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Estranged Husband Drags Diezani To Court

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Estranged Husband Drags Diezani To Court

Estranged Husband Drags Diezani To Court

 

 

A former Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Alison Madueke, has filed a petition in the Lagos State High Court, seeking a legal declaration to end his marriage to Diezani and requesting that she stop using his last name.

He is asking the court to order the former Minister of Petroleum Resources to revert to her maiden name, Agama.

This was contained in Madueke’s petition for jactitation of marriage (declaration that a marital union has ended).

The ex-Chief of Naval Staff argues that Diezani’s ongoing use of his name despite their marriage being legally over is damaging to his reputation and could lead to unintended consequences, including mistaken liability, particularly given the corruption allegations against her.

 

 

 

Madueke is a former military governor of Anambra and Imo states. He married Diezani on June 30, 1999, under the Marriage Act.

The petitioner, Madueke, noted that Diezani had previously filed for divorce at the Nassarawa State High Court in Mararaba Gurku in November 2021, citing an irreconcilable breakdown of their marriage, seeking to end their union formally.

He said he did not oppose the suit, resulting in the court’s dissolution of the marriage, yet Diezani persists in using his surname, despite the formal termination of their marital union.

 

 

He stated, “On the 13th day of April 2022, judgment was delivered in Suit No. NSD/MG345/2021 by Hon. Justice A.A. Ozegya dissolving the marriage between the petitioner and the respondent on the ground that the marriage has broken down irretrievably.

“The said dissolution of marriage has now become absolute by the operation of law.

“Even though the marriage has been dissolved and is now legally finalised, the respondent continues to use the petitioner’s first name (Alison) and surname (Madueke) as her own without any justification or consent from the petitioner.

“It is now more than two-years that the respondent continues to use the name of the petitioner to his embarrassment.”

Madueke revealed that he directed his legal representatives to serve Diezani a formal request on December 14, 2023, demanding that she cease using his surname and revert to her maiden name, Agama.

However, despite this legal notice, Diezani has failed to respond and continues to use his name.

The petition further read, “The respondent has continued to hold out herself as the wife of the petitioner even when the marriage has been dissolved.

 

 

 

“The respondent is undergoing criminal trials in both Nigeria and the United Kingdom. The charge in Nigeria is Suit No. FUC/ABI/CR/208/2010.

“The respondent faces public allegations of corruption and financial misconduct, for which trials are ongoing for both.

“The persistent portrayal of the respondent as the spouse of the petitioner is creating embarrassment, a misleading impression and tarnishing the reputation, integrity, and public image of the petitioner.

“The respondent’s continued use of the petitioner’s first and surname falsely suggests to the public a continuing relationship between the parties though same has since legally ended.

“The respondent’s continued use of the petitioner’s first and family names poses a significant risk of legal and financial harm to the petitioner.

“The petitioner seeks the intervention of this Honourable Court to prevent the respondent from further using his first name and surname, thereby safeguarding his image, personality, and reputation.”

Madueke sought an order of perpetual injunction restraining Diezani from further using his names following the dissolution of their marriage.

 

 

 

He also prayed for a perpetual injunction restraining the respondent from further asserting, by words or conduct, the existence of marriage between them.

He is seeking a court order that compels Diezani to revert to her maiden name and to publicly announce in a national newspaper, both in Nigeria and the UK, that she has ceased using his surname.

Diezani has held several significant positions in the Nigerian government, including Minister of Transportation, Minister of Mines and Steel Development, and Minister of Petroleum Resources.

She was also the first female President of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, elected in November 2014.

Diezani was accused by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission of embezzling $2.5bn from the Nigerian government during her tenure from 2010 to 2015 under President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

Corruption allegations have led to her arrest and legal proceedings in both Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

 

 

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Tinubu Appoints Reno Omokri, Femi Fani‑Kayode Among 65 Ambassadors in Strategic Diplomatic Deployment

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Tinubu Appoints Reno Omokri, Femi Fani‑Kayode Among 65 Ambassadors in Strategic Diplomatic Deployment

By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG

“Key Political Figures and Seasoned Diplomats Assigned to Strengthen Nigeria’s Global Presence.”

 

Former presidential aide Reno Omokri and ex‑Aviation Minister Femi Fani‑Kayode are among the most high‑profile names in President Bola Tinubu’s new ambassadorial postings approved on March 6, 2026. The president signed off on 65 ambassadorial assignments for non‑career and career diplomats, following Senate confirmation of nominees in December 2025.

 

Omokri is set to serve as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Mexico, while Fani‑Kayode will represent the country in Germany, reflecting Tinubu’s strategy of deploying well-known political figures to key diplomatic missions. Other notable postings include:

 

Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau – China

 

Senator Jimoh Ibrahim – Permanent Representative to the United Nations

 

Olufemi Adegbite – South Africa

 

Nuhu Ribadu – United Kingdom

 

Akinwumi Adesina – United States

 

Oluwafemi Adebayo – Canada

 

Hajia Fatima Isa – Australia

 

Ahmed Tijani – United Arab Emirates

 

Chukwuma Akabogu – France

 

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala – Germany

 

The postings, announced through a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, also cover several other European and Middle Eastern capitals.

 

Officials say the broad diplomatic deployment aims to strengthen Nigeria’s global representation and foreign policy footprint amid evolving international dynamics, ensuring both political allies and seasoned diplomats advance national interests abroad.

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TINUBU APPROVES 65 AMBASSADORS, FANI-KAYODE HEADS TO GERMANY

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THE AFRICOM COMMANDER - By Chief Femi Fani-Kayode

TINUBU NAMES FANI-KAYODE, OTHERS AS AMBASSADORS IN MAJOR DIPLOMATIC SHAKE-UP

 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the deployment of 65 Nigerian ambassadors and high commissioners to foreign missions across the world in what officials describe as a significant diplomatic reshuffle aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s global engagement.

 

Among the prominent political figures on the list is former Aviation Minister Femi Fani‑Kayode, who has been posted to Germany, while former presidential aide Reno Omokri will serve as Nigeria’s ambassador to Mexico.

 

Also named in the ambassadorial postings are former Minister of Interior Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau, assigned to China, former Governor of Abia State Okezie Ikpeazu, posted to Spain, and former Minister of Health Isaac Adewole, who will represent Nigeria in Canada.

 

According to government sources, the list comprises 31 career diplomats and 34 non-career political appointees, reflecting what officials say is a blend of diplomatic experience and political representation designed to advance Nigeria’s foreign policy priorities.

 

The appointments come after months of delay in filling Nigeria’s foreign missions following the recall of ambassadors early in the administration of President Tinubu.
Diplomatic analysts say the fresh postings are expected to revitalize Nigeria’s presence in key global capitals, deepen economic diplomacy, and promote stronger bilateral relations with strategic partners.

 

With the approval now secured, the newly appointed envoys are expected to begin preparations for their deployment to their respective countries in the coming weeks, pending completion of diplomatic formalities.
Political observers note that the inclusion of influential political figures such as Fani-Kayode signals the administration’s intention to combine political loyalty with diplomatic engagement in advancing Nigeria’s international interests.

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Zamfara State Government Sponsors 25 Indigene Students to Nigerian Law School, Reinforcing Commitment to Legal Education

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Zamfara State Government Sponsors 25 Indigene Students to Nigerian Law School, Reinforcing Commitment to Legal Education

 

In a significant initiative aimed at enhancing the legal profession in Zamfara State and empowering its youth, the Zamfara State Scholarship Board has successfully obtained Executive approval for a vital intervention. This program is specifically designed for students who have earned admission to the Nigerian Law School, a prominent institution for legal training in the country. Under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Governor Dauda Lawal, the Zamfara State Government has officially authorized the full sponsorship of registration fees for twenty-five (25) indigene students who have been accepted into the Nigerian Law School for the 2024/2025 academic session.

This financial sponsorship is a crucial element of the administration’s broader strategy to democratize access to high-quality education, ensuring that aspiring legal professionals are not held back by financial constraints. By covering the registration costs, the government aims to facilitate a smooth transition for these students from academic pursuits to professional legal practice, allowing them to engage fully in their studies without the distraction of financial burdens.

The approval reflects the administration’s firm belief that investing in human capital is essential for the sustainable development and growth of Zamfara State. The government recognizes that a strong legal framework and a cadre of skilled legal practitioners are vital for ensuring good governance, stimulating economic rejuvenation, and advancing social justice. This commitment to legal education is integral to fostering a society founded on the rule of law and equitable justice.

“This initiative goes beyond simply covering fees; it represents a strategic investment in the intellectual and professional capital of Zamfara,” stated a spokesperson for the Scholarship Board. “Governor Lawal is deeply committed to nurturing a generation of legal professionals who will not only achieve their personal career goals but will also actively contribute to the legal and socioeconomic transformation of our state.”

To uphold the principles of equity and meritocracy, the selection of the twenty-five benefitting students was carried out through a rigorous and transparent vetting process. This process utilized a comprehensive criteria matrix, ensuring inclusiveness and prioritizing students from diverse backgrounds, particularly those hailing from historically marginalized communities. This approach underscores the government’s dedication to promoting social equity and inclusion in educational opportunities.

The financial support provided by the government is anticipated to significantly lessen the financial burden faced by these students and their families, enabling them to concentrate fully on their academic rigor and responsibilities at the Law School campuses located in various cities including Abuja, Enugu, and Bayelsa.

This educational sponsorship initiative is part of a larger series of reforms being undertaken by the Dauda Lawal administration, all aimed at revitalizing the educational sector in the state. It signals a clear shift from passive governance to proactive, results-oriented investment in the future of Zamfara’s youth, thereby fostering an environment where talent and ambition can flourish.

The Zamfara State Government remains unwavering in its commitment to provide a conducive environment for academic excellence and professional development, ensuring that all indigene students have the opportunity to pursue their dreams without the constraints of financial hardship. This initiative is not just an investment in education but a commitment to building a brighter future for Zamfara State and its citizens.

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