Former Nigerian Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke denies bribery and corruption charges in UK court
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Diezani Alison-Madueke, former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources, denied allegations of benefiting from corruption proceeds in the UK in exchange for awarding government contracts. Appearing at Southwark Crown Court, the 65-year-old stated she had "tried to push back on corruption" in Nigeria. Prosecutors allege Nigerian businessmen funded lavish spending on her behalf, including over £2 million at Harrods and £4.6 million on property refurbishments. Alison-Madueke countered that expenses incurred during official engagements were reimbursed by the state-owned Nigerian National Petroleum Company NNPC. She asserted, "at no point did I ask for, take or receive a bribe of any sort from these persons and did not abuse my office." She explained that a London service company managed logistics due to the NNPC's "disorganised financial structure," covering hotels and chauffeurs. Alison-Madueke also claimed unawareness of a chauffeur allegedly delivering £100,000 in cash, insisting it was unrelated to her. She detailed her rapid rise at Shell, becoming the first female senior executive in its Nigerian operations, despite initial reluctance due to the company's treatment of her father. She also criticized Shell's handling of oil spills in the Niger Delta. Alison-Madueke described Nigeria as a "very patriarchal society" and mentioned facing security threats, including kidnapping risks. She denied five counts of accepting bribes and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery. Oil ex
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
The Yoruba Leaders of Thought, a pro-Yoruba group, has praised President Bola Tinubu, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, and security agencies for the successful rescue of pupils and teachers abducted from schools in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. In a statement signed by its National Secretary, Mr. Bayo Aina, the group described the rescue operation, which involved various security agencies, vigilantes, and the Amotekun Corps, as a testament to the Nigerian Armed Forces' efforts to ensure national safety amidst increased bandit activities. Aina highlighted that the abductees were rescued after over 54 days in captivity without a ransom payment, showcasing the effectiveness of the security operation. The group also commended President Tinubu's leadership. The Yoruba Leaders of Thought extended condolences to the families of Mr. Michael Oyedokun, a teacher, and Lieutenant Felix Isaac, an army officer, who died during the operation and called for their immortalization by the Federal Government. They urged the government to apply the multifaceted rescue approach used in Oyo to other states and to investigate the involvement of foreigners in crimes across the country, citing them as a source of weapons for bandits.
Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, has commissioned the reconstructed Modibo Adama Modern Market in Yola Town. The project, costing ₦2.98bn, was awarded last year to an indigenous construction company and aims to boost commercial activities and increase the state’s internally generated revenue. Governor Fintiri stated that the market's reconstruction fulfills a promise made after a fire destroyed the previous market. He highlighted that the project demonstrates the capability of local contractors, as it was designed and delivered entirely by indigenous Adamawa contractors. The new market features 936 shops, including 120 open stalls and 816 lock-up shops, along with a reinforced perimeter fence, wider access roads for fire trucks, a fire service station, a comprehensive water reticulation system with overhead tanks and fire hydrants, desilted drainage channels, and modern toilet and sanitation facilities. Fintiri noted that the new edifice replaces the old Yola Market, which was characterized by disorder and recurring fire outbreaks, and that his administration has permanently addressed these challenges with improved safety features and infrastructure. The previous Yola Town Market was destroyed by a fire last year, which reportedly resulted in fatalities and injuries.
The National Association of Nigerian Students NANS has declared a national emergency regarding the deteriorating condition of student hostels across Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. NANS President, Akinteye Babatunde, made the declaration in Abuja during the inauguration of the 2026 National Executive Council, stating that the neglect of accommodation facilities threatens students' welfare, safety, and dignity. He described the state of hostels as "pathetically disheartening," with many becoming uninhabitable due to poor sanitation, inadequate facilities, and other hazards. Akinteye pledged that his administration would prioritize student welfare and engage relevant authorities to address the crisis. President Bola Tinubu, represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Student Engagement, Sunday Asefon, urged NANS to collaborate with the government on education sector reforms. The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, represented by Mrs Amy Igwe, Director of Polytechnic and Allied Institutions, encouraged NANS to promote unity, patriotism, and skills acquisition, and to partner with the government on sensitizing students about the Nigerian Education Loan Fund. The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, called for sustained dialogue between student leaders and the government. Prof. Temi Ologunorisa, Vice-Chancellor of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, urged NANS to rebuild trust, defend student rights, and work with