“Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Secures Arrest Warrant for Diezani Alison-Madueke and Initiates Extradition Proceedings”
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has successfully obtained an arrest warrant for former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke. This development was confirmed by Dele Oyewale, the Acting spokesperson for the EFCC, in a statement to the press on Monday. Simultaneously, the anti-graft agency has launched extradition proceedings to bring the former minister back to Nigeria.
This legal action follows Alison-Madueke’s recent arraignment at the Westminster Magistrates Court in London, United Kingdom, where she faces alleged bribery charges. It’s important to note that these charges in the UK differ from the 13-count charge related to money laundering previously filed against her by the EFCC in Nigeria.
The EFCC emphasized, “Criminality is criminality, irrespective of jurisdictional differences. No crime can go unpunished.” The money laundering charges against Alison-Madueke span jurisdictions in Dubai, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and Nigeria.
To ensure her trial takes place in Nigeria, the EFCC has secured an arrest warrant and initiated extradition proceedings. The commission remains committed to bringing the former minister to justice within its jurisdiction.
In today’s proceedings at the Westminster Magistrates Court, District Judge Michael Snow granted Alison-Madueke bail of £70,000. The judge imposed additional conditions, including an 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew, the mandatory wearing of an electronic tag, and the requirement of a £70,000 surety before leaving the court building. It should be noted that she did not formally enter a plea, but her attorney, Mark Bowen, indicated that she would plead not guilty.
Alison-Madueke’s next court appearance is scheduled at Southwark Crown Court on October 30.
[logo-slider]
