Wale busari

Former OPEC President Diezani Alison-Madueke Appears In London Court Ahead Of Bribery Trial

Diezani Alison-Madueke, Nigeria’s former oil minister and a past president of OPEC, appeared before a London court on Monday as proceedings began ahead of her bribery trial. The opening phase of the case is focused on preliminary and procedural issues, including jury selection, with Alison-Madueke present in court. The substantive trial is slated to start on Monday, January 26, and is expected to run for about 10 to 12 weeks. Alison-Madueke served as Nigeria’s minister of petroleum resources between 2010 and 2015, making history as the first woman to hold the position and later the first female president of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. Now 65, she has been on bail since her arrest in London in October 2015 and has pleaded not guilty to all six counts brought against her. In 2023, the UK’s National Crime Agency formally charged her over alleged bribery offences said to have taken place between 2011 and 2015, during her time in office. “We suspect Diezani Alison-Madueke abused her power in Nigeria and accepted financial rewards for awarding multi-million-pound contracts.” Court documents allege that she received benefits worth at least £100,000, including cash payments, chauffeur-driven vehicles, private jet flights and access to several properties in London. Prosecutors also claim the rewards extended to luxury items and services such as designer goods from stores including Louis Vuitton, furniture, home renovations, household staff and the payment of private school fees. Two other defendants are facing related bribery charges in the case. Doye Agama joined Monday’s hearing by video link, while Olatimbo Ayinde was physically present in the dock.

Read More

Tinubu Holds Private Meeting With Kano Governor Amid Defection Rumors

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is currently in a private meeting with Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf at the State House in Abuja. Governor Yusuf arrived shortly after 4 pm and was escorted to the President’s office by Chief of Staff Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila. The meeting comes amid speculation that the NNPP governor may be considering a defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), though the exact reason for the discussion remains undisclosed. NNPP national leader Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso had previously dismissed claims that he approved or endorsed any move by Governor Yusuf to switch parties. Unconfirmed reports suggest that a planned defection may have stalled over disagreements concerning an automatic second-term ticket. Observers note that the meeting with President Tinubu could be connected to these developments. Further details are expected to emerge later.

Read More

Alleged N125m Fraud: Ex- Reps Gave Me 14 Dud Cheques -Witness Tells Court

The First Prosecution Witness, PW1, Mustapha Usman in the trial of a former member, House of Representatives, Aliyu Ibrahim Gebi on Monday, January 19, 2026 narrated before a Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja and presided over by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie how the defendant gave him 14 dud cheques worth N125, 000.000 (One Hundred and Twenty Five Million Naira). The witness, while being led in evidence by prosecution counsel Slyvanus Tahir, SAN disclosed that he met the defendant through Hajiya Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed, a then House of Representative member. According to him, “In 2011, Gebi approached Honourable Aishatu for a friendly loan of N125 million and it was granted. I was there when the first defendant wrote an undertaking to repay in 60 days’ time without interest. At the expiry date of the 60 days, he did not fulfil his obligation, after which I met with the defendant, for the repayment of the loan. “Thereafter, he gave me some cheques, totalling N125, 500,000, (One Hundred and Twenty-five Million, Five Hundred Thousand. The N500, 000 (Five Hundred Thousand) on it was when I was following up on the repayment, he told me he was expecting some money from the United States of America and he asked me for N1million for his ticket and I gave him N500,000 to reduce the risk. Some of the cheques were from Craft Technology Ltd while some were directly from the first defendant’s personal account. The cheques were issued by the first defendant in favor of my company Musty Petroleum Limited. They were 14 in total.” Testifying further, he said, “I presented the cheques to UBA and they were returned unpaid. I was told withdrawal attention was required. Because the cheques were UBA cheques where I also have an account, I got to know that Craft Technologies Ltd and the first defendant personal accounts were not funded. I went back to him and he kept on promising that he will pay.  When the payment was not forthcoming, I wrote a petition to EFCC and at that point, he started paying. “He paid the first N20 million and another N34 million. He was paying in bits, up till when he started the court case. The last payment was about two weeks ago. I got a credit of N12 million. So when we came to court the last time, which was December 18, 2025. He told me he had finished paying and I said to him that that was not correct. He looked at his records and he paid the outstanding the same day after leaving the court. The outstanding was N10, 500,000 (Ten Million, Five Hundred Thousand.” The letter of undertaking, dated December 19, 2011 was tendered and admitted in evidence, marked Exhibit PW1a. The 14 cheques in favor of Musty Technology Ltd, dated January 12, 2012 were tendered and admitted in evidence, marked PW1b to PW1xiv. The petition to the EFCC, dated September 13, 2012, was equally admitted and marked PW16l. Justice Onwuegbuzie adjourned the matter till January 21, 2026 for continuation of trial. Gebi was first arraigned on January 29, 2013 before Justice Abba Mohammed of the Federal Capital Territory High Court on a13-count charge. With Justice Mohammed’s elevation to the Court of Appeal, the case was reassigned to Justice Onwuegbuzie.

Read More

Ex-AGF Abubakar Malami Re-Arrested by DSS Despite Fulfilling Bail Conditions

Former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, has been taken into custody by the Department of State Services (DSS) shortly after leaving Kuje Prison, where he had fulfilled his bail conditions. Sources say Malami is now the subject of a fresh investigation by the DSS. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) reportedly discovered firearms at his Kebbi residence during a recent search. Malami had earlier warned of a potential plot by the DSS to re-arrest him while he was still at the correctional facility. On Wednesday, a Federal High Court had granted bail to him, his wife, and his son, each set at ₦500 million with two sureties. In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Mohammed Bello Doka, Malami alleged that the DSS had been conducting surveillance at Kuje Prison with the intention of re-arresting him. Despite meeting all bail requirements, the former AGF was reportedly taken into DSS custody.

Read More

Portable Finally Regains Freedom After Nine Days in Prison

Portable has been released from prison, delighting fans and sparking celebrations online. In a video making the rounds on social media, the singer appeared smiling at the camera while his team cheered and hailed him. His release comes just days after he was denied bail over allegations of assault on his baby mama, a case that had kept him behind bars and fans anxious. Social media erupted as supporters shared clips of the singer’s triumphant return to freedom. The development marks a dramatic turn in a case that has dominated headlines, with many now eager to see what Portable does next following his release. portable don comot for cell, he go soon drop full album 😂 pic.twitter.com/gdaFQoaJ16 — DMT 🌎💫 (@thisisdmt01) January 19, 2026

Read More

Italian Fashion Legend Valentino Garavani Dies At 93, Leaving Timeless Legacy

Italian fashion legend Valentino Garavani, famed for his elegant gowns and signature “Valentino red,” has died at 93. The Valentino Foundation confirmed on Monday that he passed away peacefully at his Rome home, surrounded by family. A lying-in-state will be held on Wednesday, January 21, and Thursday, January 22, at PM23, Piazza Mignanelli 23, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with the funeral scheduled for Friday, January 23, at 11:00 a.m. at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, Piazza della Repubblica 8, Rome. Born in 1932 in Voghera, northern Italy, Valentino honed his craft in Parisian haute couture before founding his Rome-based fashion house in 1959. Early in his career, he became renowned for his rich scarlet evening gowns, which came to be known as “Valentino red.” In 1960, he met Giancarlo Giammetti, his long-time business and romantic partner, who helped transform Valentino SpA into a global luxury brand. His early clients included Elizabeth Taylor, Jacqueline Kennedy, Audrey Hepburn, Joan Collins, and Queen Paola of Belgium, cementing his reputation among the world’s elite. Valentino’s creations became red-carpet staples, gracing stars like Jane Fonda, Julia Roberts, Jennifer Lopez, Cate Blanchett, and Anne Hathaway at the Academy Awards. His influence continued through the decades, with modern icons such as Zendaya, Carey Mulligan, and Gemma Chan wearing his designs, highlighting the brand’s enduring global appeal. Valentino’s legacy remains as one of the most influential figures in fashion, celebrated for his timeless elegance, meticulous craftsmanship, and ability to define glamour across generations.

Read More

Super Eagles Jump 12 Places To 26th In FIFA Rankings After AFCON Bronze Finish

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have soared to 26th in the latest FIFA World Rankings, marking a stunning 12-place leap from their previous 38th position. The rise comes after Nigeria’s strong performance at the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, where they secured third place. In Africa, the Super Eagles now sit as the continent’s third-best team, trailing only AFCON champions Senegal, ranked 12th globally, and Morocco, placed eighth. Algeria and Egypt hold the fourth and fifth spots in the African standings. At the global level, the top 10 teams feature Spain, Argentina, France, England, Brazil, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and Croatia.

Read More

Davido’s Influence Surpasses Music, Burna Boy Dominates Stage – Seyi Sodimu

Seyi Sodimu has drawn a clear line between the kind of power Davido and Burna Boy command, saying their influence operates on very different levels. During an appearance on the What I Know podcast, the veteran musician praised Burna Boy for his musical authority, noting that his strength lies in performance and stage control. According to Sodimu, Burna Boy’s impact is firmly rooted in music and artistry. “Burna Boy has conquered the stage. And he is good.” He contrasted this with Davido, whom he described as a figure whose influence extends well beyond entertainment. Sodimu argued that Davido’s reach cuts across society and could easily translate into political success. “Davido surpasses music.” To drive home his point, he claimed that Davido would have no trouble winning an election if he decided to run for office. “What do I mean by that? If Davido ran for governor today, he would win. But I don’t think Burna Boy could win as a governor.” Sodimu’s remarks echo an earlier prediction by Senator Ben Murray-Bruce, who once suggested that Davido could eventually become governor of Osun State. That idea appears less far-fetched given Davido’s political connections, as his uncle, Ademola Adeleke, currently serves as the governor of Osun State.

Read More