Former Nigerian Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke Charged with Bribery Offenses by UK Police
Diezani Alison-Madueke, the former Minister of Petroleum in Nigeria, is facing charges of bribery offences, as revealed by the United Kingdom National Crime Agency (NCA) on August 22, 2023. The charges are linked to her tenure as Nigeria's oil minister from 2010 to 2015.
Andy Kelly, Head of the NCA's International Corruption Unit, spoke about the allegations, emphasising the suspicion that Alison-Madueke abused her authority in Nigeria and received financial incentives for awarding multi-million-pound contracts. Kelly noted that these charges mark a significant step in an extensive and intricate international investigation.
The NCA's claims suggest that the former minister gained advantages amounting to at least £100,000 ($127,000) in cash, chauffeur-driven cars, private jet flights, lavish family vacations, and the use of multiple London properties. Kelly pointed out the severity of bribery as a form of corruption capable of fostering serious criminal activities and causing profound harm to developing nations.
The charges brought against Alison-Madueke encompass financial benefits, details of furnished properties, renovation work, staff arrangements, payment of private school fees, and luxury gifts from esteemed designer outlets like Cartier and Louis Vuitton.
According to Reuters, the UK National Crime Agency announced that Alison-Madueke is scheduled to appear in court on October 2, 2023, as she faces the legal consequences of the bribery-related charges.
