Dangote Signs $350m Deal With Indian Firm EIL to Expand Lagos Refinery

Dangote Group has signed a $350 million agreement with Indian engineering firm Engineers India Ltd (EIL) to expand its flagship refinery and petrochemicals complex in Lagos, a move expected to significantly boost Nigeria’s industrial capacity and reduce Africa’s dependence on imported refined fuels.

The expansion project will increase the refinery’s processing capacity from 650,000 barrels per day to 1.4 million barrels per day, positioning it as one of the largest single-location refinery complexes in the world.

Located in the Lekki Free Zone, the Dangote Refinery represents a major milestone in Nigeria’s transition from fuel importation to local production and export of refined petroleum products.

As part of the deal, Dangote Group will also expand its petrochemical operations, with polypropylene production set to rise to 2.4 million tonnes per annum, strengthening Nigeria’s position in the global petrochemical market.

#DangoteRefinery #NigeriaEconomy #IndustrialGrowth #EnergySector

Tomato Don Carry Igbo: Ondo Prison Officers Catch Drug Smugglers for Akure Custody Centre

Serious gbege don burst for Akure prison as officers of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) foil attempt by two visitors wey try sneak illegal drugs enter the Medium Security Custodial Centre.

According to NCoS, the incident happen during routine security check for gate lodge. When officers search the visitors’ bag, dem discover about four grams of suspected Indian hemp hide inside fresh tomatoes, wrapped well for nylon. Dem believe say the drug suppose reach one inmate inside the prison.

Immediately, officers arrest the suspects in line with order from the Controller-General, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, wey insist on tight security for all custodial centres. After that, dem hand the suspects over to NDLEA for proper investigation and possible prosecution.

Ondo State Controller of Corrections, Oyewole Charles, praise the officers for their sharp eye, discipline and quick response. He talk say the Service go continue to keep the prison secure and clean, and make sure say drug business no get space for correctional centres.

NCoS also warn the public, especially visitors, say anybody wey try smuggle anything illegal go face serious law, because the safety of the prison no be something to joke with.

How Did Two Young Men Try to Smuggle Marijuana Into a Kano Court? Who Were They Working For—and What Does Their Arrest Reveal About Nigeria’s Prison Drug Crisis?

How were two young men able to attempt a drug drop inside a court facility in Kano—and what does their arrest expose about the growing challenge of narcotics trafficking into Nigeria’s custodial system?

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Kano State Command, has arrested two men for allegedly attempting to smuggle marijuana and other illicit substances to inmates during court proceedings at the Nomansland Court Complex. The suspects—identified as 25-year-old Usman Khalid and 24-year-old Bello Musa Ahmed, both from the Tsamiya (Brigade) area of Kano—were apprehended by officers attached to the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Goron Dutse.

According to the NCoS, the men were caught while allegedly trying to throw wraps of Indian hemp and other prohibited drugs to inmates as they were being moved in and out of the court. The arrest was confirmed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSC Musbahu Lawan-Kofarnasarawa, who said the suspects were intercepted before the items could reach any prisoner.

But why would suspects risk such a public and tightly controlled environment to deliver drugs? And who exactly were they trying to supply? While authorities have not yet disclosed whether the suspects were linked to a wider trafficking network, the incident has raised fresh concerns about how criminal elements attempt to exploit court appearances and inmate movements to bypass prison security.

Reacting to the incident, the Controller of Corrections in Kano State, Ado Inuwa, described the act as a serious security breach and a criminal offence under Nigerian law. He warned members of the public to desist from any interaction with inmates during court transfers, stressing that such conduct threatens both public safety and the integrity of the justice system.

Inuwa reaffirmed the NCoS’s commitment to rehabilitation and reformation, noting that drug trafficking into custodial facilities undermines discipline, fuels criminal behaviour behind bars, and sabotages correctional objectives. He directed that the suspects and the seized drugs be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and possible prosecution.

What does this case reveal about the broader problem of drugs in Nigeria’s prisons? The Kano Command reiterated its zero-tolerance policy toward drug-related offences, vowing to maintain maximum security across all custodial centres and judicial premises in the state. The Service also called on residents to report suspicious activities, emphasising that community vigilance remains vital in the fight against narcotics and organised crime.

As investigations continue, key questions remain unanswered: Were the suspects acting alone or as part of a larger network? Which inmates were the intended recipients? And how many similar attempts go undetected across the country? The outcome of this case may determine not only the fate of the two accused men but also how aggressively authorities tighten security around Nigeria’s courts and correctional facilities in the ongoing war against drugs.

Amahor Community in Edo Raises Alarm Over Alleged Illegal Occupation of Forest Reserve by Non-Indigenes, Accuses Palace and State Government of Inaction as Tension Threatens Violence

Residents of Amahor community in Igueben Local Government Area of Edo State have raised serious concerns over what they describe as the illegal occupation of their forest reserve by non-indigenes, warning that the situation could degenerate into violence if the government fails to intervene urgently.

According to a statement by Dr. Napoleon Oluokhae on behalf of Concerned Amahor Indigenes, outsiders allegedly settled deep inside the community’s forest without consent or due process, engaging in cocoa farming, Indian hemp cultivation, and other agricultural activities. The community claims the land was unlawfully leased, triggering anger and fear of long-term loss of ancestral land.

Tensions reportedly worsened after an unauthorised access road was constructed into the forest reserve, heightening security concerns. The dispute has also created a rift between residents and the traditional ruler, HRH Zaiki Enadeghe Ehijie, whom indigenes accuse of allocating communal land without consultation, documentation, boundaries, or time limits. Oluokhae alleged the monarch admitted to receiving ₦4.5 million in connection with the allocation.

Amahor residents said they have submitted petitions to the Nigeria Police, the Edo State Government, and security authorities, but claim investigations have stalled despite initial acknowledgment by the governor’s security adviser. They also cited state forestry regulations, noting that perennial crops are prohibited in government forest reserves, a position reportedly confirmed by the Area Forest Officer.

The community fears that continued government inaction and what they describe as attempts to legitimise the occupation through repeated mediation meetings could lead to unrest. Residents have appealed directly to Governor Monday Okpebholo to enforce the law, evict the alleged illegal occupants, and prevent a breakdown of law and order. As of the time of reporting, neither the Edo State Government nor the palace had issued an official response.

Analyst Who Predicted Trump’s Move Against Venezuela Reacts as Nicolás Maduro Is Removed, Says US Now Controls Global Oil Power

An Indian political analyst, Aravind, who accurately predicted the removal of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, has reacted after his forecast appeared to come true. In April 2025, Aravind had warned that once a Russia–Ukraine peace deal was concluded, the United States under Donald Trump would aggressively target Venezuela through sanctions, covert actions, or even direct military intervention.

By June 2025, he expanded his analysis, arguing that oil was the central driver of Washington’s strategy. He predicted that the US would engineer a coup against Maduro, gain control of Venezuela’s vast oil reserves, influence global oil prices, and reshape geopolitical alliances, including drawing Russia away from China.

Following the January 3, 2026 raid in which Maduro was reportedly captured by US forces, Aravind declared that Venezuela had been “couped” exactly as he predicted, claiming the US now controls Venezuelan oil and holds dominance over much of the world’s energy supply. His comments have reignited debates about US foreign policy, energy politics, rising oil prices, and the wider geopolitical consequences of Washington’s actions in Latin America.

Nigerian Senator Godiya Akwashiki Dies at 52 in Indian Hospital, Family Mourns Loss of Nasarawa North Lawmaker

Senator Godiya Akwashiki, who represented Nasarawa North Senatorial District, has died at the age of 52 while receiving medical treatment in an Indian hospital. His death was confirmed by a family source on Wednesday and reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). The source described Akwashiki’s passing as a major loss to Nasarawa North and the entire state, citing his strong commitment to grassroots development and empowerment initiatives.

According to the family, Akwashiki created a lasting impact across the constituency through projects spread across nearly all communities, making him widely regarded as one of the most effective senators the zone had produced. He was notably the only senator from Nasarawa North to win re-election for a second term.

Before his election to the Nigerian Senate in 2019, Akwashiki had a long political career in Nasarawa State, serving multiple terms in the House of Assembly where he rose to Majority Leader and later Deputy Speaker. Born on August 3, 1973, in Angba Iggah, Nassarawa Eggon Local Government Area, he was considered a key political figure whose death has left a significant vacuum in the state’s political landscape.

EFCC Arraigns Three Indian Nationals, One Nigerian in Kwara Over Alleged Criminal Breach of Trust at KAM Steel Company

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned three Indian nationals—Lalit Sarwat, Ravi Raghavendra and Gagan Sarswat—alongside an Ilorin-based dispatch manager, Oniyide Samuel, before the Kwara State High Court over alleged conspiracy and criminal breach of trust. The defendants, who were employees of KAM Steel Integrated Company Limited, are accused of conspiring between November 2024 and September 2025 to unlawfully divert steel rebars entrusted to them by the company. They pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge under Sections 97 and 314 of the Penal Code. While the EFCC opposed bail on grounds of flight risk, particularly due to the involvement of foreign nationals, the court ordered their remand and adjourned the matter to December 19, 2025, for ruling on the bail applications.

Kwara High Court Remands Three Indian Nationals and One Nigerian Over Alleged Criminal Breach of Trust in EFCC Case

A Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin has remanded three Indian nationals—Lalit Sarwat, Ravi Raghavendra and Gagan Sarswat—alongside a Nigerian dispatch manager, Oniyide Samuel, over alleged criminal breach of trust. The defendants were arraigned by the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a two-count charge of conspiracy and criminal breach of trust, contrary to Sections 97 and 314 of the Penal Code. Justice Sulaiman Akanbi ordered that the accused be remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service pending further proceedings.

Tension Rises In Edo Community As Residents Accuse Strangers Of Illegal Forest Occupation, Indian Hemp Cultivation

Tension is mounting in Amahor community, Igueben Local Government Area of Edo State, following allegations that unknown outsiders have illegally occupied large portions of the community’s forest reserves. Residents claim the forest land was unlawfully leased to strangers now engaged in cocoa farming, Indian hemp cultivation and other agricultural activities without community consent. The situation has sparked widespread anger and security concerns, with locals describing it as a looming threat to peace. Despite petitions to the police, state ministries, and security agencies, residents say no decisive action has been taken. The community is now appealing directly to Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo to urgently intervene before the situation escalates further.

Angry Fans Vandalise Indian Stadium After Lionel Messi Abruptly Leaves Tour Event

Chaos broke out at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata after thousands of fans vandalised the venue when football legend Lionel Messi abruptly exited a “GOAT Tour” appearance in India. Supporters, many of whom paid high ticket prices, were angered by poor crowd management and tight security that limited their access to the Argentine star. The incident led to property damage, pitch invasion, and the arrest of the event’s chief organiser, prompting an official probe and public apologies from West Bengal authorities.

#LionelMessi

#India

#Football

NIGERIA–INDIA ADVANCES DEFENCE PARTNERSHIP AS INDIAN DEFENCE ADVISER VISIT COAS

The strategic defence partnership between Nigeria and India received a significant boost on 9 December 2025 when the Indian Defence Adviser to Nigeria, Colonel Manoj Singh, paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu Nigerian Army Medal, at the Army Headquarters, Abuja. The visit reaffirmed the commitment of both nations to strengthening bilateral military cooperation and advancing shared security interests.

Colonel Singh while making his remarks commended the Nigerian Army for its sustained efforts in tackling security challenges nationwide and expressed appreciation for the warm reception. He emphasized India’s willingness to broaden defence cooperation, expand training opportunities for Nigerian Army personnel and deepen technical exchanges in critical areas of mutual benefit.

In his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu stressed the importance of maintaining an enduring partnership with the Indian Armed Forces. He described India’s long-standing support in military training, capacity building and defence development as invaluable, noting the need to further enhance collaboration in counter-terrorism operations, intelligence sharing, equipment support and professional military education.

The visit featured the presentation of souvenirs to the Defence Adviser by the COAS as a symbol of friendship and continued cooperation. Colonel Singh also signed the visitors’ book and a group photograph.

APPOLONIA ANELE
Colonel
Acting Director Army Public Relations
9 December, 2025

BlackRock reportedly loses over $500 million to Indian-Origin CEO in massive Loan Fraud.

Bankim Brahmbhatt, the Indian-origin CEO of US-based telecom firms Broadband Telecom and Bridgevoice, has been accused of orchestrating a large-scale loan fraud that cost lenders, including BlackRock’s private credit unit, over $500 million, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Lenders allege that Brahmbhatt’s companies falsified accounts receivable to use as collateral, creating the appearance of strong business activity while secretly moving funds offshore to India and Mauritius. 

A lawsuit filed in August claims the firms’ financial strength “existed only on paper.” Brahmbhatt, however, denies any wrongdoing.

The alleged scheme began in 2020 when BlackRock’s credit arm, HPS, started lending to one of Brahmbhatt’s financing companies. The loan amount eventually grew to about $430 million by 2024, with French banking giant BNP Paribas also involved in financing the debt.

The fraud reportedly came to light in July when HPS staff noticed that emails supposedly from Carriox (another Brahmbhatt-linked company) customers came from fake domains mimicking real telecom firms. 

Further checks revealed that customer emails and contracts provided over the past two years were fabricated, and some fake documents dated as far back as 2018.

When questioned, Brahmbhatt initially dismissed the concerns but soon stopped responding. When investigators visited his company offices, they reportedly found them shut down.

Court filings also allege that assets meant to secure the loans were moved into offshore accounts in India and Mauritius.

Brahmbhatt’s companies filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in August — the same day Brahmbhatt himself filed for personal bankruptcy after agreeing to provide a personal guarantee for the loans. Lenders believe he is currently in India.

Black Lives Matter and its founders, Patrisse Cullors & Alicia Garza, are reportedly under federal investigation for the alleged misuse of $90 million in donations.

The U.S. Department of Justice has launched an investigation into allegations that leaders of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement misused tens of millions of dollars in donations raised during the 2020 George Floyd protests.

According to the Associated Press, federal prosecutors have issued subpoenas & executed at least one search warrant in connection with the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation, Inc. & several affiliated groups that helped organize nationwide demonstrations against racial injustice & police brutality.

The probe is reportedly being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, led by Bill Essayli, a former Republican assemblyman known for his past criticism of BLM.

Sources indicated that while the investigation began under the Biden administration, it has accelerated since President Trump took office.

The Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation stated that it is not the target of any federal criminal inquiry and emphasized its commitment to transparency and accountability in managing donations.

The organization collected over $90 million in 2020 but has faced ongoing scrutiny over how the funds were used. In 2022, reports revealed that BLM leaders purchased a $6 million property in Los Angeles with donor money, sparking public backlash. Co-founder Patrisse Kahn-Cullors resigned shortly after the revelations amid criticism of her real estate purchases.

Despite the controversy, BLM leaders have consistently denied wrongdoing. Their most recent tax filings show $28 million in assets as of June 2024.

Earlier in 2022, Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita sued the organization for failing to comply with a state investigation into its finances, though the case was later dismissed after BLM provided the requested documents. So far, no criminal charges have been filed against the group or its leaders.

Nigerian, Margaret Obi, makes history as she becomes England’s most senior black judge.

A former Nigerian solicitor, Margaret Obi, has been appointed as a Judge of the High Court of England and Wales, marking a major milestone in her distinguished legal career.

Her appointment, which officially took effect on October 3, 2025, was confirmed by several reputable British publications, including Global Legal Post. Mrs. Justice Obi is now one of only eight current High Court judges in England and Wales who previously practised as solicitors a rare feat in the British judiciary.

She will serve in the King’s Bench Division, where she is expected to draw from her 27 years of legal practice and seven years of judicial experience to deliver justice with excellence and integrity.

Congratulating her, Oba Nsugbe (KC), Head of Pump Court Chambers in the United Kingdom, praised Obi’s humility and commitment to her heritage. “For as long as I have known her, Mrs Justice Obi has always been naturally low-key and entirely grounded; never once forgetting her Nigerian roots,” Nsugbe said.

Before her elevation, Justice Obi served in several senior judicial capacities, including as a Deputy High Court Judge, Deputy Upper Tribunal Judge, and Chair of the Competition Appeal Tribunal. She also made history in 2023 when she was appointed Acting Judge of the Supreme Court of the British Indian Ocean Territory, further cementing her reputation as a respected and versatile jurist.

Her appointment has been widely celebrated within legal circles in both the United Kingdom and Nigeria, with many describing it as another testament to the excellence and global impact of Nigerian professionals abroad.

Justice Obi’s rise to one of the most prestigious judicial positions in the UK underscores her decades-long dedication to the legal profession and her enduring connection to her Nigerian background.

Colonel Michael Randrianirina Sworn In as Madagascar’s President After Gen-z led protest resulted in Military Takeover.

Colonel Michael Randrianirina was officially sworn in as Madagascar’s new president on Friday, just days after leading a military coup that forced former President Andry Rajoelina to flee the country.

The ceremony, held at the Constitutional Court in Antananarivo, was attended by military officers, politicians, Gen Z protest leaders, and foreign representatives from the U.S., European Union, Russia, and France.

“Today marks a historic turning point for our country,” Randrianirina declared during his oath-taking, vowing to “break with the past” and embark on comprehensive reforms.

He praised the youth-led movement that played a central role in toppling Rajoelina, saying their passion reflected “a deep love for their homeland.”

Randrianirina, commander of the elite CAPSAT unit that joined protesters during last weekend’s uprising, promised to collaborate with “all the driving forces of the nation” to draft a new constitution and electoral laws paving the way for fresh elections and referendums.

“Our mission is to reform the country’s administrative, socio-economic, and political systems of governance,” he said, signaling the start of what many are calling a new era for the Indian Ocean nation.

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu Alleges Some Nigerian Pilots Smoke Indian Hemp Before Flights, Calls for Urgent Regulatory Action.

Former Abia State governor and Senate Chief Whip, Orji Uzor Kalu, has sparked concern over alleged drug use among Nigerian pilots, claiming that some smoke Indian hemp before flying passengers.

Speaking during Wednesday’s plenary session, Kalu urged aviation regulators to take immediate action to safeguard travelers, accusing agencies of negligence and poor oversight.
“The agencies overseeing these pilots are not doing enough. I’ve personally refused to board a flight because the pilot didn’t seem normal. Some of them smoke Indian hemp yes, it’s true,” he said.

He faulted aviation authorities such as the NCAA and NEMA for failing to conduct proper medical and drug assessments. “Pilots walk into the cockpit without anyone checking their blood pressure or drug level. There’s no on-the-spot testing. It’s dangerous,” he warned.

Kalu recounted once stopping a flight over concerns about a pilot’s condition and urged the Minister of Aviation to step up supervision. “Some take Indian hemp like cigarettes. If you go close, you can smell it,” he alleged.

His remarks come weeks after the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) reportedly said two Air Peace pilots tested positive for alcoqAzqdqazqhol and cannabis following a July 2025 runway incident at Port Harcourt International Airport.

Air Peace, however, dismissed the claim, saying no crew member tested positive and that the airline enforces a zero-tolerance policy on substance use. “Our crew were tested within an hour, and all results were negative,” the airline stated.

Kenyan Opposition Leader Raila Odinga Dies at 80 During a morning walk in India.

Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga has died in India at the age of 80, Indian police confirmed on Wednesday.

According to Krishnan M., Additional Superintendent of Police in Kerala State, Odinga collapsed during a morning walk with his sister, daughter, & personal doctor. He was accompanied by both Indian & Kenyan security officers when the incident occurred. Despite being rushed to a nearby private hospital, doctors pronounced him dead on arrival.

A spokesperson for the Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eye Hospital and Research Centre in Kerala, where Odinga had been receiving treatment, also confirmed the death. “Around 7:45 a.m., Mr. Raila was on his morning walk when he suddenly experienced breathing difficulties & collapsed,” the spokesman told AFP. “CPR was immediately administered, & after brief signs of recovery, he was rushed to a modern hospital. Unfortunately, despite several resuscitation efforts, he could not be saved.”

A member of Odinga’s political team, who requested anonymity pending an official announcement, also confirmed the tragic news.

Born on January 7, 1945, Odinga was one of Kenya’s most influential political figures. A member of the Luo ethnic group, he spent years in jail and exile under the autocratic rule of President Daniel arap Moi, championing democracy and political reform.

He entered parliament in 1992 and ran unsuccessfully for president five times in 1997, 2007, 2013, 2017, and 2022 each time claiming he was denied victory through electoral fraud.

Odinga’s death marks the end of an era in Kenyan politics, closing the chapter on a lifelong struggle for democracy, reform, and justice.

Trump Raises H-1B Visa Fee to $100,000, Launches New “Gold Card” Residency Program

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order sharply increasing the H-1B visa application fee to $100,000, a move expected to significantly impact America’s technology sector.

The order coincides with the introduction of a new “gold card” residency program, which offers fast-tracked US residency for $1 million, or $2 million if paid via corporate sponsorship.

“The main thing is, we’re going to have great people coming in, and they’re going to be paying,” Trump said Friday in the Oval Office as he signed the measures.

The H-1B visa program enables US companies to employ foreign professionals with specialized skills—including scientists, engineers, and programmers—for an initial three-year period, renewable up to six years. Each year, 85,000 slots are available through a lottery system, with Indian applicants historically receiving about 75% of the visas. These visas are critical for US tech firms seeking to fill skill gaps.

Industry leaders, including Elon Musk, have previously warned that restricting H-1B visas could hurt the tech industry, citing the shortage of domestic talent in key sectors.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, present at the signing, stated, “All the big companies are on board.”

During his first term, Trump attempted to limit which jobs qualified for H-1B sponsorship, but courts blocked those efforts. The new order represents a continuation of his broader immigration restrictions in his second term.

Under the new rules:

The $100,000 fee applies to new H-1B applicants starting Sunday.

The Secretary of Homeland Security can grant exemptions for certain individuals, companies, or industries.

The order is set to remain in effect for one year, with potential extensions by the President.


Demand for H-1B visas has surged in recent years, reaching a record high in 2022 under President Joe Biden. In 2024, about 400,000 visas were approved, primarily renewals.

Trump emphasized that the gold card program will attract wealthy investors, saying, “I think it’s going to be tremendously successful.”

Previously, Nigeria and several other African nations were affected by a 15% import tariff following a separate executive order signed by Trump.

Abuja dispatch rider arrested with cocaine, loud.

NDLEA Seizes N3.99bn Drugs, Arrests 34 Suspects Across Eight States

The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), has confirmed the arrest of 34 suspects across Lagos, Ogun, Kano, Abuja, Oyo, Edo, Yobe, and Anambra States during operations between September 7 and 11, 2025.

The agency retrieved a total of N3.99bn worth of drugs and intercepted large quantities including over 2.6 million tramadol pills, 6,029 bottles of skuchies, 4,232kg of cannabis, 196 litres of Akuskura, 17kg of skunk, 13.9kg of methamphetamine, and several other psychoactive substances.

The report, released on Sunday and signed by the NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Mr. Femi Babafemi, confirmed that no fewer than 2.6 million pills were recovered during the operations.

According to the NDLEA, traffickers employed multiple smuggling models, including concealment in multi-vitamin cartons, vehicle spare parts, food items, picture frames, and courier packages, as well as trafficking via passengers at airports and motorcycles across borders.

On Thursday, September 11, NDLEA officers swooped on a clearing agent and two drivers attempting to move 2.5 million tramadol pills disguised as multi-vitamins from the import shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

The consignment, worth ₦3.99 billion, had arrived aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight from Delhi, India, on Monday, September 8.

A follow-up operation on Friday, September 12, led to the arrest of the Indian businessman, Gupta Ravi Kumar, believed to be the consignee, alongside three Nigerian accomplices: Ogunlana Noah Olanrewaju, Olushola Idrees Kayode, and Bakare Korede Muheeb.

Larry Ellison Surpasses Elon Musk to Become World’s Richest Person after his fortune increased by over $100 billion in one day.

Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison has overtaken Elon Musk as the world’s richest individual after a sharp surge in Oracle’s share price lifted his fortune to $393bn, edging past Musk’s $384bn.

The 81-year-old billionaire, who holds a 41% stake in Oracle, saw his wealth soar on Wednesday when the software giant posted stronger-than-expected results. Oracle’s stock jumped over 40% in early trading to $340 per share, valuing the company at $958bn. Bloomberg’s Billionaires Index noted it was both the firm’s largest single-day rise & the biggest one-day wealth gain ever recorded.

Ellison & Musk now rank far ahead of Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg & Amazon’s Jeff Bezos. Ellison’s wealth also comes from a stake in Tesla, ownership of the Hawaiian island of Lanai, a sailing team & the Indian Wells Open tennis tournament. He has long ties with Musk, whom he has often been described as mentoring.

He served on Tesla’s board from 2018 to 2022 and invested $1bn in Musk’s purchase of Twitter (now X). According to Walter Isaacson’s biography of Musk, when asked to invest, Ellison replied he would contribute a billion dollars or “whatever you recommend.” Musk is also a frequent guest on Ellison’s Hawaiian island.

A supporter of Donald Trump, Ellison has appeared with him at the White House, including for the launch of the $500bn Stargate AI project. Musk, who initially had close ties with Trump before a recent fallout, is also backing Trump’s 2024 campaign.

Oracle’s surge is driven by soaring demand for its cloud services from AI firms, including ChatGPT maker OpenAI, which require massive datacentres.

Musk, CEO of Tesla and founder of SpaceX, first claimed the top spot in 2021, briefly ceded it to Jeff Bezos and Bernard Arnault, and regained it last year. After just over 300 days, Ellison has now taken the crown.