Niger Delta activist Asari Dokubo has alleged that the Olu of Warri and other individuals are receiving as much as N2.7 trillion annually through pipeline surveillance contracts in the Niger Delta, while questioning why former militant leader Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has faced criticism over his involvement in similar contracts.
Dokubo made the allegation in a video circulating online while defending Tompolo against criticism surrounding pipeline surveillance operations in the oil-producing region. He questioned what he described as unequal scrutiny of different beneficiaries of pipeline protection contracts.
Key Highlights
- Asari Dokubo alleges N2.7trn in annual pipeline surveillance contracts involving the Olu of Warri and others.
- Dokubo questioned why Tompolo has faced criticism over pipeline surveillance contracts.
- He specifically named the Olu of Warri and Osahon Idahosa in his allegation.
- Dokubo also alleged that a vessel marked “OUK” was operating in Nigerian waters.
- No documentary evidence was presented in the video to substantiate the N2.7 trillion claim.
- Those named in the allegations had not publicly responded at the time of filing.
Asari Dokubo Questions Tompolo Pipeline Contract Criticism
Dokubo’s comments were made in defence of Tompolo, who has been involved in pipeline surveillance operations in the Niger Delta.
The activist questioned why Tompolo’s involvement in pipeline surveillance contracts had attracted criticism while, according to his allegation, other individuals were allegedly receiving much larger sums from similar arrangements.
Dokubo argued that if individuals were legally benefiting from pipeline surveillance contracts, Tompolo should not be singled out simply because of his background or role in the Niger Delta struggle.
He also questioned whether the criticism was being applied consistently to all individuals and organisations involved in protecting oil infrastructure in the region.
Dokubo Names Olu Of Warri In N2.7trn Claim
In the video, Dokubo specifically mentioned the Olu of Warri and Osahon Idahosa, whom he identified as the son of Captain Osa, while alleging that they were receiving N2.7 trillion annually for pipeline protection.
Dokubo questioned why the two individuals had not, in his view, attracted the same public scrutiny as Tompolo.
However, the allegation remains unverified. Dokubo did not present contracts, payment records or other documentary evidence in the video to establish that the individuals named receive N2.7 trillion annually.
The individuals mentioned had also not publicly responded to the allegation at the time of publication.
Asari Dokubo Raises Niger Delta Ownership Concerns
Beyond the alleged payments, Dokubo questioned the involvement of individuals from outside the Niger Delta in contracts connected to oil resources in the region.
He argued that awarding such contracts to outsiders could result in wealth generated from Niger Delta resources being privately accumulated rather than producing broader benefits for communities in oil-producing areas.
His comments form part of a wider debate over resource control, oil-sector contracts and the participation of Niger Delta communities in the economic activities generated from the region’s petroleum resources.
Read also:
- Tension in Niger Delta over pipeline surveillance contracts: Group writes Tinubu
- Atiku Demands Full Disclosure Of NNPC’s ₦11.2 Trillion Receivables, Questions Pipeline Security Spending
- Tompolo Hails Azikel Refinery, Calls Eruani Azibapu Leader of Niger Delta’s New Industrialisation
Dokubo Claims Vessel Linked To Orji Uzor Kalu
Dokubo also alleged that he recently saw a vessel operating in Nigerian waters bearing the initials “OUK”.
He associated the initials with former Abia State Governor Orji Uzor Kalu and suggested that the vessel was involved in activities in Nigerian waters.
However, as with the pipeline surveillance allegation, Dokubo did not provide documentary evidence in the video establishing ownership of the vessel or the nature of its operations.
The allegation could not independently be verified from the information available at the time of filing.
Pipeline Surveillance Contracts Remain Controversial
Pipeline surveillance contracts have remained a subject of public debate in Nigeria, particularly in the Niger Delta, where oil theft, pipeline vandalism and crude oil losses have been major concerns.
The government and oil industry have used surveillance arrangements as part of efforts to protect oil infrastructure and curb illegal activities along pipeline routes.
The involvement of former militant leaders and private operators in such arrangements has, however, generated questions over transparency, accountability, contract values and the effectiveness of the surveillance operations.
Dokubo’s latest comments have added another dimension to that debate by questioning whether similar scrutiny is being applied to all beneficiaries of pipeline surveillance contracts.
No Evidence Presented For N2.7trn Allegation
At the time of filing this report, there was no documentary evidence presented by Dokubo in the video to substantiate his claim that the Olu of Warri, Osahon Idahosa or other individuals receive N2.7 trillion annually for pipeline surveillance.
There was also no public response from the individuals named in the allegation.
The claims should therefore be treated as allegations pending independent verification or responses from the persons and organisations involved.
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