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Former Nigerian Oil Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke Charged with Bribery Offences by British Police

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Diezani Allison-Madueke - Investors King

British authorities announced on Tuesday that they have formally charged former Nigerian oil minister Diezani Alison-Madueke with bribery offences.

The charges stem from suspicions that she accepted bribes in exchange for awarding multi-million pound oil and gas contracts during her tenure.

Nigeria, known as Africa’s most populous nation and a prominent oil producer, has long grappled with pervasive political corruption. Former colonial ruler Britain has become a preferred destination for Nigerian officials seeking to enjoy the proceeds of their ill-gotten gains.

Alison-Madueke, 63, held the position of petroleum minister from 2010 to 2015, serving under former President Goodluck Jonathan. Also, she assumed the role of president of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) from 2014 to 2015.

Andy Kelly, Head of the National Crime Agency’s International Corruption Unit, stated, “We suspect Diezani Alison-Madueke abused her power in Nigeria and accepted financial rewards for awarding multi-million pound contracts. These charges mark a significant milestone in a comprehensive and intricate international investigation.”

Alison-Madueke was detained in London in October 2015, several months after leaving office. She has been subject to investigations in both Nigeria and the United States.

While she has previously denied allegations of corruption, she was not reachable for comment on Tuesday. A London-based lawyer representing her in 2015 did not promptly respond to requests for comment.

The National Crime Agency disclosed that Alison-Madueke is presently residing in the affluent St John’s Wood neighborhood of west London. She is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on October 2.

The charges against her encompass various financial benefits, including cash sums exceeding £100,000 ($127,000), chauffeur-driven cars, private jet flights, luxurious family vacations, and the utilization of multiple upscale properties in London.

The NCA also outlined additional rewards such as furniture, property renovations, staffing for residences, private school tuition payments, and extravagant gifts from high-end boutiques, including Cartier jewelry and Louis Vuitton merchandise.

The agency further indicated that substantial assets linked to the alleged offences have been frozen. It confirmed its cooperation with the U.S. Department of Justice, leading to the recovery of assets totaling $53 million tied to Alison-Madueke.

Recent years have witnessed Nigerian courts ordering the seizure of assets amounting to tens of millions of dollars, encompassing properties, vehicles, substantial amounts of jewelry, and even a gold iPhone.

This announcement comes within a month of a London court’s order for the confiscation of $130 million from former Nigerian oil state governor James Ibori. Although unrelated, this case also sheds light on the prevailing issue of political corruption in Nigeria.

Britain’s well-developed legal and financial sectors, coupled with a thriving property market, have made it a global hub for money laundering. The anti-corruption unit of the National Crime Agency forms part of the government’s concerted efforts to combat the inflow of illicit funds.

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Sport Business

Usyk Claims Victory Over Fury in Historic Bout, Becomes Undisputed Heavyweight Champion

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Oleksandr Usyk emerged victorious over Tyson Fury to claim the title of undisputed heavyweight champion.

The highly anticipated bout, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, showcased the remarkable skill and determination of both fighters, culminating in a split-decision victory for Usyk.

From the opening bell, the tension was palpable as Fury, the reigning WBC champion, and Usyk, the unified cruiserweight champion, squared off in the ring.

Fury, known for his towering stature and formidable punching power, sought to impose his will early on, using his reach advantage to keep Usyk at bay.

However, Usyk, undeterred by the size disparity, showcased his superior footwork and technical prowess, darting in and out of Fury’s range to land precise counterpunches.

As the rounds progressed, the momentum shifted back and forth between the two fighters, with each landing significant blows and demonstrating their resilience in the face of adversity.

Fury’s powerful punches tested Usyk’s chin, while Usyk’s speed and agility kept Fury on the defensive.

In the pivotal moments of the fight, Usyk delivered a masterful performance in the later rounds, capitalizing on Fury’s fatigue to unleash a barrage of punches that rocked the defending champion.

Despite Fury’s valiant efforts to rally back, Usyk’s relentless pressure and pinpoint accuracy earned him the judges’ favor, securing a split-decision victory and etching his name in the annals of boxing history.

With this triumph, Usyk joins the ranks of legendary heavyweight champions, becoming the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis more than two decades ago.

His victory not only cements his status as one of the sport’s elite athletes but also signals a new era in the heavyweight division, characterized by fierce competition and unparalleled skill.

As the boxing world reels from the electrifying showdown, fans and pundits alike eagerly await the prospect of a rematch between Usyk and Fury. With both fighters showcasing their championship pedigree, the stage is set for another epic clash that promises to captivate audiences worldwide.

In the aftermath of his victory, Usyk expressed gratitude to his team, his country, and his faith, attributing his success to hard work and dedication.

Meanwhile, Fury, while disappointed with the outcome, vowed to bounce back stronger and reclaim his title in the anticipated rematch.

As the boxing world celebrates Usyk’s historic achievement, his victory serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of sportsmanship and the unyielding pursuit of excellence in the noble art of boxing.

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Education

JAMB Releases 36,540 Withheld UTME Results, Dismisses Cyber Breach Claims

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The Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has quelled concerns over the integrity of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results by releasing an additional 36,540 previously withheld scores.

This move follows earlier revelations of withheld results and assertions of a cyber security breach.

Fabian Benjamin, the spokesperson for JAMB, confirmed the release of these results in a statement issued late Tuesday in Abuja.

This latest batch of released scores, when combined with the 531 previously unveiled, brings the total number of results made public to 1,879,437.

Benjamin took the opportunity to address circulating rumors regarding the security of the UTME results.

He categorically dismissed claims of a cyber security breach, saying that the examination outcomes remain intact and securely stored.

He stressed that the results are not stored in any cloud system and thus cannot be compromised by external entities.

At the time of the UTME release, JAMB had disclosed that certain results were withheld pending further investigation.

Subsequently, 531 of these results were recently unveiled with the remainder still under scrutiny.

Benjamin explained that any candidates implicated in examination malpractice are undergoing thorough investigation.

The examination board intends to meticulously review footage from CCTV cameras installed across all accredited centers to ascertain each candidate’s involvement.

Benjamin urged the public to remain vigilant against misinformation originating from sources not affiliated with JAMB.

He attributed the discrepancies in minimum admissible scores to variations among tertiary institutions. Some institutions, he noted, proposed lower minimum scores than others, resulting in varying benchmarks.

Benjamin clarified that these benchmarks are determined collectively by all Heads of Institutions during the annual Policy Meeting on Admissions, ensuring uniformity across the country.

Also, Benjamin cautioned religious organizations against overstepping their designated roles.

He warned against the dissemination of false information to governmental bodies for personal gain.

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British Airways Owner IAG Prepares for Summer Surge Amid High Travel Demand

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As the world gradually emerges from the grip of the pandemic, the travel industry is witnessing a resurgence in demand with British Airways owner IAG SA gearing up for a busy summer season.

Despite lingering challenges, the airline conglomerate remains optimistic about the outlook, citing strong demand for travel within Europe and across the Atlantic.

In a recent stock exchange filing, IAG disclosed an adjusted operating profit of €68 million ($73.3 million) for the three months ending March.

According to Chief Executive Officer Luis Gallego, the group’s core markets, including the North Atlantic, South Atlantic, and intra-Europe routes, have shown robust performance, positioning them well for the upcoming peak travel period.

With vaccination rates increasing and travel restrictions easing in many parts of the world, consumers are eager to resume travel plans, fueling the surge in demand.

However, the road ahead is not without its challenges. While travel within Europe and across the Atlantic remains strong, other regions present a more complex operating environment.

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has dampened demand for certain destinations, while airspace restrictions resulting from geopolitical tensions, such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine, have disrupted flight routes to East Asia.

Despite these hurdles, IAG remains resilient, banking on the strength of its core markets and the performance of its brands to weather the storm.

The company’s strategic positioning and proactive measures to adapt to changing circumstances have positioned it to capitalize on the rebound in travel demand.

As the summer season approaches, IAG is focused on ensuring operational readiness to meet the surge in passenger numbers.

With travelers eager to reconnect with loved ones, explore new destinations, and embark on long-awaited vacations, the airline group stands ready to facilitate safe and seamless travel experiences.

As vaccination campaigns progress and travel sentiment rebounds, IAG’s proactive approach and strategic investments position it as a key player in the aviation industry’s recovery journey. With optimism on the horizon, the company remains committed to delivering exceptional service and fostering a seamless travel experience for passengers worldwide.

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