The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has expressed its support for the arraignment of former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, at the Westminster’s Court in London. Alison-Madueke is facing charges of bribery, and the EFCC has commended the court’s proceedings.
Allegations of Bribery
Alison-Madueke, who appeared in court on Monday, is accused of receiving bribes in various forms, including cash, private jet flights, luxury goods, and the use of high-end properties in Britain. These bribes were allegedly in exchange for awarding oil contracts.
Prosecutor’s Claims
The prosecutor, Andy Young, has claimed that Alison-Madueke accepted a wide range of advantages from individuals who sought to obtain or retain oil contracts worth billions of dollars. She has not yet entered a plea.
EFCC Response
The EFCC, in a statement issued by its Head of Media & Publicity, Dele Oyewale, has acknowledged the charges against Alison-Madueke in the London court. The commission emphasized that these charges are separate from the 13-count charges of money laundering previously brought against her.
Oyewale further stated, “It is important to note that criminality is criminality, regardless of jurisdictional differences. No crime should go unpunished.”
Extradition Proceedings
The EFCC has revealed that it has obtained an arrest warrant for Alison-Madueke and has initiated extradition proceedings to bring her back to Nigeria for trial. The money laundering charges against her span across jurisdictions in Dubai, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and Nigeria. The commission assures the public that she will face trial in Nigeria.
Oyewale concluded, “The commission remains committed to ensuring justice is served. Diezani Alison-Madueke will soon have her day in our courts.”
