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Minister of Petroleum, Diezani distances self from ownership of repatriated $52.8m loot
A former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke has distanced herself from the ownership of $52.5m recently repatriated to Nigeria from the United States of America, USA. The former Minister who has been in the United Kingdom, UK, since she left the shores of Nigeria claimed that the money linked to her in the media
Minister of Petroleum, Diezani distances self from ownership of repatriated $52.8m loot
A former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke has distanced herself from the ownership of $52.5m recently repatriated to Nigeria from the United States of America, USA.
The former Minister who has been in the United Kingdom, UK, since she left the shores of Nigeria claimed that the money linked to her in the media as a loot actually belonged to a Nigeria’s oil magnate, Kola Aluko.
Breaking her silence in the matter through her counsel, Prof Mike Ozekhome SAN, Mrs Alison Madueke insisted that there was nothing like “Diezani Loot”, since she had no hand whatsoever in the issues surrounding the forfeiture of the money by the owner.
Stating her position, the former minister said the $52.5m came from a vessel seized by the American government from Kola Aluko and which was later sold and proceeds returned to the federal government of Nigeria.
Her denial of ownership of the money was contained in a lengthy press statement issued on Sunday by the Chambers of Mike Ozekhome SAN and titled ” There is no such thing as Diezani Loot “.
Part of the statement read “My chambers makes this intervention in the public domain as Solicitors to Diezani Alison-Madueke (DAM) ,the former Minister of Petroleum Resources, HMPR.
“As her Solicitors, we are fully versed in and conversant with her present ordeal and the entire facts surrounding her matters both here in Nigeria and abroad. So, we write from the vantage position of one that is aware of the cocktail of lies that have been spurned around her cases in the last ten years.
“Many of the narratives are outrightly false; some others sheer outlandish speculations; and most, simply bizzare stories cooked up by her traducers to extract a Shylock’s pound of flesh from her for reasons she does not know and cannot even fathom.
“This intervention therefore seeks to correct this skewed narrative and set the records straight for purposes of history. Many Nigerians often talk about wanting ‘technocrats’ to be involved in governance. They desire that people with character and integrity should join politics.
“We agree with them. However and regrettably too, now and again and many a time, the same people not only allow, but actually join the bandwagon to mob-lynch those who chose to serve the nation.
“And we often do this insidiously, covertly and overtly, even when there is no concrete or even any iota of proof that such public officers ever abused their offices or stole from public coffers.
“It is therefore surprising and of great concern to us, to see the level of sustained vilification of an innocent Nigerian citizen who has not yet been tried and found guilty of any offence known to law by any court of law whether in Nigeria or abroad. The person at the receiving end is Citizen Diezani Alison-Madueke (DAM).
“We note with concern the recent deliberate attempt to link her with what has been described as a civil forfeiture of a yacht Galactica, the sale of which was said to have yielded $52.8m to the US government; which sum has since been repatriated to Nigeria.
‘This is a clear example of the mischievous and cruel sport of tarnishing the image of the lady through a bouquet of consistent, persistent and unrelenting cocktail of falsehoods and misinformation.
“The purveyors of this line of misinformation term it “name-and-shame”. To sell the storyline, the architects ensured they attached Diezani’s name to a recovered yacht which is not in any way linked to her.
“They now falsely termed it “Diezani loot”. Nothing of the sort ever happened. She was never involved in the purchase, use and sale of the said yacht.
“The yacht Galactica, from information readily available in the public domain and in open sources, was purchased by Mr Kola Aluko who had used the vessel until he agreed to its forfeiture to the United States of America.
“The yacht Galactica was neither owned nor ever used by our client. DAM has in fact never set her eyes on the yacht. Kola Aluko is an experienced businessman who had been in business well before DAM came into office as HMPR.
“The only tenuous basis for deliberately linking DAM to the said yacht is the false narrative that the Strategic Alliance Agreements (SAAs) which were entered into between Kola Aluko & Jide Omokore’s Atlantic Energy companies and NNPC, were allegedly corruptly awarded to the said companies by DAM. DAM was not the GMD of the NNPC as so did not and could not have awarded the said contracts.
“We plead, as her lawyers, with all and sundry that she be accorded fair hearing and that the process of these UK court proceedings be allowed to take their natural course to avoid prejudice to her in the ongoing subjudice UK proceedings against her.
”Those purveyors and peddlers who habitually spin these outrightly false, unfounded, defamatory, unintelligent and indefensible narratives to denigrate and humiliate her should please find better use of their time and leave DAM alone.
“Let the law take its natural course without interference. We humbly pray”, the statement said.
Minister of Petroleum, Diezani distances self from ownership of repatriated $52.8m loot
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- January 19, 2025
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Akwa Ibom govt reports Cholera outbreak in parts of state
Akwa Ibom State governmnet has reported the outbreak of ‘a few cases of cholera in Emeroke, Eastern Obolo Local Government Area of the state. The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health in the state, Dr Patrick Essiet who announced this in a statement on Sunday, said health officials have already visited a secondary health facility in
Akwa Ibom govt reports Cholera outbreak in parts of state
Akwa Ibom State governmnet has reported the outbreak of ‘a few cases of cholera in Emeroke, Eastern Obolo Local Government Area of the state.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health in the state, Dr Patrick Essiet who announced this in a statement on Sunday,
said health officials have already visited a secondary health facility in the state to ascertain the exact number of cases as a result of the disease.
He further said the state Epidemiologist has been sent to the community to begin enlightenment campaigns on ways to mitigate the outbreak which came with symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting.
The statement added, “The Ministry of Health hereby advises members of the community and the environs that as an immediate intervention, proper hand washing should be done especially after defecation, that drinking water should be boiled before consumption and all persons with symptoms of diarrhoea or vomiting should seek immediate treatment at the nearest health facility stated.
“Furthermore, the Ministry reminds community leaders to enforce the existing ban on open defecation by the Government.
“While the State Government is working on a long-term solution, the Ministry is currently mobilising supplies to the community as an immediate and short-term measure.”
It advised the public to report all suspected cases of Cholera to the director of public health, ministry of health.
Akwa Ibom govt reports Cholera outbreak in parts of state
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- January 19, 2025
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PICTORIAL: NDLEA warns of dangerous new drug trends in Lagos, Kano
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has raised the alarm after recent drug seizures in Lagos and Kano exposed the troubling abuse of hazardous substances by youths, disguised under disturbing street names. The agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, shared a video of the confiscated contraband on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday. Among
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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has raised the alarm after recent drug seizures in Lagos and Kano exposed the troubling abuse of hazardous substances by youths, disguised under disturbing street names. The agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, shared a video of the confiscated contraband on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday. Among
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- January 19, 2025
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Ukraine strikes oil depots in Russia
Ukraine on Saturday said it launched a pair of attacks on oil depots in western Russia, the latest salvo in Kyiv’s air campaign against strategic targets on Russian soil. According to Kyiv’s General Staff, its forces had struck storage facilities overnight in the Kaluga and Tula regions. It said in statements on each attack that
Ukraine strikes oil depots in Russia
Ukraine on Saturday said it launched a pair of attacks on oil depots in western Russia, the latest salvo in Kyiv’s air campaign against strategic targets on Russian soil.
According to Kyiv’s General Staff, its forces had struck storage facilities overnight in the Kaluga and Tula regions.
It said in statements on each attack that damages were still being assessed, adding that the depots supported Moscow’s war effort in Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Kaluga’s regional governor, Vladislav Shapsha, on Telegram said that a fire had broken out after an industrial site was hit in the city of Lyudinovo.
He later said seven drones had been downed, with one landing in a non-residential area.
On his part, Tula’s regional governor, Dmitry Milyaev, via Telegram, said that a fuel and lubricant tank had caught fire at a facility in the region as a result of a Ukrainian drone attack.
DAILY POST gathered that Ukrainian forces have stepped up strikes inside Russia, primarily on oil depots and military production facilities, as they struggle to hold back steady Russian advances on the battlefield in eastern Ukraine.
Russia has also carried out regular air strikes on Ukrainian towns and cities, killing four people on Saturday in a missile attack on central Kyiv.
Both sides in Russia’s almost three-year-old invasion of Ukraine have sought to improve their positions ahead of Monday’s inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who has said he would seek a swift end to the war.
Ukraine strikes oil depots in Russia
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- January 19, 2025
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South Korea: Protesters storm court after it extends Yoon’s detention
Many supporters of South Korea’s embattled president, Yoon Suk Yeol, early on Sunday stormed a court building after his detention was extended, smashing windows and breaking inside, an attack the country’s acting leader called unimaginable. DAILY POST recalls that Yoon, on Wednesday, became the first sitting South Korean president to be arrested as he faces
South Korea: Protesters storm court after it extends Yoon’s detention
Many supporters of South Korea’s embattled president, Yoon Suk Yeol, early on Sunday stormed a court building after his detention was extended, smashing windows and breaking inside, an attack the country’s acting leader called unimaginable.
DAILY POST recalls that Yoon, on Wednesday, became the first sitting South Korean president to be arrested as he faces allegations of insurrection related to his stunning, short-lived December 3 declaration of martial law that has plunged the country into political turmoil.
Shortly after the court announced its decision around 3 a.m. (1800 GMT) on Sunday, Yoon’s supporters swarmed the building, overwhelming riot police trying to keep them at bay.
Protesters blasted fire extinguishers at lines of police guarding the front entrance, then flooded inside, destroying office equipment, fittings, and furniture, footage showed.
Meanwhile, the police restored order a few hours later, saying they had arrested 46 protesters and vowing to track down others involved.
Acting President Choi Sang-mok, in a statement, said the government expressed strong regret over the illegal violence, which he said is unimaginable in a democratic society.
He added that the authorities would step up safety measures around gatherings.
It was gathered that nine police officers were injured in the chaos, while about 40 people suffered minor injuries.
South Korea: Protesters storm court after it extends Yoon’s detention
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- January 19, 2025
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Tanker explosion: IGP Egbetokun condoles with Niger govt, victims’ families
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has extended heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Niger State following the tragic tanker explosion at Dikko Junction, Abuja-Kaduna Expressway, Niger State, which claimed over 73 lives on January 18, 2025. Egbetokun, in a statement signed by ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer, Force
Tanker explosion: IGP Egbetokun condoles with Niger govt, victims’ families
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has extended heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Niger State following the tragic tanker explosion at Dikko Junction, Abuja-Kaduna Expressway, Niger State, which claimed over 73 lives on January 18, 2025.
Egbetokun, in a statement signed by ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja, emphasized the importance of adhering to safety protocols on roads.
He warned firmly against negligence and disregard for regulations that can lead to such catastrophic incidents.
“This horrific incident occurred when a truck loaded with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) lost control and eventually caught fire, resulting in the loss of over 73 lives, numerous injuries, and the destruction of several shops and properties,” the IGP stated.
The IGP, therefore, directed all State Commissioners of Police to strengthen their Motor Traffic Divisions (MTDs) of their respective State Commands, in collaboration with other traffic management agencies, to ensure strict compliance and enforcement of established protocols and traffic regulations on highways.
The statement further charged vehicle owners and drivers to ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy and abide by traffic rules to prevent any tragedies.
While praying for the souls of the departed, he called on all stakeholders, including transport operators and the general public, to prioritize safety and responsibility in their operations and actions, ensuring that such tragic incidents do not occur in the future.
Tanker explosion: IGP Egbetokun condoles with Niger govt, victims’ families
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- January 19, 2025
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EPL, La Liga fixtures: Man United host Brighton, Madrid welcome Las Palmas in Sunday showdowns
Football fans are in for a treat today, with action-packed fixtures unfolding in both the Premier League and La Liga. In the Premier League, Everton will host Tottenham Hotspur at Goodison Park in a highly anticipated clash kicking off at 15:00. At the same time, Manchester United will take on Brighton at Old Trafford, while
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Football fans are in for a treat today, with action-packed fixtures unfolding in both the Premier League and La Liga. In the Premier League, Everton will host Tottenham Hotspur at Goodison Park in a highly anticipated clash kicking off at 15:00. At the same time, Manchester United will take on Brighton at Old Trafford, while
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- January 19, 2025
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Strike: Taraba varsity’s fate in limbo as SSANU refuses to resume work
The hope for a full resumption of academic and administrative activities at Taraba State University (TSU), following the suspension of a month-long strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), has no doubt been dashed as the university’s Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) continues its industrial action. Despite efforts by the state
Strike: Taraba varsity’s fate in limbo as SSANU refuses to resume work
The hope for a full resumption of academic and administrative activities at Taraba State University (TSU), following the suspension of a month-long strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), has no doubt been dashed as the university’s Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) continues its industrial action.
Despite efforts by the state government to address ASUU’s concerns, the refusal of SSANU’s TSU chapter to return to work, as observed by our reporter, will continue to keep the university in a state of paralysis.
DAILY POST findings reveal that the SSANU strike stems from unresolved grievances, including demands for salary arrears, promotion benefits, and pension reforms.
In a statement issued in Jalingo on Sunday, SSANU Chairperson Bitrus Joseph Ajibauka, declared that the strike would persist until all the union’s demands are met.
“The union will remain on strike until all its demands are fully implemented, as has been done for other unions in the university,” he emphasized.
Among the key issues raised by SSANU are the payment of withheld salaries for September, October, November, and December 2022, and the settlement of promotion arrears for 2016–2020, which the union alleges have already been paid to other university unions.
SSANU is also demanding an immediate 50% payment of the N692.9 million owed to its members, with the remainder to be cleared within three months.
Additional demands, as noted in the statement, include the implementation of updated 2020 guidelines for the appointment and promotion of senior non-academic staff, the replacement of outdated 2012 criteria, and the finalization of a pension scheme under the State Pension Scheme, with a recommendation for establishing a Tertiary Education Pension Board.
While the union acknowledged Governor Agbu Kefas and the Ministry of Tertiary Education for implementing the new N70,000 National Minimum Wage and peculiar allowances, they maintain that these measures fall short of resolving broader issues.
The prolonged strike has left TSU in disarray, with administrative functions paralysed and academic schedules disrupted.
Stakeholders who spoke with our reporter have called on the state government to adopt a more inclusive approach to address SSANU’s demands and restore normalcy at the university.
Strike: Taraba varsity’s fate in limbo as SSANU refuses to resume work
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- January 19, 2025
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Security operatives neutralise 7 bandits, recover 109 animals in Katsina
Joint security personnel in Katsina State on Saturday thwarted a bandits’ attack on Ruwan-Doruwa village, Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area of the state and neutralised seven suspected bandits. The State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Aliyu, made the disclosure in a statement in Katsina, saying that the patrol team stormed the village after receiving a
Security operatives neutralise 7 bandits, recover 109 animals in Katsina
Joint security personnel in Katsina State on Saturday thwarted a bandits’ attack on Ruwan-Doruwa village, Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area of the state and neutralised seven suspected bandits.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Aliyu, made the disclosure in a statement in Katsina, saying that the patrol team stormed the village after receiving a distress call.
“On January 18, at about 9 a.m., a distress call was received at the Dutsin-Ma Divisional Police Headquarters that some suspected armed bandits, armed with dangerous weapons such as AK-47 rifles, attacked Ruwan-Doruwa village.
“Upon receipt of the report, the DPO, swiftly in collaboration with the military, DSS, members of the Katsina Security Community Watch Corps, and the vigilante, mobilised and responded to the scene.
“Upon arrival, the team engaged the bandits in a fierce gun battle, which resulted in neutralising seven suspected bandits, while the remaining fled with various degrees of injuries and abandoned all the suspected rustled animals,” he said.
According to him, the animals recovered consisted of 61 cows, 44 sheep, two donkeys, one goat, and a dog.
The PPRO said that the Commissioner of Police, Mr Aliyu Abubakar-Musa, commended the exceptional display of gallantry, acts of valour, and professionalism of the operatives.
He also emphasised the commitment of the command towards ensuring the safety and security of members of the public.
The CP further urged the public to continue to support the security operatives by providing timely and useful information that would help in the ongoing fight against all forms of crime and criminality in the state.
Security operatives neutralise 7 bandits, recover 109 animals in Katsina
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- January 19, 2025
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Gaza ceasefire begins as Hamas releases list of hostages to be freed
The long-awaited ceasefire in Gaza began nearly three hours later than scheduled. The truce was postponed after Hamas failed to name the three hostages it planned to release later on Sunday. Hamas insisted that it remained committed to the agreement and attributed the delay to “technical” reasons. However, Israel vowed to continue fighting until it
Gaza ceasefire begins as Hamas releases list of hostages to be freed
The long-awaited ceasefire in Gaza began nearly three hours later than scheduled.
The truce was postponed after Hamas failed to name the three hostages it planned to release later on Sunday.
Hamas insisted that it remained committed to the agreement and attributed the delay to “technical” reasons.
However, Israel vowed to continue fighting until it received the names, which were eventually posted on social media by Hamas’ armed wing approximately two hours later.
This development appeared to clear the way for the start of the ceasefire, which Israel announced would begin at 11:15 a.m. local time.
DAILY POST reports that Hamas named the three hostages more than two hours after the ceasefire in Gaza was originally scheduled to commence.
Gaza ceasefire begins as Hamas releases list of hostages to be freed
