In a recent development, Grace Taiga, the former director of legal services at the Ministry of Petroleum, who had been embroiled in a controversy involving alleged bribery from P&ID (Process and Industrial Developments), has reportedly passed away.
A report by The Cable stated that Taiga’s demise occurred in September 2023, following her battle with kidney issues. However, the family had not publicly disclosed this information.
According to insiders, Grace Taiga is set to be interred in December in Delta state, though specific details regarding the burial arrangements remain undisclosed.
During her career, Taiga served in key positions within the Ministries of Petroleum Resources and Defense before retiring on September 1, 2010. While her exact age could not be verified, it is reported that she passed away in her mid-70s.
The controversy surrounding Grace Taiga stemmed from her alleged involvement in a bribery scandal related to the P&ID gas supply and processing agreement (GSPA) that had raised considerable concerns in Nigeria.
The London Court of International Arbitration had previously ruled against Nigeria in January 2017, awarding $6.6 billion, along with seven percent interest, to P&ID for a breach of contract.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had taken legal action against Taiga, accusing her of receiving unlawful payments from Marshpearl Limited, a company controlled by P&ID’s owners, allegedly funneled through her daughter.
Even after her retirement, reports suggest that she continued to receive payments from P&ID directors. Additionally, Taiga faced allegations of failing to follow due process in providing legal advice on the GSPA.
In a significant turn of events, on September 20, 2019, Taiga had been remanded at the Suleja prison following her “not guilty” plea to an eight-count charge of fraud filed against her by the EFCC.
The passing of Grace Taiga marks the end of a chapter in a complex legal saga that had drawn international attention due to its financial and legal implications.