Diezani Alison-Madueke who has once served as a Nigerian Petroleum Minister, , is facing bribery charges in the United Kingdom, accused of accepting bribes in exchange for awarding multi-million-pound oil and gas contracts, according to British police.
Alison-Madueke, 63, a prominent figure during the presidency of Goodluck Jonathan, served as Nigeria’s petroleum minister from 2010 to 2015 and held the presidency of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
Andy Kelly, Head of the National Crime Agency’s International Corruption Unit, stated, “We suspect Diezani Alison-Madueke abused her power in Nigeria and accepted financial rewards for awarding multi-million-pound contracts.”
This marks a significant development in a thorough and intricate international investigation.
The National Crime Agency (NCA) alleges that Alison-Madueke benefited from at least £100,000 in cash, chauffeur-driven cars, private jet flights, luxury vacations for her family, and the use of multiple London properties.
The charges also detail financial perks such as furniture, property renovations, staffing for the properties, private school fees, and gifts from luxury brands like Cartier and Louis Vuitton.
Despite facing persistent corruption allegations since leaving office, Alison-Madueke denies the charges.
She is currently residing in the upscale area of St John’s Wood in west London and is scheduled to appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on October 2.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has attempted to extradite her but encountered obstacles leading to the request’s blockage.
