Former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has broken her silence following her acquittal at London’s Southwark Crown Court on charges of bribery and conspiracy. Addressing the controversy surrounding over 80 properties and $153 million recovered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in 2022, she made the following points:....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• • Disputed Asset Ownership: Alison-Madueke argued that the assets forfeited to the Nigerian government were not directly linked to her. She expressed a need to investigate what transpired regarding these properties, as she was previously unable to do so.

  • Criticism of Prosecution: She suggested that the collapse of the UK prosecution’s case involved “a bit of blame everywhere,” specifically urging Nigerian authorities to improve their processes and exercise greater sensitivity in politically motivated cases.

  • Allegations of Missing Evidence: The former minister claimed that documents crucial to her defense were removed from her Abuja residence in 2015 by Nigerian intelligence forces and subsequently disappeared.

  • Defense of Her Tenure: Alison-Madueke contended that the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) failed to grasp the complexities of Nigeria’s oil sector. She characterized herself as “low-hanging fruit” and suggested that her anti-corruption reforms while serving as the first female Petroleum Minister and head of OPEC created powerful enemies within the industry.

  • Future Statements: While she maintained her position regarding the accusations, she indicated that she would provide further details regarding her experiences over the last decade and her future intentions “in due course”.

Former presidential aide Laolu Akande has called on former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, to return to Nigeria to address outstanding corruption allegations against her. Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily following her acquittal in a London court, Akande suggested that the UK ruling is not the definitive conclusion to the controversies surrounding her time in office.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• Call to Return: Akande labeled the UK court’s decision as “exciting news” but emphasized that it is now time for Alison-Madueke to return to Nigeria to defend herself against unresolved cases brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

• Strategic Alliance Allegations: He highlighted significant questions regarding a “strategic alliance” involving the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), which allegedly resulted in the sale of $3 billion worth of oil without corresponding payments, royalties, or taxes.

• Claims of Evidence: Akande stated that during his time in the Presidency, officials compiled evidence linking the former minister and two other individuals to this controversial arrangement, which occurred when oil prices were notably high.

• Opportunity for Closure: He encouraged Alison-Madueke to use this moment to clear her name by submitting to the Nigerian judicial process, arguing that facing the EFCC cases would allow the courts to reach a final determination.

• Forfeiture Context: Akande noted that a significant portion of her properties has already been forfeited in relation to the EFCC cases currently pending in Nigeria.

Nana Otedola, the wife of billionaire Femi Otedola, has officially clarified her nationality following ongoing speculation that she is Ghanaian. In a viral video featuring her daughter, Temi, she addressed the misconceptions regarding her name and appearance.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• Nigerian Roots: Nana Otedola explicitly stated she is not Ghanaian and is proudly Nigerian, tracing her ancestry specifically to Abeokuta, Ogun State.

• Clarifying Her Identity: She emphasized her Egba heritage, asserting, “I’m an Egba woman, and that’s the part I’ll gladly claim as a Nigerian”.

• Explaining the Confusion: She suggested that the confusion may stem from her upbringing, noting that she was born in Kaduna State and lived there for nearly 20 years.

• Setting the Record Straight: While she acknowledged that her time in Northern Nigeria may have influenced public perception of her identity, she reiterated that her roots remain firmly anchored in Egba land.