Absence of EFCC counsel stalls ex-minister, Diezani’s trial - Newstrends
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Absence of EFCC counsel stalls ex-minister, Diezani’s trial

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Diezani Alison-Madueke

The absence of counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the former Minister of Petroleum Resources,  Diezani Alison-Madueke, in court on Wednesday stalled the money laundering trial.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a Federal High Court, Abuja had fixed today, Nov. 3, for the EFCC to give a report on its effort at extraditing Alison-Madueke to the country to stand her trial, and for possible mention of the case.

NAN reports that though Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu was the presiding judge in the matter, the case was reassigned to Justice Bolaji Olajuwon, following the transfer of Ojukwu to the Calabar division of the court.

Although the suit, marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/208/2018, was on number 9 on the Wednesday’s cause list, neither the EFCC lawyer nor Mrs Alison-Madueke was in court.

When the matter was called, the court registrar said: “No counsel in court my lord.”

Justice Olajuwon then adjourned the matter until Jan. 24, 2022, for report of mention.

NAN also reports that the trial of the ex-minister before the former judge was, on May17, hindered  due to the strike by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN).

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The matter was fixed for the date, following the absence of the EFCC’s lawyer, Farouk Abdullah, in court on March 3.

On March 3, the case, which was earlier fixed for report or arraignment of the ex-minister, could not proceed as neither Abdullah nor Diezani was in court.

NAN reports that the court had, on Dec. 3, 2020, adjourned the matter until March 3 following the inability of the anti-graft agency to fully comply with its orders in the trial of Diezani.

Ojukwu fixed the date after counsel to the EFCC, Abdullah, prayed the court for more time to enable the anti-graft agency ensure full compliance with the court orders.

The judge had, on Oct. 28, 2020, refused to grant the EFCC’s application seeking the court order on issuance of warrant of arrest against Alison-Madueke.

Ojukwu held that an affidavit with evidence in support to proof that the earlier court summon granted the agency had failed in the extradition of Diezani must be filed by the commission before another request could be made.

The judge noted that the EFCC had informed the court that the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) hinted that the arrest warrant was needed to further give the International Police (INTERPOL) the impetus to  bring the defendant to Nigeria to answer to charges against her.

The judge, however, said it would give the anti-graft agency a room to put its house in order in the trial of the ex-minister because court orders were not made in vain.

Abdullah had, in an application, urged the court “to issue an arrest warrant against Alison-Madueke, who is believed to be in the UK to enable all law enforcement agencies and the INTERPOL to arrest her anywhere she is sighted and be brought before the court to answer to the allegation made against her before the court.”

He said since the summon had not been able to achieve the desired result, the need for a warrant of arrest cannot be over-emphasised.

The court had, on July 24,  2020, ordered the former minister to appear before it and answer to the money laundering charge filed against her by the EFCC. The judge gave the ruling in an ex-parte motion marked FHC/ABJ/CR/208/2018 brought by Abdullah.

The EFCC had accused the former minister of fleeing the country for the UK in order to escape justice, among others.

The lawyer, in a document filed along with the motion ex-parte, said it sought to question Alison-Madueke, without success, in relation to many allegations against her, including “her role as the Minister of Petroleum Resources and her role in the award of Strategic Alliance Agreement (SAA) to Septa Energy Limited, Atlantic Energy Drilling Concept Limited and Atlantic Energy Brass Development Limited by NNPC.

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Agege Council Announces Free 3kg Cooking Gas Refill for 4,000 Residents

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Chairman of Agege Local Government Area, Abdulganiyu Obasa

Agege Council Announces Free 3kg Cooking Gas Refill for 4,000 Residents

The Chairman of Agege Local Government Area, Abdulganiyu Obasa, has announced a free 3kg cooking gas refill programme for 4,000 residents of the council area.

Obasa made the announcement via a post on X on Friday, stating that the initiative is aimed at reducing household energy costs and providing immediate relief at the grassroots amid rising prices of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).

According to the council chairman, beneficiaries will be selected from the seven wards in Agege, with equal allocation across all wards to ensure fairness, accessibility, and inclusiveness.

“As part of our continued commitment to easing the daily burdens faced by our people, I am pleased to announce a free cooking gas refill programme for 4,000 residents across the seven wards in Agege,” Obasa said.

He explained that designated gas refill stations have been assigned to each ward, adding that the distribution would run on a first-come, first-served basis. Residents are required to bring their personal gas cylinders, as only refill services will be provided.

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Obasa warned that once the allocated slots for any ward are exhausted, the exercise would be concluded in that location.

The council boss said the intervention is part of measures to cushion the impact of rising gas prices, support vulnerable households, and promote the use of cleaner and safer cooking energy.

“This is one of several people-focused programmes we are implementing to improve quality of life, encourage clean energy adoption, and demonstrate that governance must be felt where it matters most — in our homes and communities,” he stated.

Obasa is the son of the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, though the council stressed that the initiative is part of its local social intervention programmes.

The announcement has attracted mixed reactions on social media, with many residents welcoming the scheme as timely relief amid economic pressure.

However, some critics questioned the sustainability of the intervention, arguing that job creation, empowerment programmes, and small business support would provide more long-term economic solutions.

As of the time of filing this report, no official response had been issued by Obasa to the criticisms, though council officials said further details on distribution dates and locations would be communicated through official channels.

Agege Council Announces Free 3kg Cooking Gas Refill for 4,000 Residents

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UniAbuja Student Sadiya Usman Found Safe After Two Days Missing

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Sadiya Usman

UniAbuja Student Sadiya Usman Found Safe After Two Days Missing

The University of Abuja (UniAbuja) has confirmed that 100-level student Sadiya Usman has been found safe after being reported missing earlier this week. The university expressed relief and gratitude to the public and security agencies for their assistance in locating the student.

Sadiya Usman, who is enrolled in the Department of Accounting, was last seen leaving her residence at Kontagora Estate, Gwagwalada, Abuja, on Tuesday, 18 February 2026, at around 8:00 a.m. She was on her way to the university’s Main Campus to sit for her Computer-Based Test (GST 111) but did not arrive for the exam.

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After her disappearance, her guardian reported her missing when all attempts to reach her by phone were unsuccessful. The university promptly activated internal safety protocols and collaborated with security agencies, campus authorities, and the public to ensure her safe recovery.

The student was eventually located late on Thursday, 20 February 2026, around 11:49 p.m., and is reported to be safe, unhurt, and in stable condition. Authorities confirmed that coordinated efforts between the university, law enforcement, and concerned members of the public were instrumental in her recovery.

The university reaffirmed its commitment to student safety and welfare, promising continuous updates as necessary. It also thanked those who responded to the public appeal for information and urged students and parents to remain vigilant about safety.

This incident highlights the importance of campus security measures, timely reporting of missing persons, and the role of community involvement in safeguarding students.

UniAbuja Student Sadiya Usman Found Safe After Two Days Missing

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Police to Arrest TikToker Mirabel After She Recants False Rape Claim

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TikToker and aesthetic vendor, Mirabel

Police to Arrest TikToker Mirabel After She Recants False Rape Claim

The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed plans to arrest and prosecute TikTok user Mirabel after she admitted that her viral rape allegation was false, authorities and investigative reports indicate.

Mirabel, a social media influencer, first sparked national attention after posting videos alleging she had been sexually assaulted in her home in Ogijo, Ogun State. The posts quickly went viral, drawing widespread outrage, calls for justice, and prompting the police to launch an immediate investigation.

An audio recording of a phone conversation, shared online by social media personality VeryDarkMan (VDM), reportedly captures Mirabel acknowledging that parts of her story were fabricated. In the recording, she apologises and admits creating a threatening TikTok account to support her narrative, claiming she had been taking drugs at the time and “was not thinking clearly” when posting the videos.

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A police source said senior officers, including the Divisional Police Officer, were at the hospital where Mirabel was receiving medical care. Once she is discharged, she will be taken into custody and formally charged under provisions of Nigeria’s Criminal Code relating to false reporting of sexual offenses. “The essence is to serve as a deterrent to others,” the source added.

The Ogun State Police had earlier ensured that Mirabel received medical treatment and support, following procedures to protect her health while the investigation continued. The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) confirmed that the incident fell outside its jurisdiction and forwarded all relevant information to the Ogun authorities.

This development has sparked public debate about the responsible use of social media, the impact of false allegations, and the importance of evidence-based reporting. Legal experts warn that fabricating sexual assault claims can carry serious criminal penalties and may undermine the credibility of genuine victims.

Authorities continue to urge the public to avoid spreading unverified claims and to cooperate with law enforcement in ongoing investigations. Updates on the case will be issued by the Ogun State Police Command as formal legal proceedings begin.

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