UK National Crime Agency(NCA) has reported that former President of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC Diezani Alison-Madueke is facing charges of bribery offenses stemming from her tenure as Nigeria’s oil minister. The report was made available to the public on Tuesday.
According to NCA, 63 year old Alison-Madueke, has been out on bail since her initial arrest in London back in October 2015. Her court appearance in the British capital is scheduled for October 2.
Following her arrest, a representative for her family told newsmen that she intends to contest the corruption accusations that have shadowed her time in the government of former president Goodluck Jonathan.
Serving from 2010 to 2015, Alison-Madueke held the distinction of being Nigeria’s first female oil minister and also became the first woman to lead the global oil consortium, OPEC.
The leader of the NCA’s international corruption unit, Andy Kelly, conveyed in a statement that they believe that Diezani Alison-Madueke misused her authority in Nigeria and accepted financial inducements in exchange for granting multi-million pound contracts.
The NCA outlined that Alison-Madueke is alleged to have enjoyed benefits worth over 97 billion naira, including cash, chauffeured vehicles, private jet travel, luxurious family vacations, and the utilization of multiple properties in London.
The charges also itemize perks such as furnishings, property renovations, staff arrangements, private school fees, and high-end gifts from renowned designer outlets, including Cartier and Louis Vuitton.
Andy Kelly emphasized that bribery represents a widespread form of corruption that fosters serious criminal activities and can have dire repercussions for developing nations.
He continued that these charges mark a significant point in what has been an exhaustive and intricate international inquiry.
Residing in the upscale St John’s Wood neighborhood of north London since her initial detention, Alison-Madueke has battled breast cancer and undergone chemotherapy as reported by her family.
At the time of her arrest, the NCA disclosed that five individuals had been detained in London on suspicion of international corruption, but refrained from revealing the identities of those held.
Subsequent to her arrest, the Nigerian government under Muhammadu Buhari, verified Alison-Madueke’s detention and affirmed its collaboration with British authorities in law enforcement matters.
In conjunction with the investigation,NCA also said that assets valued at millions of pounds related to the case have been frozen.
In March, the agency, renowned for targeting international and organized crime, presented evidence to the US Department of Justice, aiding in the recovery of assets amounting to $53.1 million linked to Alison-Madueke’s alleged corrupt activities.
