The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has successfully obtained an arrest warrant for former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, as confirmed by the EFCC Acting spokesman, Dele Oyewale, during a press briefing on Monday.
Simultaneously, the anti-corruption agency has commenced extradition proceedings to return the former minister to Nigeria. This development follows Alison-Madueke’s arraignment at the Westminster Magistrates Court in London, United Kingdom, on allegations of bribery.
It’s important to note that the charges brought against her in the London court differ from the 13-count money laundering charges previously filed against her by the EFCC. The EFCC emphasized that criminal acts should be prosecuted regardless of jurisdictional boundaries, emphasizing the international scope of the money laundering charges, which encompass Dubai, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and Nigeria.
According to the EFCC, “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,” he added.
During her appearance at the Westminster Magistrates Court, District Judge Michael Snow granted Alison-Madueke bail in the amount of £70,000. Additionally, Snow imposed several conditions, including an 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew, the mandatory wearing of an electronic tag, and a £70,000 surety to be paid before leaving the court premises.
Although she did not formally enter a plea, her attorney, Mark Bowen, indicated that she would plead not guilty. Her next court appearance is scheduled for October 30 at Southwark Crown Court.