Bill Gates tells Congress Jeffrey Epstein planned to blackmail him over affairs
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Microsoft founder Bill Gates testified before the House Oversight Committee, stating that Jeffrey Epstein attempted to blackmail him regarding his extramarital affairs. According to a transcript released by the committee, Gates described "veiled" threats and Epstein's consideration of using knowledge of his affairs to keep him within Epstein's circle, even as Gates tried to distance himself. Gates clarified that he was not blackmailed and never received direct blackmail messages, but noted that Epstein's draft emails indicated such intentions. Gates, 70, had previously stated he was unaware of Epstein's criminal behavior and denied involvement in his activities. He admitted to extramarital affairs with two Russian women. Gates acknowledged knowing about Epstein's legal troubles, which began in 2011, three years after Epstein pleaded guilty to prostitution charges involving minors, but claimed he was also told Epstein could raise significant funds for global health initiatives.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
The National Credit Guarantee Company Limited NCGC and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria SMEDAN have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to improve access to finance for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises MSMEs across Nigeria. This agreement, signed in Abuja, aims to strengthen financial inclusion, support enterprise development, and stimulate economic growth by addressing the challenge of affordable financing for small businesses. The partnership will involve collaboration on initiatives to improve MSME creditworthiness, promote financial literacy, facilitate access to credit guarantees, and implement capacity-building programs. Dr. Bonaventure Okhaimo, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NCGC, described the collaboration as a strategic intervention aligned with the Federal Government’s efforts to support entrepreneurship. He noted that MSMEs are crucial to Nigeria’s economy due to their contribution to employment and economic activity. NCGC has facilitated N32.78bn in credit and provided over N13.09bn in guarantees, enabling 1,478 businesses to obtain financing and creating or preserving at least 1,682 jobs. Mr. Charles Odii, Director-General of SMEDAN, emphasized the partnership's importance in tackling financing challenges, especially for nano and micro enterprises, and leveraging financing opportunities to drive inclusive economic growth and job creation. The collaboration will also focus on knowledge sharing, stakeholder enga
The Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted prohibited goods valued at over N273.7 million in Cross River State, as part of its efforts to combat smuggling and illegal importation. The seizures include 1,996 kegs of foreign refined vegetable oil, 1,500 used tyres, 105 jumbo bales of second-hand clothing, and 800 litres of Premium Motor Spirit. Comptroller Giwa Dauda, the Customs Area Controller for Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone/Akwa Ibom Area Command, stated that the operation aims to protect local manufacturers, preserve jobs, and support the Federal Government's industrialization agenda. The vegetable oil, with a Duty Paid Value of N195.5 million, was found concealed in a truck along the Odukpani-Calabar Highway on June 14, 2026. Dauda emphasized that the unrestricted influx of foreign vegetable oil would undermine government efforts towards self-sufficiency and threaten local production and employment. The total volume of Premium Motor Spirit seized by the Command in 2026 now stands at 5,760 litres, which was disposed of according to safety guidelines. The Customs boss warned smugglers that their activities weaken local industries, distort market competition, and undermine economic diversification efforts.
The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Idiroko, impounded contraband goods with a Duty Paid Value of ₦4.63 billion and generated ₦259.78 million in revenue between April and June 2026. Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, acting Controller of the Command, stated that these achievements were part of intensified efforts to enforce fiscal policies, facilitate legitimate trade, and suppress smuggling activities. Seizures included 2,807 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 9,482 parcels of cannabis sativa, 62 sacks of raw marijuana, 16,525 litres of premium motor spirit, 475 litres of diesel, 7,642 pieces of footwear, 2,427 pneumatic tyres, and 63 sacks of foreign sugar. The command also handed over 6,981 parcels of Cannabis Indica and 62 sacks of raw marijuana to the NDLEA Idiroko Special Command, and illicit pharmaceuticals, including 77 cartons of Analgin injection and 100 sachets of Tramadol, to NAFDAC. The revenue generated, ₦259,777,346.89, represents a 238 percent increase compared to the ₦76,814,207 collected during the same period in 2025, attributed to officer dedication and strict enforcement of regulations. The command recorded 146 seizures, including a truck concealing 2,427 smuggled pneumatic tyres and another with 113 bags of foreign parboiled rice hidden under cement bags. Afeni warned that smuggling undermines local industries and employment. The command also processed exports totaling 20,972 metric tonnes with a Free-On-Board value of ₦1.049 billion, a s