News
Exposed: Mr Femi Otedola, accused of Aggressive Banking Gangsterism
** Plot to Seize OML 42 Oil Mining License under false and deceptive debt claims
** Uses First Bank subsidiaries
Neconde Energy Ltd and Nestoil Group has accused First Bank subsidiaries of orchestrating fraudulent and aggressive attempts to seize Neconde’s prized Oil Mining Licence (OML 42), under what the companies calls a “manufactured and unsubstantiated debt claim.”
It is nevertheless not in dispute that for over three(3) years, First Bank Quest has refused to release bank statements to Neconde Energy Ltd and Nestoil Group despite all their requests and attempts to obtain loan and bank statements from FBN Quest and till date the status of any alleged indebtedness has not been determined due to that failure. It is therefore uncertain if any debts exist at all due to the failure to issue statements to verify these claims.
In recent times, financial watchers have accused First Bank of engaging in multiple high stakes financial gangsterism, aimed at taking over lucrative businesses of First Bank customers under the guise of “debt default”. Industry watchers warn that this very dangerous trend that can eventually sink a bank that has been existing for decades.
Even more troubling is the alleged personal involvement of the Chairman of the Firstbank Holdco, Mr Femi Otedola in these aggressive economic bullying drawing comparison from the hostility in Sahara Group case, to General Hydrocarbon to most recently Neconde and Nestoil.
Word on the street has it that Mr Otedola had earlier this year approached Neconde requesting to buy some 16 percent stake in the juicy OML42 Oil Block, a request which was said to have been bluntly rejected by Neconde. It is therefore hardly coincidental that only months later, First Bank pounced on Nestoil and Neconde in an aggressive move to take over OML 42, citing an alleged $1billion dollar unverified debt.
A Dispute Fuelled by Secrecy
According to our sources in Nestoil,
“How can we owe what we cannot see?” one senior Nestoil official asked.
“We cannot verify any debt because First Bank will not release the very documents that would confirm or disprove their claim.”
Nestoil insists that without those statements, the bank’s attempts to enforce debt recovery actions amount to economic ambush and economic gangsterism.
The Contested Licence
At the center of the conflict is OML 42—one of the most promising onshore blocks in the Niger Delta Basin. Industry analysts estimate that the license could generate hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue over its lifespan. At present OML42 accounts for approximately 5% of Nigeria’s crude oil production.
There are claims that the subsidiaries of First Bank Holdco under the Chairmanship of Mr Femi Otedola has shown “unusual, excessive interest” in taking over the OML42 through court orders, ex parte motions, and aggressive debt-recovery procedures that the company says lack documentary justification.
“It has become clear that the bank’s objective is not repayment—it is acquisition,” a senior financial expert states.
Legal Manoeuvres and Alleged Overreach
Legal experts interviewed for this story say the refusal of First Bank to release bank statements, if true, raises serious questions about transparency and the integrity of the bank’s claims.
One financial law analyst noted:
“A creditor refusing to provide account statements is highly irregular. Any enforcement action without documentary clarity could be challenged as predatory or abusive.”
Nestoil and Neconde Vows to Resist “Corporate Bullying”
The Company says it intends to escalate the matter to regulatory bodies, accusing First Bank of:
Withholding essential financial documents;
Misrepresenting loan obligations;
Attempting to take over strategic national assets through deception and;
Engaging in “bad faith banking practices”.
The companies has also hinted at pursuing damages for reputational harm and economic loss.
Uncertain Road Ahead
As the battle intensifies, industry observers warn that the dispute could unsettle local and international investor confidence in the already fragile upstream sector.
For now, NestoilGroup and Neconde Energy says it will continue to fight what it calls a “calculated attempt to strip us of our assets using fictitious debt claims and procedural intimidation. No amount of malicious court cases will deter us”.
Whether First Bank can substantiate its alleged debt claim—or whether the controversy exposes a deeper pattern of aggressive asset acquisition tactics—remains to be seen.
In the plaintiffs Originating Summons Suit No.FHC/L/CP/1439/2025 they avail that “Whether the 2nd Plaintiff’s exercise of the power vested in it by virtue of the
Security Sharing Deed,Deed of Charge dated 8h December 2022 and Deeds of
All Assets Debenture dated 27h August 2007,28th March 2005(and the
Supplemental Documents)and its appointment of the Receiver/Manager over OML 42 JV and other crystallised charges and assets of the 18 and 2nd
Defendants due to the Events of Default,entitles the Receiver/Manager so-
appointed to exercise all the rights and duties as enshrined in the Deed of
Charge and All Assets Debenture for the full realisation of the outstanding
indebtedness of US$1,012,608,386.91(One Billion Twelve Million Six Hundred and Eight Thousand Three Hundred and Eighty-Six United Stated Dollars Nine One Cents)and NGN430,014,064,380.77(Four Hundred and Thirty Billion Fourteen Million Sixty-Four Thousand Three Hundred and Eighty Naira Seven-Seven kobo)owed to the Lenders as at 30h September, 2025 and any interest accrued until final liquidation.
5.Whether by virtue of Clause 3.3 of the Neconde Deed of Charge,the Plaintiffs
on behalf of Lenders can take over the 45%interest of the 2nd Defendant to
recover the outstanding indebtedness of US$1,012,608,386.91(One Billion
Twelve Million Six Hundred and Eight Thousand Three Hundred and Eighty-
Six United Stated Dollars Nine One Cents)and NGN430,014,064,380.77 (Four
Hundred and Thirty Billion Fourteen Million Sixty-Four Thousand Three
Hundred and Eighty Naira Seven-Seven kobo)from the OML 42 JV
Activities/Contracts.
6.Whether having regard to the personal guarantees given by the 3d and 4th
Defendants to the Lenders,the 3d and 4h Defendants are personally liable to
repay the loan facilities issued by the Lenders to the 1st Defendant to the tune
ef the amcunt pciscnal!;;guaranteed.
7.Whether the Lenders being unsatisfied creditors and the 2nd Plaintiff are
entitled to an ORDER OF PERPETUAL INJUNCTION restraining the 1-4h
Defendants(as obligors)whether by themselves,servants,or agents from
operating and/or dealing with any interest in the charged assets,movable or
immovable,until the sum of US$1,012,608,386.91(One Billion Twelve Million Six Hundred and Eight Thousand Three Hundred and Eighty-Six United
Stated Dollars Nine One Cents)and NGN430,014,064,380.77 (Four Hundred
and Thirty Billion Fourteen Million Sixty-Four Thousand Three Hundred
and Eighty Naira Seven-Seven kobo)being outstanding balance.
With these pending issues waiting for the determination of the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, alleging that Nestoil is on the receivership is a hoax.
Furthermore, the plaintiffs prayer for the court to give judicial recognition of the purported Receiver Manager was refused by Justice Dipeolu, before the case was transfered to another judge for hearing and its determination.
News
Senator Monguno Delivers Monguno LGA for President Tinubu
Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Chief Whip of the Senate and distinguished representative of Borno North Senatorial District, has once again proven his political dexterity and grassroots command by delivering Monguno Local Government Area overwhelmingly for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Primaries.
The primaries, conducted in a peaceful and transparent atmosphere, drew massive participation from party faithful, stakeholders, youth groups, and women across Monguno LGA. The exercise was marked by unity, discipline, and enthusiasm, as members reaffirmed their loyalty to the APC and their unwavering commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda championed by President Tinubu.
Senator Monguno, addressing the gathering, commended the people for their steadfastness and collective spirit. He emphasized that the success of the primaries was not merely a reflection of his leadership but a testament to the enduring bond between the APC and the people of Borno North. “Our strength lies in our unity, our discipline, and our loyalty to the ideals of progress and development. Together, we will continue to sustain the dominance of our great party,” he declared.
Observers noted that the outcome of the primaries further cements Senator Monguno’s reputation as a formidable political figure in Borno State. His ability to mobilize diverse groups – from traditional leaders and community stakeholders to youth and women organizations – underscores his deep connection with the grassroots and his commitment to inclusive leadership.
The primaries also highlighted the growing confidence of the people in President Tinubu’s administration. Many participants expressed optimism that the Renewed Hope Agenda would bring lasting development, security, and prosperity to the region. The atmosphere was charged with chants of solidarity and renewed determination to ensure the continued success of the APC at both state and national levels.
Political analysts have described Monguno’s achievement as a strategic boost for the APC in Borno State, reinforcing the party’s dominance and strengthening its prospects for future contests. The senator’s role in coordinating the primaries has been widely praised as an example of effective leadership and organizational skill.
As the APC consolidates its position across Nigeria, the Monguno LGA primaries stand as a clear demonstration of the party’s resilience and the people’s trust in its vision. Senator Monguno’s influence, coupled with the collective will of Borno North, has once again positioned the district as a stronghold of support for President Tinubu and the APC.
With this successful outing, Borno North remains united, resolute, and firmly committed to advancing the progress of the party and the nation under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
News
KUMO CONGRATULATES TINUBU ON PRIMARY VICTORY: “NIGERIA HAS FOUND IN YOU A LEADER WORTHY OF HER TRUST “
Hon. Hamma-Adama Ali Kumo, popularly known as “Dattuwa”, Deputy National Financial Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Chairman of the Governing Board of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his landslide victory at the 2026 APC Presidential Primary Election.
In a warm and heartfelt message, Kumo described the President’s victory as a clear and resounding endorsement by millions of ordinary Nigerians who have seen, felt, and believed in his leadership.
“Mr. President, today the people have spoken. From the North to the South, from state to state and ward to ward, APC members came out in their millions to say — we are with you. This victory belongs to every Nigerian who believes in a better tomorrow,” Kumo said.
He praised President Tinubu for the courage and humility he demonstrated by subjecting himself to the democratic process — choosing to stand and be elected rather than using the power of incumbency to sidestep the people’s verdict.
“You are a President who could have taken the easy road. Instead, you opened the door to all, welcomed a challenger, and stood before the Nigerian people to be judged. That is the mark of a true democrat, and we are proud of you,” he said.
Kumo also celebrated the Electoral Act 2026 — signed by the President — which abolished the delegate system and empowered grassroots party members across all 8,809 wards to vote directly for their preferred candidate. He described it as one of the most important gifts any President has given to Nigerian democracy.
“You did not just talk about democracy. You legislated for it, and then you lived by it. That consistency of character is what sets you apart,” Kumo added.
As a member of the APC’s National Working Committee and Chairman of the ITF Governing Board — a position he holds by the confidence of the President — Kumo said he remained fully committed to supporting the Tinubu administration in delivering on its Renewed Hope agenda for all Nigerians.
He closed with a personal charge to the President.
“Your Excellency, the mandate is yours. The people trust you. Go and finish the work. Nigeria is counting on you, and we are all standing firmly behind you.”
News
CBIAMEC Elects New Executives as National Coordinator, Onomuodeke Unveils Seven-Point Agenda
The CSO Budget Implementation, Assessment, Monitoring and Evaluation Committee (CBIAMEC) has on Friday, elected new executives to pilot the affairs of the committee, with Comrade Patrick Ogheneyero Onomuodeke, emerging as the newly elected National Coordinator.
The election, which drew members, stakeholders, and observers from different sectors, marked a significant transition in the leadership structure of the committee and reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, inclusion, and effective project monitoring across the country.
Other officers were also elected into key positions including General Secretary, Head of Operations, Head of Legal, Head of Media, among others.
Speaking shortly after the election, Comrade Patrick Ogheneyero unveiled a seven-point agenda aimed at repositioning the committee for greater efficiency, visibility, and impact. According to him, the agenda will focus on strengthening institutional capacity, promoting transparency in budget implementation processes, improving collaboration with relevant stakeholders, enhancing media visibility, deepening citizen engagement, promoting inclusiveness, and ensuring effective monitoring and evaluation of projects and policies.
He stressed the importance of unity, professionalism, and dedication among members, noting that civil society organizations must continue to play active roles in promoting good governance and accountability in the country.
The newly elected National Coordinator further pledged to run an open, inclusive, and result-driven administration that would prioritize teamwork, transparency, and national development.
The election also witnessed the presence of notable observers and stakeholders, including Comrade Adodo Solomon, Chairman Public and Private Partnership, as well as international development expert, Mrs. Tamara Jensin, President and Chairman Arc-royal International, alongside other dignitaries.
Members of the committee expressed optimism over the emergence of the new executives, describing the development as a fresh opportunity to reposition the organization and strengthen its relevance within the civic and governance space.
The event concluded with goodwill messages and renewed commitments by members to work collectively toward achieving the vision and objectives of the committee.
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