Ruling ends years-long legal battle involving alleged corruption in OPL 245 deal; Nigerian officials had faced scrutiny

Italy’s highest court has acquitted prosecutors involved in the long-running investigation of oil giants Eni and Shell regarding the controversial Malabu OPL 245 oilfield deal, which has significant links to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. The ruling was delivered in Rome on Friday, closing a major chapter in one of the country’s most high-profile international corruption cases.

The case revolved around allegations that Eni and Shell paid over $1 billion for Nigeria’s OPL 245 oilfield, with claims that much of the money went as bribes to Nigerian government officials and intermediaries. Italian prosecutors launched criminal proceedings against several executives from both companies, as well as Nigerian stakeholders, but were themselves later accused of misconduct and improper handling of the investigation.

The Supreme Court’s decision to clear the prosecutors brings finality to years of legal tussles that have attracted global attention. The OPL 245 saga is regarded by many analysts as one of Nigeria’s biggest oil scandals, raising questions on transparency and accountability in the country’s extractive industry. The outcome is seen as crucial for Italy-Nigeria relations within the oil and gas sector, where foreign investment remains sensitive to legal and regulatory uncertainty.

While Italian courts had previously acquitted Eni, Shell, and their executives of wrongdoing in March 2021 due to insufficient evidence, today’s ruling specifically vindicates the prosecutors who led the initial probe. No immediate reaction has come from the Nigerian government or anti-corruption agencies as at press time.

Legal experts suggest this verdict may influence similar cross-border investigations involving Nigeria’s natural resources. However, calls for greater oversight on future oil block allocations persist among civil society groups in Abuja and Lagos.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/business/business-news/888992-italys-highest-court-clears-prosecutors-in-eni-shell-nigeria-oilfield-case.html

Selection includes Nigerian dramas like Fifty and A Sunday Affair, plus international hits exploring betrayal and family secrets

Cinema enthusiasts in Lagos have highlighted ten compelling films and series for Nigerians who recently completed Netflix’s The Polygamist, pointing to both local and international titles that delve into similar themes of deception, secret lives, and complex relationships. The curated list was released on Wednesday by a group of industry insiders following growing viewer demand for more content in this genre.

The selection features Nigerian productions such as Fifty, a 2015 drama centred on four successful women in Lagos navigating ambition, infidelity, and family secrets as they approach midlife. Also recommended is A Sunday Affair, which follows two close friends entangled with the same man, offering a relatable look at betrayal and reconciliation from a distinctly Nigerian perspective.

Internationally acclaimed shows like HBO’s Big Love—a series about a man balancing three wives in Utah—and The Undoing starring Nicole Kidman were also included. Both titles are praised for their exploration of plural marriage and the psychological unraveling that follows when secrets come to light. Other highlights on the list are On Becoming a Guinea Fowl, known for its sharp critique of patriarchal silence within families; The Other Woman, which takes a comedic approach to romantic deception; and Unfaithful, focusing on the high emotional cost of hidden affairs.

According to Lagos-based film analyst Chinedu Okeke, “Nigerian audiences are increasingly drawn to stories that reflect real-life complexities—be it polygamy, infidelity or the hidden struggles behind social media perfection.” Okeke said during a phone interview that platforms like Netflix are broadening local access to both homegrown stories and global perspectives on these issues. “This is why you see titles like Fifty trending alongside international miniseries,” he added.

Viewers seeking more recommendations are encouraged to look out for new releases in Nollywood’s relationship drama space as well as global streaming catalogues. Industry observers expect demand for such content to rise further as conversations around marriage dynamics and gender roles continue across Nigeria.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/shows-like-the-polygamist-netflix-2026061915343903992

Experts blame poor genotype testing and stigma for high child mortality; call for urgent government intervention nationwide

More than 150,000 babies are born with sickle cell disease every year in Lagos and other states across Nigeria, making the country the global epicentre of the condition. Health experts raised fresh concerns on Wednesday, urging federal and state governments to establish a coordinated national newborn screening programme to tackle late diagnosis and reduce preventable deaths.

According to medical professionals, the lack of routine newborn screening, widespread public ignorance about sickle cell inheritance, unreliable genotype tests and strong societal stigma have left millions vulnerable. Nigeria currently has about 50 million people carrying the sickle cell trait, with between two and three percent of the population living with the disease. Nearly half of children affected reportedly die before their fifth birthday due to missed early intervention.

Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder causing red blood cells to become hard, sticky and crescent-shaped. These abnormal cells can block blood flow, resulting in severe pain crises, organ damage and a range of complications including stroke, anaemia, recurrent infections and mental health issues such as depression. Frequent hospital admissions disrupt education and employment opportunities for patients and create significant out-of-pocket costs for families.

Dr Chinedu Ezeh, a haematology consultant based in Lagos, said during a phone interview that “the lack of standardised genotype testing across laboratories has made it difficult for couples to make informed decisions.” He called on the Ministry of Health to strengthen regulatory oversight of testing centres and ensure accurate results nationwide.

Advocacy groups stressed that stigma remains a major barrier. Many patients are labelled as ‘sicklers,’ a term considered derogatory by those affected. Some reportedly hide or alter their genotype status to avoid discrimination at home or in workplaces. “Nigeria cannot win this fight if we do not address ignorance and stigma in our communities,” said Mrs Yetunde Adebayo, convener of a sickle cell awareness initiative in Ogun State.

While premarital screening campaigns have been introduced in several states, gaps in implementation persist due to poor quality control in laboratories and limited public awareness. Experts say robust government action—including full enforcement of existing sickle cell policies and increased funding for awareness campaigns—will be critical to reducing child mortality from the disease.

Stakeholders are calling on both federal and state governments to make newborn screening compulsory across all health facilities as part of routine immunisation schedules. They also want continuous education programmes targeting schools and religious centres to improve community understanding about prevention.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/over-150000-babies-born-with-sickle-cell-every-year-why-nigerias-crisis-persists-2026061915324506760