
Nigeria's former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has commented on her acquittal by a London court on all bribery and corruption charges. She described the nearly 11-year legal process as an "arduous" and "traumatic" experience for her family. In a video broadcast, Alison-Madueke expressed gratitude to God and her supporters. Residing in the United Kingdom since 2015, she maintained that she served Nigeria with integrity during her tenure. PUNCH Online reported her acquittal on Wednesday of six bribery charges at London鈥檚 Southwark Crown Court. Alison-Madueke, who served as minister from 2010 to 2015 under former President Goodluck Jonathan, reportedly faced five counts of accepting bribes and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery, which she denied. Prosecutors had alleged that Alison-Madueke was provided with "a life of luxury" in London by oil and gas industry figures seeking contracts in Nigeria.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.

The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control NAFDAC announced that cosmetic products, food, and beverages account for over 50% of counterfeit items seized in Nigeria. NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, represented by Dr. Martins Iluyomade, Director of Investigation and Enforcement, shared this information at a press conference for the 2026 International Anti-Counterfeit Month. The agency noted that fake and substandard medicines, containing incorrect or insufficient active ingredients, are also frequently seized. Counterfeiters are increasingly using online procurement and cargo consolidation systems, known as groupage, to smuggle products. Groupage allows multiple importers to share a single shipping container, complicating regulatory oversight. NAFDAC highlighted that foreign companies often have agents who monitor high-demand products and arrange for counterfeit versions to be manufactured abroad, particularly in Asia, with packaging that closely mimics genuine brands. The agency is collaborating with security agencies like the Nigeria Customs Service and other regulatory bodies to address these challenges, working to close regulatory loopholes and improve verification systems. NAFDAC emphasized that combating counterfeiting requires collective effort from government institutions, manufacturers, importers, logistics companies, healthcare professionals, media, and consumers. The Director-General commended the judiciary for expediting drug-
Must ReadThe Democratic Republic of Congo achieved a historic milestone by securing their first-ever World Cup point, drawing 1-1 with Portugal in their Group K match. Yoane Wissa's header for DR Congo canceled out an early goal from Portugal's Joao Neves. Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, made his record-equalling sixth World Cup appearance but was a largely peripheral figure. The DR Congo, appearing in their first World Cup since 1974, demonstrated a strong performance despite disruptions to their preparations due to an Ebola outbreak in their country. Portugal's Prime Minister Luis Montenegro provided wristbands to some players in tribute to their late teammate Diogo Jota. Portugal initially took the lead in the sixth minute through Neves, but Wissa equalized in first-half added time, scoring DR Congo's first-ever World Cup goal. Portugal had a goal disallowed for offside, and Cedric Bakambu hit the post for DR Congo. Ronaldo had opportunities but failed to convert, sending two shots wide of the post.
Must ReadThe Federal Government of Nigeria plans to establish dedicated safe spaces in all 774 Local Government Areas to enhance protection and support for survivors of gender-based violence GBV. This initiative was announced by the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency NPHCDA and the New Era Foundation in Abuja. The agreement aims to strengthen protection, rehabilitation, and support services for GBV survivors nationwide. The Minister stated that this is a core component of the upcoming National Action Plan on GBV, designed to improve access to care, protection, and justice. These centers will provide immediate support, referral services, and protection closer to communities. Additionally, the government is working on regional mega-protection centers offering integrated medical, legal, psychosocial, and rehabilitation services. Mobile support teams under the Women on Wheels initiative will extend services to underserved communities. Sulaiman-Ibrahim expressed concern over rising GBV cases, noting 2,755 documented cases between January and April 2026, with only four percent resulting in successful prosecution. Women and girls account for over 81 percent of survivors, and sexual violence represents 82 percent of recorded cases. Dr. Muyi Aina, CEO of NPHCDA, highlighted GBV as a major public health and human rights challenge, emphasizing the pa