The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has expressed appreciation for the arraignment of former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum, Diezani Alison-Madueke, over bribery allegations in the UK. The EFCC applauded the UK government’s actions and affirmed its commitment to arresting and extraditing her to face separate money laundering charges in Nigeria after the UK trial.
Diezani Alison-Madueke appeared before the Westminster Magistrates Court in the UK to answer charges of a £100,000 bribery offence. In response to the development, the EFCC released a statement through its spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, stating that extradition proceedings have been initiated, and the commission is determined to bring her to trial in Nigeria.
While the charges in the UK focus on bribery allegations, the EFCC emphasized that Alison-Madueke would face distinct money laundering charges in Nigeria. The commission asserted that criminality transcends jurisdictional boundaries, and it is resolute in holding individuals accountable for their actions.
Diezani Alison-Madueke, who served as the Minister of Petroleum between 2010 and 2015 under former President Goodluck Jonathan’s government, was granted bail by the Westminster Magistrates Court. The conditions of her bail include a £70,000 surety, an 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew, and wearing an electronic tag at all times. The court proceedings are part of international efforts to address allegations of corruption and financial misconduct involving high-profile individuals.
