Diezani Arraigned In London Court Over Bribery Charges

A former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has been arraigned before the Westminister’s Court in London over bribery allegations, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says.

The EFCC, in a statement Monday by its acting Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, welcomed the arraignment with “keen interest”.

“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,” the anti-graft agency said.

“No crime can go unpunished. The money laundering charges for which Madueke is answerable to the EFCC, cover jurisdictions in Dubai, United Kingdom, United States of America and Nigeria.”

See the full statement below:

EFCC PRESS STATEMENT

EFCC Hails Arraignment of Diezani in London Court

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, welcomes, with keen interest, the arraignment of a 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, United Kingdom, 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.

Dele Oyewale
Ag. Head, Media & Publicity
October 2, 2023.