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How Nasarawa Court Dissolved Diezani’s Marriage
Details have emerged on how a high court in Nasarawa State dissolved the marriage between a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison Madueke, and her husband, Admiral Alison Amaechina Maduekwe.
Maduekwe, a former Chief of Naval Staff, had filed a petition at the Lagos State High Court on July 2, 2024 seeking a legal declaration to end his marriage to Diezani and requesting that she stopped using his last name.
He asked the court to order the former petroleum resources minister to revert to her maiden name, Agama, adding that Diezani’s continued use of his name despite their marriage being legally dissolved was damaging his reputation and could lead to unintended liability, given the existing corruption allegations against her.
Our correspondent reliably gathered that the former minister had on November 26, 2021 filed a divorce suit at a high court in Mararaba Gurku, Nasarawa State, pleading the court to dissolve her marriage with Admiral Maduekwe.
The ex-minister, in her petition to the court in 2021, a copy of which was sighted by our correspondent in Nasarawa State, said she was seeking a divorce on the grounds that their marriage had broken down irretrievably.
The petition stated: “On the grounds that the marriage has broken down irretrievably and by virtue of the fact that the petitioner and the respondent have lived apart for a continuous period of over three years immediately preceding the presentation of this petition, and that the Respondent has not lived together with the petitioner for a continuous period of over one year preceding the presentation of this petition.
“The petitioner, Diezani Alison Maduekwe, whose is at No 2, Wale Olateju Crescent, Lekki Phase 1, Lekki, Lagos, Lagos State, and who is an Architect by occupation, hereby petitions the court for a decree of dissolution of marriage against the respondent whose address is No 2, Wole Olateju Crescent, Lekki Phase 1, Lekki, Lagos, Lagos State, and who is a marine consultant by occupation.
“The petitioner, then a spinster, was lawfully married to the respondent at the federal marriage registry, Lagos State on the 30th June, 1999, according to the provisions of the Marriage Act, and that both were of marriageable age.”
The petition further stated that Diezani Alison Maduekwe, the petitioner, was born in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State in 1960 while the respondent, Admiral Alison Amaechina Maduekwe, was born at Inyi, Enugu State in 1944.
The ex-minister further told the court that she and her husband ceased to cohabit since May 2015, and that the marriage had broken down irretrievably as both parties had lost interest in it completely.
She added that the marriage produced only one child, a son by name Chimezie Maduekwe, who was 20 years old at the time of the petition.
The facts relied upon by the ex-minister that the marriage has broken down irretrievably are “that the petitioner left Nigeria for London in May 2015 for medical treatment and has been there since then, that the petitioner has lived apart with the respondent for more than two years that she has been undergoing treatment in London and preceding the presentation of this petition.
“The petitioner has not condoned or connived at presenting the grounds specified above and is not guilty of collusion in the presentation of this petition,” the grounds read.
The petitioner was represented by Abdulaziz Ibrahim Esq of K. T. Turakiband Co.
The documents sighted by our correspondent showed all verifying affidavit in support of petition, the certificate relating to reconciliation form 3, the certificate of pre-action counseling as well as acknowledgement of service on Admiral Alison Amaechina Maduekwe, and the petitions witness statement on oath.
Although Admiral Alison Amaechina Maduekwe was dully served, he did not appear or send any representative during the life span of the case at Mararaba High Court, Gurku, Nasarawa State.
However, our correspondent gathered that on Tuesday, 15th March 2023, Justice A. A Ozegya, in a suit No NSD/MG345/2021, entered judgment in favour of the petitioner, dissolving the judgment.
Part of the judgment reads: “After listening to the counsel adopting the testimonies of the petitioner vide an affidavit evidence under section 107 of the Evidence Act, this court would have no further hesitation to make in this matter but to enter final judgment in matter as per paragraph 10 of the petition as the respondent has stated not to contest the petition.
“In view of the above, this court hereby enters final judgment in favour of the petitioner to wit: Dissolving the marriage between the petitioner and the respondent on the grounds that the marriage has broken down irretrievably.”
News
Boko Haram Demands $300,000 Ransom For Abducted Borno Ex-LG Chair, Another Victim
A new video has emerged showing two men reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, pleading for assistance to secure their release.
One of the captives, former Biu Local Government Area Chairman Hassan Biu Miringa, revealed that their abductors are demanding a $300,000 ransom.
Miringa said he and another individual were taken in December 2025 and have remained in the custody of the militants.
In the video shared by Zagazola Makama, Miringa introduced himself, saying: “I am Hassan Biu Miringa, former Chairman of Biu Local Government from 2020 to 2022. Four years after my tenure, we were kidnapped by the soldiers of Khilafa about two weeks ago. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive, but we urgently need help to save our lives.”
He added that negotiations with the kidnappers had been underway, with some preliminary agreements reportedly reached.
“We have engaged them on four separate occasions and reached an understanding. We appeal to our leaders, especially Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur, the National Assembly representative for Biu, Kwaya, and Shani Hon. Betera Aliyu, as well as our community leaders, to temper justice with mercy and assist us. We are their children and have been working together,” Miringa said.
He confirmed the ransom demand, explaining that each captive is expected to pay $150,000, totaling $300,000 for their freedom, and pleaded for urgent intervention to reunite with their families.
The video highlights ongoing concerns over kidnappings and insecurity in southern Borno State, which have persisted despite government efforts to curb insurgent activity in the region.
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How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.
Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.
The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.
Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.
Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.
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Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.
The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.
According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.
“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.
The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.
Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.
The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.
“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”
It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.
JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.
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