News
UK Court Hears Recordings in Diezani Bribery Trial
UK Court Hears Recordings in Diezani Bribery Trial
A UK court has heard secretly recorded conversations in which a former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, allegedly confronted two oil businessmen accused of bankrolling her luxury lifestyle in exchange for lucrative contracts.
At Southwark Crown Court in London, prosecutors played audio files recovered from a Samsung phone seized during Alison-Madueke’s arrest in 2015.
The recordings, made in 2014, captured conversations between the 65-year-old former minister and oil magnates Olajide Omokore and Kolawole Aluko.
Alison-Madueke denies five counts of accepting bribes and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery.
Prosecutors allege she was provided with “a life of luxury” in the United Kingdom by individuals seeking favourable oil contracts from the Nigerian government during her tenure as petroleum minister between 2010 and 2015.
Omokore and Aluko are not standing trial, but are said to have paid bribes during that period.
In one recording from April 2014, Alison-Madueke was heard confronting Omokore over claims that his wife was spreading information that could implicate her.
“We who are managing the thing have kept quiet… while people like your wife are busy singing all over the place,” she said, adding: “I do not react well to being blackmailed.”
A second recording, made a month later during a meeting with Aluko, captured the former minister criticising what she described as his “lavish, lascivious lifestyle,” warning it was drawing unwanted public attention.
She referenced his associations with high-profile figures, including British supermodel Naomi Campbell, cautioning that such displays were ill-timed.
“As far as everybody’s concerned, you’re a playboy,” she said, warning that intelligence agencies could begin monitoring him because of his conduct and asset acquisitions.
In the audio played to the court, Alison-Madueke expressed anger over suggestions that either man possessed damaging information about her.
“I will be happy to escort all of you to jail along with myself,” she declared. “When it comes to that, I will come out and tell the Nigerian people this is what happened.”
Aluko was heard denying mentioning her name and told the former minister he had placed materials in a safety deposit box that could “save me from jail,” describing himself as flawed but “loyal like a dog.”
Defence counsel previously told the court that Alison-Madueke neither requested nor received financial benefits from the businessmen, noting that they have not been charged or extradited in the matter.
Also standing trial is oil executive Olatimbo Ayinde, 54, who denies one count of bribery relating to Alison-Madueke and another of bribing a foreign public official.
Alison-Madueke’s brother, Doye Agama, 69, a former bishop, also denies a charge of conspiracy to commit bribery.
The trial continues.
Extra
Diaspora Watch – Vol. 98
Diaspora Watch Newspaper is pleased to announce the release of its 98th edition, presenting readers with another rich blend of impactful stories, insightful analyses and inspiring human-interest features from across the world.
Leading this edition is the heartwarming cover story, “Godchildren Honour Emmanuel and Joy Ojiribe at 40th Anniversary Celebration in US,” which chronicles the remarkable legacy of love, faith, mentorship and family built over four decades by the celebrated couple, culminating in a memorable celebration attended by loved ones and admirers.
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The edition also brings readers up to speed on major international developments, including US President Donald Trump’s announcement of an Intel-Apple chip deal, Ghana’s move towards a local takeover of Gold Fields’ Tarkwa mine, CARICOM’s renewed commitment to improving citizens’ lives under incoming Chair Pierre, the possibility of cocoa prices rising above $10,000 per tonne once again, a comprehensive 14-Point Roadmap to De-escalation and Reconstruction, Singapore’s impressive 38.4 per cent growth in non-oil exports driven by artificial intelligence, and warnings from Kew scientists that AI and digitalization could play a crucial role in preventing global plant extinction.
On the back page, readers will find the inspiring story of Adenugba, who has been honored with the African Diaspora Fashion Platform Award, recognizing excellence, creativity and outstanding contributions to fashion within the global African diaspora community.
As always, Diaspora Watch Newspaper remains committed to delivering credible journalism, promoting African excellence, strengthening diaspora engagement and providing readers with balanced perspectives on global affairs, business, innovation and development.
The 98th edition is now available to readers across print and digital platforms. We invite everyone to pick up a copy and stay informed on the stories shaping Africa, the diaspora and the wider world.
News
SpaceX to join Nasdaq-100 index July 7
SpaceX to join Nasdaq-100 index July 7
SpaceX will be added to the Nasdaq-100 Index on July 7, following confirmation by exchange operator Nasdaq, a move expected to trigger a surge in passive investment into the aerospace and artificial intelligence company.
The inclusion means exchange-traded funds and other investment vehicles that track the tech-heavy Nasdaq-100 Index will be required to purchase SpaceX shares, a development that typically boosts demand and supports a company’s stock price.
SpaceX, founded by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, made its Nasdaq debut on June 12 and has experienced volatile financial performance in recent years, alternating between periods of losses and modest profits.
The company reported a net loss of $4.9bn in its most recent financial year, underscoring the challenges it continues to face despite strong investor interest in its space technology and artificial intelligence businesses.
The company’s addition to the index comes after Nasdaq, alongside other major index providers including FTSE Russell and MSCI, eased some of its listing eligibility requirements in an effort to attract more companies seeking to list on U.S. exchanges.
The revised criteria include changes to profitability requirements, the waiting period after a company’s initial public offering and the number of publicly traded shares required for inclusion in certain indices.
Meanwhile, S&P Global has maintained a more cautious approach.
The index provider said earlier this month that it would not alter its eligibility requirements for SpaceX to join its flagship indices, including the benchmark S&P 500.
According to S&P Global, the company will not be considered for inclusion in the S&P 500 until it has been publicly listed for at least 12 months.
The development comes as other leading artificial intelligence firms, including OpenAI and Anthropic, are widely expected to pursue initial public offerings either later this year or in 2027, with analysts projecting valuations exceeding $1tn.
News
Uzodimma Backs FLAC, Urges Nigerians to Unite Against Cancer
Uzodimma Backs FLAC, Urges Nigerians to Unite Against Cancer
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the First Ladies Against Cancer, FLAC Nigeria, while calling on Nigerians to join efforts to combat cancer through increased awareness, early detection and sustained advocacy.
The governor made the pledge during a courtesy visit by members of FLAC and later at a gala night organised in their honour at the Government House in Owerri.
Speaking at the event, Uzodimma commended the organisation for its humanitarian interventions and contributions to improving cancer prevention, treatment and care across the country.
“I am excited to host you in Imo State and I commend your humanitarian services in Nigeria,” the governor said, assuring the delegation of his administration’s continued support for the organisation’s programmes.
He described Imo as the hospitality capital of the South-East and welcomed the delegates on behalf of the state government and people, assuring them of their safety during their stay.
The event also featured emotional testimonies from cancer survivors, including men, women and children, who recounted their experiences with the disease while encouraging Nigerians to embrace early screening and treatment.
Addressing guests at the gala night, Uzodimma stressed that the fight against cancer requires collective action, public education and efforts to eliminate the stigma associated with the disease.
He also lauded the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government for its investments in cancer prevention, treatment and palliative care, urging Nigerians to support ongoing reforms in the health sector.
“We need a new Nigeria where everyone participates in nation-building,” the governor said, adding that early detection remains critical to improving survival rates among cancer patients.
Earlier, the Chairperson of FLAC Nigeria and wife of the Imo State Governor, Mrs Chioma Uzodimma, said the delegation visited to appreciate the governor for his consistent support for the organisation’s advocacy and activities.
She explained that FLAC, whose membership comprises serving and former first ladies across the country, marks Cancer Survivors Month every June to celebrate survivors, inspire hope and raise awareness about the disease.
She described the governor as “a special friend of FLAC” and presented him with an award on behalf of the organisation in recognition of his support for its mission.
The gala night featured musical performances, a fashion parade by cancer survivors, comedy, cake cutting, presentation of gifts to survivors and a fundraising session to support the organisation’s advocacy programmes.
Mrs Uzodimma disclosed that more than N100m was raised during the fundraising to support FLAC’s ongoing cancer awareness and advocacy initiatives.
The delegation included the wives of the governors of Adamawa, Zamfara and Ogun states, Hajia Lami Fintiri, Hajia Huriyya Lawal and Mrs Bamidele Abiodun; immediate past FLAC Chairperson, Dr Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu; former First Lady of Niger State, Dr Amina Abubakar; and former First Lady of Oyo State and ambassador-designate, Dr Florence Ajumobi, among other dignitaries.
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