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(FULL LIST): Top Nigerian female politicians with scandals

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(FULL LIST): Top Nigerian female politicians with scandals

In Nigeria, numerous stakeholders perceive women’s political participation as an essential prerequisite for achieving gender equality and fostering a genuine democratic environment.

This involvement enables women to engage directly in public decision-making processes and enhances accountability to the female population.

Nevertheless, despite their efforts to attain positions within political office, some women face challenges related to public scandals, ThePapers reports…

Here are some of the top Nigerian female politicians with scandals. …Continue Reading

Diezani Alison-Madueke
On Tuesday 22 August 2023, Diezani Alison-Madueke, Nigeria’s former oil minister, who also served as the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries president, was charged by the UK National Crime Agency (NCA) with bribery. The offences follow an investigation by the NCA, which alleges that she accepted bribes in exchange for oil and gas contracts worth millions of pounds while in government.

Alison-Madueke served as Nigeria’s Minister for Petroleum Resources during Goodluck Jonathan’s administration from 2010-2015. During this period, she allegedly received bribes amounting to £100,000 in cash and much more. According to the NCA, ‘She is alleged to have benefitted from at least £100,000 in cash, chauffeur-driven cars, flights on private jets, luxury holidays for her family, and the use of multiple London properties.’

In March 2023, the NCA presented proof of her corrupt activities to the US Department of Justice which aided them in reclaiming assets valued at $53.1 million. The amount recovered is of record-breaking feat according to Andy Kelly, the Head of the NCA’s International Corruption Unit. Kelly said: ‘We suspect Diezani Alison-Madueke abused her power in Nigeria and accepted financial rewards for awarding multi-million-pound contracts. These charges are a milestone in what has been a thorough and complex international investigation.’

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Patricia Etteh
Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mrs Patricia Olubunmi Etteh, in September 2007, faced a committee of MPs over accusations that she had authorised the spending of 628 million Naira (about US$5 million) on renovations of her official residence and that of her deputy, and the purchase of 12 official cars meant for the House of Representatives. Accusations of theft were chanted at her as she tried to speak in the House, and she was escorted out by the security men as the situation degenerated into a commotion.

The former lawmaker was arrested by EFCC and interrogated for allegedly receiving a suspicious N130 million payment from a contractor the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) awarded a solar-powered electrification project in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria’s South-South.

Etteh was elected Speaker in 2007 but resigned only after a few months amid allegations of financial misappropriation.

She is the only woman in the country’s history to have been elected Speaker.

Stella Oduah
After over two and half years of failed attempts, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) finally arraigned a former Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah, and a Chinese construction giant, CCECC, on N5 billion fraud charges that have been filed against them since December 2020.

Alongside Ms Oduah, CCECC Nigeria Ltd, the Nigerian subsidiary of China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) established by the Chinese government to execute international contracts and economic cooperation, is one of the leading defendants fingered in the case.

Another of the co-defendants is Gloria Odita (2nd defendant), who is said to be an aide to Ms Oduah when she was Minister of Aviation and company secretary of Sea Petroleum & Gas Company (SPGC) Limited, a firm founded by the former minister.

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The rest include an employee of SPCG and aide to Ms Oduah, Nwobu Nnamdi (3rd defendant), Chukwuma Chinyere, Global Offshore and Marine Ltd, Tip Top Global Resources Ltd, Crystal Television Limited, and Sobora International Limited.

Kemi Adeosun
Nigeria’s former Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, admitted using a forged exemption certificate of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), which she presented for her appointment in 2015.

Mrs Adeosun tendered her resignation letter to President Muhammadu Buhari on September 14, 2018, admitting that she realised that the NYSC certificate she had presented to be appointed as minister “was not genuine”.

She admitted presenting the same fraudulent certificate for her earlier appointment as Commissioner for Finance of Ogun State in 2011.

Prof. Adenike Grange
The Abuja division of the Court of Appeal quashed the charge preferred against the former Minister of Health, Professor Adenike Grange over her alleged complicity in the criminal diversion of N300 million unspent budget of the health ministry for 2007. Professor Grange lost her job as health minister.
But the judgment of the appellate court cleared her name and integrity.

Betta Edu
Nigeria’s suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, has been in the eye of the storm since her appointment in August, 2023.
Edu, one of the youngest politicians who served as the National Women Leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was accused of allegations of fraud, corruption and abuse of power in her ministry.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu suspended Dr Edu from office and ordered a thorough investigation into her indictment in the alleged transfer of N585.189m meant for vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun and Lagos states into a private account.

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Sadiya Umar Farouq
Justice Deinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has ordered a former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disasters Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, to account for payments of N729 billion to 24.3 million poor Nigerians for six months.

The court also ordered the former minister to provide the list and details of the beneficiaries who received the payments, the number of states covered, and the payments per state.
The judgment was delivered in June by Justice Deinde Isaac Dipeolu following a Freedom of Information suit number: FHC/L/CS/853/2021, brought by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project.

Citing health challenges, Umar-Farouq has officially written to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission seeking an extension of the deadline to meet with EFCC interrogators over probe into the N37,170,855,753.44 allegedly laundered during her tenure in office, through a contractor, James Okwete. She faces arrest by operatives of the EFCC after failing to appear before interrogators at the EFCC Headquarters.

Saadiya Umar Farouq resigned from the National Assembly Commission to officially join politics as a member of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), where she rose to become the national treasurer of the CPC, which dissolved into a new party.

Farouq became the interim national treasurer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from 2013 to 2014. She was appointed as a member of the APC’s presidential campaign council, where she served as the director of election planning and monitoring, field operations, and fundraising, in preparation for the 2015 general election which Buhari, as the presidential candidate of the APC, won.

Uju Ohanenye
Former Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Ohanenye, has been questioned by the operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over alleged involvement in the misappropriation, violation of procurement processes, and diversion of public funds amounting to ₦138m.

The funds were allegedly misappropriated during the disbursement of the 2023 budgeted allocation for the ministry.

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Kennedy-Ohanenye, who served under President Bola Tinubu’s administration until a recent cabinet reshuffle, now faces a deepening probe into financial irregularities.

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Naira Crushes Dollar Again As New Rate Emerges

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'Naira appreciation may force food, other price reduction'

Excitement has erupted among many Nigerians as President Tinubu’s economic policies begin to deliver promising results.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has implemented stricter controls while maintaining a lower exchange rate at official windows.

However, the limited access and stringent allocation restrictions have compelled numerous importers, businesses, and students seeking to study abroad to resort to the parallel market.

Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) showed that the naira rose to N1,506.08 to a dollar on Wednesday at the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM). The last time it was that strong was on the 5th of March, 2025, when it closed at N1,500.80/$.

The naira has continued to enjoy rare stability, driven by the various policies of the apex Bank, including maintaining a high interest rate, a move that has lured in foreign capital and made the currency firmer.

Nigeria’s naira has witnessed some turbulence years after the authorities relaxed currency controls, effectively floating the currency to be more determined by market forces. That saw the unit fall by over 70 percent and disrupted business plans of many firms in Africa’s most populous nation.

Read also: Naira records another six-month high of N1,506.84 as FX supply stabilises

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But those eras of sharp swings are phasing out as the local currency is expected to continue its rally until the end of the year, with global investment bank JP Morgan forecasting the naira to close 2025 at N1,450 per dollar.

A potential rate cut by the United States Federal Reserve also bodes well for the naira’s long-term stability as global capital finds its way into emerging markets like Nigeria, further bolstering the calmness of the currency.

“A lower US interest rate would diminish the relative attractiveness of US assets, prompting global investors to seek higher returns in emerging markets like Nigeria. Consequently, Nigeria will likely experience increased portfolio inflows, particularly into the fixed-income market,” analysts at FBNQuest Merchant Bank wrote in a note recently.

“Renewed interest by offshore investors could potentially bolster foreign exchange reserves and support the stability of the Naira.”

FX reserves seen rising further on likely US rate cut

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National Grid Collapses Again, Breakdown of 11 Affected States Emerges

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Ikeja electric blames load restrictions of transmission centers for power outage

The Nigeria’s national grid has again collapsed with the total of 50 Mega Watts drop, according to the report that emerged after the incident.

A breakdown of the affected states indicted that the collapse, which happened around 12:25 pm on Wednesday, September 10, affected 11 states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). ...click link for full list here

EXPOSED: Jonathan/Bala Mohammed campaign posters flood internet ahead 2027

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Below is the states and the affected areas according to The Cable:

1. Abuja DisCo: 20 MW

2. Benin DisCo: 10 MW

3. Eko DisCo: 0 MW

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4. Enugu DisCo: 0 MW

5. Ibadan DisCo: 20 MW

6. Ikeja DisCo: 0 MW

7. Jos DisCo: 0 MW

8. Kaduna DisCo: 0 MW

9. Kano DisCo: 0 MW

10. PHarcourt DisCo: 0 MW

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11. Yola DisCo: 0 MW

Total: 50 MW

EXPOSED: Jonathan/Bala Mohammed campaign posters flood internet ahead 2027

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Oborevwori hails role of South-South in Nigeria project, seeks stronger FG partnership

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Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has commended the South-South states for their immense contributions to Nigeria’s growth and stability, describing the region as a critical pillar of the nation’s economic and social development.

Speaking on Sunday at the 2025 Passover Conference and dedication of the children of Apostle Charles Osazuwa, Founder of Rock of Ages Christian Assembly International, in Benin City, Edo State, the Governor stressed that the South-South remained central to Nigeria’s prosperity, given its oil and gas wealth, agricultural resources, and human capital.

Oborevwori maintained that a stronger collaboration with the Federal Government was essential to closing the development gaps and ensure that the region fully benefits from its natural endowments.

He also underscored the need for unity among South-South states in engaging the Federal Government on key issues of infrastructure, environmental protection, and economic diversification.

“A united South-South voice will not only fast-track development but also strengthen security and promote inclusive growth across our region,” the Governor said.

On the occasion, which he described as both spiritual and instructive, Oborevwori emphasized the value of thanksgiving and faith.

“Whenever God does something, it is only right that we appreciate Him. Today, we have not only witnessed the dedication, but we have also received a powerful message, one that has truly blessed us. I took notes myself because there was so much to take home,” he added.

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The Governor highlighted the cultural, spiritual, and historical bond between Delta, Edo, and Bayelsa states, describing them as “one people with the same roots and destiny.”

He noted that the unity of the three states was reflected in their collective achievements, citing their strong outings at recent national sporting events as evidence of shared progress.

“At the National Youth Games, Delta came second and Edo came third. In Ogun State, Delta took first while Bayelsa came second. Whenever one of us shines, we all shine. That is the strength of our brotherhood,” he remarked.

Oborevwori also commended Apostle Osazuwa and his ministry for their integrity and commitment to the gospel, praying that the church would continue to grow in strength and impact.

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, assured that his administration remained committed to promoting Christianity through good governance.

Similarly, Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, represented by his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, congratulated Apostle Osazuwa on the dedication of his triplets, describing him as a genuine man of God who preaches with ease and conviction.

In his remarks, Apostle Osazuwa urged Governors Monday Okpebholo and Sheriff Oborevwori to leverage their offices to press the Federal Government for the urgent rehabilitation of the dilapidated Benin–Sapele Road, lamenting the severe hardships it continues to inflict on motorists.

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Earlier, in a sermon titled “Understanding the Power of Effective Prayer,” Apostle Osazuwa stressed the potency of prayer as a vital tool for believers to effect change, overcome afflictions, and engage in spiritual warfare.

He described prayer as a two-way communication between man and God, noting its mystery and transformative power.

The event attracted dignitaries, including immediate past Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa; the Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu; Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu; alongside worshippers and well-wishers who joined the Osazuwa family in thanksgiving.

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$325,000 fraud: EFCC declares Sujimoto boss, Olasijibomi Ogundele wanted

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared Olasijibomi Suji Ogundele, founder of Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited, wanted for allegedly diverting funds and engaging in money laundering.

The declaration was contained in a notice issued by the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, and circulated to the public via its official X account.

According to the Commission, Ogundele is wanted in connection with an alleged case of diversion of funds and money laundering being investigated by its Lagos Command

“The public is hereby notified that OLASIJIBOMI SUJI OGUNDELE of Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited, whose photograph appears above, is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in an alleged case of Diversion of Funds and Money Laundering,” the commission stated.

Public appeal for information
The EFCC urged members of the public with useful information on his whereabouts to contact its offices across the country.

The notice described him as a 44-year-old indigene of Ori-Ade Local Government Area of Osun State. His last known address was listed as G29, Banana Island, Ikoyi, Lagos State.

“Anybody with useful information as to his whereabouts should please contact the Commission in its Ibadan, Uyo, Sokoto, Maiduguri, Benin, Makurdi, Kaduna, Ilorin, Enugu, Kano, Lagos, Gombe, Port Harcourt or Abuja offices or through 08093322644; its e-mail address: info@efcc.gov.ng or the nearest Police Station and other security agencies,” the notice read.

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The controversies surrounding Olasijibomi Suji Ogundele, the founder of Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited, did not just begin.

In October 2024, he was under police investigation following allegations of a $325,000 real estate fraud. According to reports, a client had paid the sum for a three-bedroom apartment in the Leonardo project in Banana Island, Lagos, but neither received the property nor a refund.

The Police Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID) invited Ogundele for questioning, but he initially failed to respond, opting instead to file a fundamental rights suit to restrain the investigation.
He later appeared at the FCID headquarters in Abuja after further pressure from investigators and was interrogated before being released on bail.

Following his release, Ogundele issued a response, denying any fraudulent activity. He explained that the delays in delivering the project were caused by external economic factors, specifically inflation, rising construction material costs, and the volatility of foreign exchange.

He stated that he had arrived at the FCID with a trove of evidence, including title documents of the Leonardo project, approvals from Lagos State, and other paperwork, which he claimed demonstrated transparency and a genuine commitment to fulfilling obligations to clients.

 

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FG to borrow fresh $1.75bn from World Bank, reasons emerge

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FG to borrow fresh $1.75bn from World Bank, reasons emerge

The Federal Government of Nigeria is in the process of obtaining new financing from the World Bank amounting to $1.75 billion, despite recent announcements of a significant increase in national revenues.

President Bola Tinubu stated on Tuesday that Nigeria has already exceeded its revenue targets for 2025.

In a follow-up clarification, the Presidency revealed that Nigeria collected N20.59 trillion between January and August 2025, reflecting a 40.5% increase compared to the N14.6 trillion accrued in the same period the previous year.

According to Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, this revenue surge has been largely driven by non-oil sources, which now represent 75% of the government’s total revenue.

Nevertheless, officials indicated that borrowing would persist to address funding gaps in essential sectors.

Documentation from the World Bank suggests that approval for the $1.75 billion in new loans for Nigeria is anticipated before the end of the year. These funds will be allocated to projects in agriculture, health, digital infrastructure, and financing for small businesses.

Key initiatives earmarked for support include a $500 million project aimed at enhancing agricultural value chains to improve farm productivity and promote rural development.

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Additionally, there is a $500 million digital infrastructure program intended to expand connectivity and foster technology-led growth, a $250 million health security project, and a $500 million initiative focused on providing inclusive financing for micro, small, and medium enterprises.

The loans are currently undergoing various stages of review and negotiation, indicating that Nigeria continues to rely on external borrowing to meet its financial needs. According to World Bank data, the country has secured a total of $8.4 billion in new credit lines over the past two years.

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Tinubu replies critics, lists projects in each region (Full List)

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UNTOLD STORY: Why FG workers can't access housing loan, details emerge

President Bola Tinubu has asserted that the policies and initiatives of his administration are fundamentally anchored in the solemn oath of office he took, which obligates him to serve the interests of all Nigerians.

In a statement shared on his X handle on Monday, he emphasized that this oath serves as a guiding principle for the various infrastructural projects his government is undertaking, including the construction of bridges, roads, railways, and advancements in the power and healthcare sectors.

His remarks came in response to mounting criticisms regarding perceived imbalances in the distribution of projects and allegations of regional neglect.

Tinubu contended that his administration is committed to implementing policies and delivering projects that are intended to benefit all citizens, irrespective of their region, religion, or ethnic background.

“I took an oath to serve all Nigerians, not a section. That oath guides every bridge, road, rail, power, and health project we deliver,” the post reads.

“From the Lagos–Calabar Highway in the South to the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway in the North; from Port Harcourt–Maiduguri rail in the East to Abuja–Kaduna–Kano expressway in the Centre, and the Trans-Saharan highway connecting African countries, these are not local trophies. They are our national assets.”

Tinubu said health centres are being rehabilitated nationwide, and light rail projects in Kano, Kaduna, Lagos, and Ogun have been given the green light.

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“250,000 jobs are being created, power is returning to Kaduna through the revived 255MW power plant, bridges in Onitsha and Bonny reconnect our people, oil exploration is expanding in Bauchi and Gombe, and the AKK pipeline has crossed the Niger,” he said.

“Every farmer who needs a road, every trader who needs power, every child who needs a school, every patient who needs care… this is who we are building for.”

The president noted that the “equity of renewed hope” ensures no Nigerian is second class and no region is left behind.

“Together we will rise as one nation, one people, and one destiny. Bet on Nigeria,” he added.

 

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