Dangote Petroleum Refinery has refuted allegations of initiating a new lawsuit against the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited.

Reports had suggested the refinery sought to nullify import licenses granted to NNPC and other oil marketers for refined petroleum products already produced domestically.

However, according to Anthony Chiejina, Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, the lawsuit in question has been ongoing since June and is slated for withdrawal by January 2025.

“This is an old issue that started in June and culminated in a matter being filed on September 6, 2024,” the company said.

“Currently, the parties are in discussion since the President Bola Tinubu’s directive on Crude Oil and Refined products sales in Naira Initiative, which was approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).”

Dangote refinery said it has made tremendous progress in that regard and events have overtaken the development.

“No party has been served with court processes and there is no intention of doing so. We have agreed to put a halt to the proceedings,” the company said.

“It is important to stress that no orders have been made and there are no adverse effects on any party. We understand that once the matter comes up January 2025, we would be in a position to formally withdraw the matter in court.”

On October 5, the federal government said Nigeria officially commenced the sale of crude oil and refined petroleum products in naira.

Farouk Lawan, a former member of the House of Representatives, has finally regained his freedom after serving a five-year jail term for bribery.

He was released from the Kuje Custodial Centre in Abuja, the nation’s capital, on Tuesday.

Lawan’s story is quite notable, as he was once the chairman of the House of Representatives ad hoc committee tasked with investigating the multi-billion naira petrol subsidy fraud back in 2012.

However, his involvement took a dramatic turn when he was convicted and sentenced to prison in 2021 for accepting a whopping $500,000 bribe from Femi Otedola, the then-chairman of Zenon Petroleum and Gas Limited.

“Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in my life as I step out of Kuje Custodial Centre, with a heart full of gratitude to Allah SWT for seeing me through this trial,” Lawan said in a statement.

“My gratitude is deep, I’m alive and in good health and high spirits to be with my family, friends and associates. I don’t take that for granted.

“I remain grateful and indebted to my family and friends who stood by me through this particularly trying phase of my life.”

Recall that Lawan, who represented the Bagwai/Shanono constituency of Kano state in the house of representatives, was accused of demanding $3 million from Otedola to remove Zenon Petroleum and Gas Limited (Otedola’s former company) from the list of oil companies allegedly involved in the petrol subsidy scam.

Video clips had made the round on social media at the time, showing Lawan stuffing wads of currency notes in his traditional outfit and underneath his cap.

He was arraigned on seven counts of bribery by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

On June 22, 2021, Angela Otaluka, judge of a federal capital territory high court in Apo, convicted Lawan on all three counts and sentenced him to seven years in prison.

In February 2022, a court of appeal discharged and acquitted the former lawmaker on two of the three counts on which he was convicted.

The appellate court affirmed his conviction on one count.

The jail term was also reduced to five years from seven years.

In January 2024, the supreme court affirmed Lawan’s conviction and upheld the verdict of the court of appeal.

In a gesture that underscores his unwavering commitment to promoting and preserving the rich Yoruba culture and traditions, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, Chairman/CEO of Adron Group, accompanied by the Managing Director of Adron Group, Mrs Adenike Ajobo and some other company’s management team, paid a royal visit to His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ogunwusi Eniitan, Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife, on Sunday, October 20, 2024, in celebration of the monarch’s 50th birthday.

The visit took place at the Ooni’s historic palace in Ile-Ife, a city revered as the cradle of Yoruba civilization. Aare Emmanuelking, a staunch advocate for cultural heritage, expressed his deep admiration for the Ooni’s pivotal role in uniting and uplifting the Yoruba people. This significant visit exemplifies the strong relationship between Adron Group and traditional rulers across the country, and it reflects the company’s commitment to community development, as well as the preservation of Nigeria’s diverse cultural values.

Speaking at the event, Aare Emmanuelking emphasized the importance of maintaining and promoting the customs and traditions that define the Yoruba people, while fostering relationships with traditional rulers and the broader community. He noted that these relationships are essential not only for cultural preservation but also for supporting sustainable development that benefits local communities and strengthens national unity.

“A nation’s growth is deeply tied to its cultural roots. The Yoruba culture, and indeed all Nigerian traditions, form the bedrock of our values and our identity. We at Adron Homes are proud to be associated with these values and are committed to ensuring that they are passed down to future generations,” Aare Emmanuelking stated during the visit.

In closing, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking offered his heartfelt prayers to the Ooni of Ife, saying: “May His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ogunwusi Eniitan, continue to reign in wisdom, peace, and prosperity. As the custodian of our cherished traditions and a beacon of hope for our people, we pray for long life, good health, and enduring success for His Majesty. Long live the King, long live the Ooni of Ife.”

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Ogunwusi, expressed his gratitude for the visit and lauded Adron Group’s efforts in supporting traditional institutions and fostering development. The Ooni’s 50th birthday celebrations have drawn dignitaries and well-wishers from across the country, all paying tribute to his reign and visionary leadership.

Adron Homes and Properties, a leading real estate company, remains committed to its mission of making affordable housing accessible to all Nigerians. Under Aare Emmanuelking’s leadership, the company continues to engage with traditional rulers, recognizing their vital role in community cohesion and the preservation of cultural identity.