BREAKIN: Diezani Alison-Madueke charged with bribery in UK

Former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke faces charges of bribery in the United Kingdom.

According to Reuters, British authorities have levied bribery charges against her, alleging that she received bribes in exchange for awarding substantial oil and gas contracts.

Alison-Madueke, aged 63, played a pivotal role during the tenure of former President Goodluck Jonathan. She served as the petroleum minister from 2010 to 2015 and also held the position of president of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

Andy Kelly, Head of the National Crime Agency’s International Corruption Unit, remarked, “We believe that Diezani Alison-Madueke misused her authority in Nigeria and accepted financial inducements for granting multi-million-pound contracts. These charges mark a significant milestone in a comprehensive and intricate international investigation.”

The NCA revealed that Alison-Madueke stands accused of benefiting from over £100,000 in cash, chauffeured cars, private jet flights, luxurious family vacations, and the utilization of multiple London properties.

The charges against her detail additional financial benefits, including furnishings, property renovations, staff salaries for the properties, payments for private school tuition, and gifts from high-end designer establishments such as Cartier and Louis Vuitton, according to the NCA.

Despite persistent corruption allegations since her departure from office, Alison-Madueke has consistently denied the charges.

British authorities disclosed that she currently resides in St. John’s Wood, a prestigious neighborhood in west London.

Alison-Madueke was initially detained in 2015, but her family reported that she underwent chemotherapy for breast cancer.

During her arrest in 2015, the NCA announced the apprehension of five individuals in London on suspicion of international corruption, without divulging their identities.

Assets worth millions of pounds have been frozen as part of the investigation, as revealed by the NCA. Additionally, the agency provided evidence to the US Department of Justice, enabling the recovery of assets totaling $53.1 million linked to the alleged corruption.

Diezani is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on October 2.

Although the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) pursued her extradition, the request was met with obstacles.