The EFCC has obtained an arrest warrant as it begins the process of extraditing Diezani Alison-Madueke from the United Kingdom to Nigeria to face 13-count charges related to money laundering.
The money laundering charges against Alison-Madueke cover multiple jurisdictions, including Dubai (United Arab Emirates), the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and Nigeria.
Alison-Madueke had previously appeared before the Westminster Magistrates Court in London over allegations of a £100,000 bribe. She was granted bail with certain conditions, including a curfew, wearing an electronic tag, and payment of bail.
The UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) had earlier expressed suspicion that Alison-Madueke had accepted bribes in exchange for awarding multi-million-pound oil and gas contracts.
There has been informal interagency collaboration between the EFCC and the NCA, leading to the ongoing trial in the UK.
Alison-Madueke served as the Minister of Petroleum Resources from 2010 to 2015 during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
The EFCC alleges that she stole $2.5 billion from the Nigerian government during her tenure. She left Nigeria shortly before President Muhammadu Buhari assumed office in 2015.
Oyewale said, as per Punch:
“The EFCC welcomes, with keen interest, the arraignment of former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, at the Westminister’s Court in London, United Kingdom, following alleged bribery allegations.
“Although the charges preferred against her at the London court are diametrically different from the 13-count charges bordering on money laundering the EFCC has raised against her, it is instructive to note that criminality is criminality, irrespective of jurisdictional differences.
“No crime can go unpunished. The money laundering charges for which Madueke is answerable to the EFCC, cover jurisdictions in Dubai, the United Kingdom, the United States of America and Nigeria.
“To bring the former minister to trial in Nigeria, an arrest warrant has been obtained and extradition proceedings have been initiated. The Commission is on course on her trial. She will soon have her day in our courts.”
The EFCC has secured an arrest warrant for former Petroleum Resources Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke.
Ag spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed this to reporters today. The anti-graft agency has also initiated extradition proceedings to bring the former minister back to Nigeria. pic.twitter.com/DXxpIdzN9j
— NigeriaInfoPH (@NigeriaInfoPH) October 2, 2023
