A significant legal controversy has emerged surrounding the orders issued by Justice Dehinde Dipeolu on October 25, 2025, in the ongoing case between Nestoil and FBNQuest Merchant Bank Limited under Suit No. FHC/L/CS/2127/2025. The case has drawn intense scrutiny as the First Charge Holders—Glencore Energy UK Limited, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mauritius Commercial Bank, and African Finance Corporation—seek to have the Ex-parte orders granted to Nestoil overturned.

The First Charge Holders argue that the orders, which allow Nestoil to appoint a receiver/manager over the assets of the Defendants, were obtained under false pretenses. They claim that the orders unlawfully restrict their ability to manage their financial interests, particularly with regard to the 2nd Defendant, Neconde Energy Limited. In response, the Senior Lenders filed a motion on November 6, 2025, requesting to join the suit and have the Ex-parte orders of October 25 set aside.

In a detailed 335-page affidavit, the First Charge Holders contend that the orders were granted without full disclosure of critical facts. They accuse the Plaintiffs of misrepresenting the situation to the court and sought the removal of Mr. Abubakar Sulu-Gambari, the appointed receiver/manager, claiming the appointment was based on fraudulent information. The affidavit further highlights that Neconde’s interest in OML 42 had already been pledged as collateral to secure loans from the First Charge Holders, and therefore, the Plaintiffs should not have been allowed to include these assets in their motion without consent.

Despite these objections, Justice Dipeolu issued orders that impacted Neconde’s assets, including its interest in OML 42, even though the First Charge Holders did not authorize any additional charges. This has led to questions about the legal grounds for such far-reaching orders, particularly given that no formal debenture or charge document was presented by the Plaintiffs to justify their claims on the 2nd Defendant’s assets.

The situation has escalated further as the Plaintiffs, through their Ex-parte motion, sought approval for the involvement of the police, Navy, and DSS in the enforcement of the orders. These measures, which included the seizure of crude oil and Neconde’s assets in OML 42, have drawn widespread criticism for their excessive nature, with experts warning that they could severely harm the Defendants’ business operations.

Legal professionals have referenced previous Supreme Court rulings, such as in the ECOBANK vs. Honeywell Flour Mills case, which cautioned against granting Ex-parte orders without sufficient evidence. The Court had ruled that asset-freezing orders should only be granted when there is clear evidence that the defendant is likely to dissipate or hide assets.

As the controversy continues to unfold, there are increasing calls for the National Judicial Council to investigate Justice Dipeolu’s conduct in the case. Allegations of bias and judicial overreach have raised concerns about the fairness of the Ex-parte orders, with many questioning whether they were granted in accordance with proper legal procedures. This case is set to become a crucial point of reference for future discussions on judicial discretion and the use of Ex-parte orders in commercial litigation in Nigeria.

…Groups commend his exceptional leadership and reforms at FIRS

A coalition of nine Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has tendered a public and unreserved apology to the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr Zacch Adedeji, after new findings and clarifications cleared him of all allegations of corruption, money laundering, and abuse of office earlier circulated during a protest.

The apology followed a recent protest by the Coalition of Anti-Corruption Civil Society Organisations for Development (COCSOD) at the National Assembly, where the group had accused top FIRS officials of financial misconduct. After a thorough review and verification of their claims, the coalition acknowledged that the allegations were unfounded and based on unverified information.

In a joint statement issued in Abuja, the leaders of the CSOs expressed deep regret over the embarrassment caused to Dr Adedeji, his family, and the FIRS as an institution, noting that the earlier protest was misguided.

The statement was jointly signed by: Dr. Emeka Mbonu, President, Organisation of Young Entrepreneurs in Nigeria; Chief (Mrs) Osondu Chinelo, Convener, Citizens Right International; Dr. Oluaseun Ayotomiwa, National Coordinator, Advocacy for Good Governance; Amb. Eyitayo Olukayode, Coordinator, Centre for Leadership and Educational Development; Hajia Zainabu Mohammed, Convener, Africa Patriotic Development Mission

Others are, Dr. Usman Aliyu Yahaya, Executive Director, Zero Tolerance and Anti-Corruption Network; Princess Doubra Abadi-Ingobo, Coordinator, Network Against Poverty in Africa Campaign; Eduvie Samuel Efe, Executive Director, Campaign Against Corruption International; and Comrade Otokpa Echechofu Philip, Convener, Network for Advancement of Democracy in Africa.

“We have now confirmed that the information we relied upon during the protest was inaccurate and not properly verified,” the coalition stated.

“We sincerely apologise to Dr Zacch Adedeji for any harm, embarrassment, or misunderstanding caused by the claims in the protest statement. We equally commend his exemplary leadership, integrity, and the reforms he has championed at the FIRS.”

Since assuming office over two years ago, Dr Zacch Adedeji has repositioned the Federal Inland Revenue Service as a model of transparency, innovation, and professionalism. His tenure has been defined by visionary reforms, fiscal discipline, and the digital transformation of Nigeria’s tax system.

Under his leadership, the FIRS has consistently surpassed its revenue targets. In 2023, it generated ₦12.36 trillion against a target of ₦11.55 trillion, and in 2024, the agency collected ₦21.7 trillion, exceeding its ₦19.7 trillion projection. Between September 2023 and August 2025, the Service realised ₦46 trillion in total tax revenue, representing 115 per cent of its combined targets.

These achievements were driven by innovative reforms, enhanced staff productivity, and the introduction of technology-driven tax solutions that improved compliance and reduced leakages.

Under Adedeji’s leadership, the FIRS launched several digital tools, including TaxPro-Max, e-Invoicing, and USSD tax payment services, automating over 80 per cent of manual processes and simplifying taxpayer engagement.

He also introduced the National Single Window Project, which harmonises government revenue processes and enhances trade facilitation at ports. In addition, the creation of One-Stop-Shop offices nationwide has improved accessibility and reduced bottlenecks for taxpayers.

Dr Adedeji’s management style is anchored on service, accountability, and inclusion. He prioritises taxpayer satisfaction, vendor relations, and staff welfare, creating a culture of transparency and excellence within the Service.

“We are committed to fair tax administration through responsive and accessible service to optimise revenue for national development,” Dr Adedeji has consistently affirmed.

Beyond meeting revenue goals, Dr Adedeji has focused on increasing Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio from 10.8 per cent to 18 per cent, aligning it with the African average. His administration has also strengthened non-oil revenue streams, reduced dependence on crude oil, and enhanced the country’s economic resilience through data-driven fiscal strategies.

The coalition appreciated Nigerians for their understanding and reaffirmed its dedication to promoting accountability and justice. It also pledged that its future advocacy efforts would be guided strictly by verified and factual information.

“We now clearly recognise that Dr Adedeji’s leadership of the FIRS has been one of integrity, innovation, and excellence. We hereby withdraw our earlier claims in their entirety and extend our sincere apology to him and the institution he leads,” the statement concluded.

As Dr Zacch Adedeji continues his reform-focused stewardship at the FIRS, many Nigerians and development stakeholders have commended his tenure as a shining example of effective public service and transparent governance.

By: Special Correspondent

A deadly clash between the factions of Boko Haram the Jamā’at Ahl as-Sunna lid-Da‘wa wa’l-Jihād (JAS) and the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) has resulted in the reported death of more than 50 fighters at Toumbun Gini, an island community in Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the clash occurred on Sunday afternoon around 3 pm, following an attempted offensive by ISWAP fighters.

According to the source, ISWAP mobilised fighters using 10 high-powered watercraft and launched an attack aimed at reclaiming the island, believed to have recently fallen under the control of the rival JAS faction.

However, intelligence reportedly reached JAS leadership ahead of the assault, enabling them to set up a counter-ambush.

At exactly 1500 hours, ISWAP boats landed and what was planned as a surprise offensive quickly turned into a deadly trap. The first shots were decisive. JAS fighters overpowered them within minutes. ISWAP was routed,” the source said.

The source said over 50 ISWAP fighters were killed during the ambush, with seven of their boats seized. The remaining three vessels escaped with casualties. Video clips appearing to show the aftermath of the clash surfaced online on Sunday.

Zagazola described the clash as Day 5 of intensified rivalry between the two insurgent factions, which have been fighting over territorial dominance and control of resources in the Lake Chad islands.

The continued push by JAS against ISWAP could force surviving ISWAP fighters deeper into mainland communities bordering Kukawa, Monguno and Marte LGAs, increasing security risks for civilians and security personnel.

The rivalry has however, weakened both factions, reducing their ability to launch coordinated large-scale attacks. However, this fragmentation also poses a different challenge: smaller, unpredictable cells that are harder to track.

What is happening on Lake Chad today is a conflict within a conflict and Nigerian troops remain in the middle of the battlefield. The fighting could be leveraged strategically by intensifying pressure on both groups simultaneously.

“This is the best time for the Nigerian military to tighten the corridor and deny both factions space to regroup,”said Rivalry.
Clashes between rival jihadist factions Boko Haram and ISWAP have escalated tenssion in the Lake Chad region.
Our correspondent reports that, the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have intensified their rivalry across strategic island strongholds and riverine settlement routes in Abadam and Kukawa Local Government Areas of Borno State.

Between 5 and 8 November 2025, Boko Haram’s Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) launched a fierce coordinated assault on its rival faction, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), across a stretch of islands identified as Sahel 1, Dogon Chuku, Mangari, and linked riverine basins spanning Tumbun Gini – Tumbun Dalo – Tumbun Shanu – Mangari – Dumba in Abadam and Kukawa local government areas of Borno State.

The fighting was intense. The objective was clear. JAS wants to erase ISWAP. Sources revealed that JAS fighters, led by commanders Hassan Buduma and Mohd Hassan, mobilised multiple watercraft loaded with fighters and heavy weapons, moving in waves from Tumbun Gini through the upper river basin to Tumbun Dalo, Tumbun Shanu, Mangari, Dumba and surrounding islands, a chain of sandy enclaves where humanitarian presence is almost non-existent.

In a scene described as “an amphibious assault in insurgent style,” JAS fighters attacked ISWAP from the water, surprising them at dawn. “This is not a misunderstanding, this is a takeover,”said one intelligence source familiar with the region.
However, after days of sustained fighting,
ISWAP fighters were forced to abandon their river camps scrambling for their lives.

The number of casualties remains unknown, but ISR reportedly picked up heat signatures of several bodies floating and others buried in shallow sand pits.

Multiple sources also confirmed that JAS deployed several motorized watercraft in a multi-axis assault, overrunning ISWAP clusters and pushing surviving fighters off the island perimeter into mainland hideouts around Ali Jillimari, Metele, Kangarwa, and Gudumbali in North of Borno.

While both groups share an extremist ideology, the battle has nothing to do with religion. It is about power. Control of the Lake Chad islands means control of millions of naira collected through extortion of fishermen and traders, they will also take control of the Arms and fuel smuggling corridors through Niger, Chad and Cameroon. They will also have mobility advantage where the water channels provide a perfect cover from air surveillance.

ISWAP had dominated these islands since 2021, after the death of Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau. But water levels have receded this season, opening new land routes and exposing old fishing settlements.

At the core of this escalation is not ideology — but dominance. JAS, according to intelligence intercepts, has vowed to “totally eliminate ISWAP presence in the Lake Chad islands”, and seize ISWAP’s lucrative supply corridors interfacing Niger, Chad and Cameroon.

JAS reportedly plans to push further south toward ISWAP headquarters within Marte and Ngala LGAs, a strategic move that, if successful, would reverse ISWAP’s dominance for the first time since 2021. Once ISWAP regroups on the mainland, it will retaliate violently to reclaim the islands. The group has never allowed a territorial defeat to stand.

Zagazola report that the clashes represent a transition from sporadic skirmishes to a full territorial campaign. More ambushes, roadside bombs and abductions along access routes linking Metele, Kangarwa and the Maiduguri–Damasak MSR, should be anticipated.

The emerging trend suggests that both factions will now lunched retaliatory raids on each other’s strongholds, attack supply lines, including river transport. Communities in Kukawa and Abadam especially fishermen, transport boat operators, and seasonal farmers will bear the immediate consequences.

The Lake Chad Basin has always held strategic value a place where borders blur and armies struggle to manoeuvre. But this new insurgent rivalry marks a turning point. For the first time in years, Boko Haram and ISWAP are not just fighting the state. They are fighting over who gets to rule the shadows.

And somewhere in the middle caught between gunboats, ideology and hunger are the civilians of the Lake Chad islands, whose lives continue to be shaped by a war they did not choose and cannot escape.

Zagazola Makama is a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad Region