miner. They are on the exact site allotted to them and did not encroach on anyone’s concession,” the petition read.

It added that the company had “consistently and regularly paid royalties to the coffers of the Federal Government,” describing the alleged actions of the rival firm and its collaborators as “criminality taken too far in broad daylight.”

The company urged the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development to urgently intervene by notifying relevant law enforcement agencies “to ensure that the perpetrators do not go away with their criminalities.”

“As a law-abiding company, we have consistently advised our client not to resort to self-help that may lead to a breakdown of law and order,” the petition stated, while also alleging that the rival firm was parading fake documents and bribing its way through security agencies.

Efforts to get a response from West Africa New Energy Material Company Limited were unsuccessful as of press time.

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ICPC Recommends Prosecution of Alleged Fake Agency DG, Submits Report to Tinubu

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The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has submitted an interim report to President Bola Tinubu on its investigation into the alleged fictitious Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council, recommending the prosecution of its alleged Director-General, Adeniyi Adeyemi.

ICPC Chairman, Musa Aliyu, disclosed this on Thursday after a meeting with the President at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, exactly 30 days after Tinubu directed the anti-graft agency to investigate the activities of the council.

Aliyu said preliminary findings showed that Adeyemi was never appointed by the Federal Government, adding that the appointment letter, gazette and other documents used to present the council as a government agency were forged.

According to him, the investigation also uncovered lapses in government verification and oversight mechanisms, which were allegedly exploited to create the impression that the PFIPC was a legitimate agency.

“Our interim report found weaknesses in verification, inter-agency oversight and government processes. Those weaknesses were exploited by Adeniyi, with some level of negligence,” Aliyu said.

He added that the commission found no evidence that any Federal Government funds were approved or released to the purported PFIPC or its related entity.

The ICPC chairman further disclosed that investigators uncovered two other agencies allegedly floated by Adeyemi — the FCT Investment Promotion Agency and the Foreign Investment Promotion Agency and Public Private Partnership. He alleged that forged legislative instruments presented as enabling laws were used to facilitate the opening of bank accounts for the organisations.

Aliyu said the commission had recommended Adeyemi’s prosecution and called for administrative sanctions against public officers whose negligence allegedly allowed the fake agency to operate. He also urged the Federal Government to strengthen internal control systems across Ministries, Departments and Agencies to prevent similar incidents.

He, however, stressed that the report submitted to the President was only an interim one, noting that investigations were ongoing to identify other collaborators and build a stronger criminal case capable of withstanding judicial scrutiny.

The PFIPC controversy came to public attention after the Presidency disowned the council, insisting it was never established by the Federal Government despite appearing in the 2026 Appropriation Act with a budget allocation of ₦1.3bn. The Federal Government has since filed criminal charges against Adeyemi over alleged forgery, impersonation and fraudulent misrepresentation, while separate investigations by the House of Representatives and the ICPC are continuing into how the purported agency operated within government institutions.

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Oyo South: Tegbe, Others Named Oseni Students’ Movement Exco

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A students’ leader, Comrade Tegbe Stephen, has been named Coordinator of the Remi Oseni Students’ Movement ahead of its formal inauguration.

The appointment is part of efforts to strengthen the students’ support base for the All Progressives Congress (APC) Oyo South Senatorial candidate, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, across tertiary institutions in the district.

Also named into the executive are Comrades Wale Ajibike (Bosslee), Isiaka Hammed (General), Salami Olatunji, Adetunji Sultan Adekunle, Oluwatobi Ojo and Onifade Victor.

The announcement was made during a strategic meeting with student leaders in Ibadan. The meeting was attended by the Oyo South APC Youth Leader, Com. Olalekan Olowe, and Oseni’s Personal Assistant, Com. Ibrahim Alabi, popularly known as “Otunba Poly.”

Addressing the gathering, Olowe described the movement as a platform to mobilise students across Oyo South, urging the newly named executive to live up to the confidence reposed in them.

He said: “Students remain one of the strongest forces in any democratic society. We expect you to build a vibrant movement that will unite your colleagues and advance the vision of Hon. Aderemi Oseni across our campuses.”

Olowe added that the executive would be formally inaugurated in the coming weeks, after which the movement would commence full activities across the senatorial district.

Also speaking, Ibrahim Alabi urged the student leaders to remain committed, united and focused on the responsibility entrusted to them.

“This is a call to service. Your duty is to mobilise, educate and inspire students to play active roles in the democratic process. We believe you have the capacity to justify this confidence,” he said.

Responding on behalf of the executive, Tegbe thanked Oseni and the students’ leadership for the opportunity to serve, assuring them of their commitment to the assignment.

“We appreciate the confidence reposed in us and will not take it for granted. Our resolve is to build a formidable students’ movement across Oyo South and ensure that students on every campus are actively mobilised ahead of the election,” he said.

The formal inauguration of the executive is expected to be held soon.

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Oseni celebrates Oyo APC Publicist,  Sadare, extols loyalty, commitment to progressive cause

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, has congratulated the Oyo State Publicity Secretary of the party, Alhaji Wasiu Olawale Sadare, on the occasion of his birthday, describing him as a loyal progressive, effective communicator and committed party stalwart whose contributions have continued to strengthen the party in the state.

Oseni, in a statement issued on Sunday by his Media Aide, Idowu Ayodele, said Sadare has remained a consistent and dependable voice of the party, discharging his responsibilities with professionalism, integrity and an unwavering commitment to the ideals of the All Progressives Congress.

He noted that the Oyo APC spokesman has distinguished himself through responsible public communication, constructive engagement and an enduring commitment to promoting the party’s vision, values and programmes.

According to the chairman, House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Sadare’s humility, calm disposition and ability to articulate the party’s position with clarity have earned him the respect of party leaders, members and stakeholders, while also contributing to the unity and stability of the APC in Oyo State.

“Alhaji Wasiu Olawale Sadare is a committed progressive whose loyalty and dedication to our great party have remained steadfast over the years. He has served with uncommon diligence and has continued to project the ideals of the APC with dignity, courage and sincerity,” Oseni said.

The lawmaker added that the publicist’s birthday presents another opportunity to celebrate a man whose service has gone beyond official responsibility, noting that his contributions to strengthening internal cohesion and fostering constructive engagement within the party deserve commendation.

“As you mark another year today, I join your family, friends, political associates and the entire progressive family in celebrating God’s faithfulness in your life. Your commitment to duty, humility and sense of responsibility continue to inspire many within our party.”
Oseni prayed for greater accomplishments for the celebrant, asking Almighty Allah to bless him with good health, wisdom and renewed strength to continue serving the party and humanity.

“I pray that Almighty Allah grants you many more years in sound health, abundant grace and greater accomplishments. May He continue to guide your steps, enlarge your coast and reward your selfless service to our great party, Oyo State and our nation. Happy birthday, and many happy returns.”
The statement added that Oseni wished Sadare a memorable celebration and expressed confidence that his wealth of experience, dedication and leadership would continue to contribute meaningfully to the growth of the APC and the advancement of progressive politics in Oyo State.

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