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EFCC Applauds Alison-Madueke’s UK Court Arraignment, Secures Extradition Arrest Warrant
To bring the former Minister to trial in Nigeria, an arrest warrant has been obtained and extradition proceedings have been initiated.
Abuja, NIGERIA– The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has obtained an arrest warrant and initiated extradition proceedings against the former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke.
The move comes in response to allegations of bribery against the ex-minister, who recently appeared before the Westminster Magistrates Court in London.
Alison-Madueke’s appearance in the London court stems from an alleged £100,000 bribe. During the court proceedings, District Judge Michael Snow granted the former minister bail, setting it at £70,000. In addition to bail, several stringent terms were imposed on Alison-Madueke, including an 11 pm to 6 am curfew, the requirement to wear an electronic tag at all times, and a £70,000 surety to be paid before leaving the court building.
Acting EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, issued a statement on Monday, expressing satisfaction with Alison-Madueke’s arraignment in the UK. He emphasized that the commission had taken the necessary legal steps by obtaining an arrest warrant and initiating extradition proceedings against the former minister.
“The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, welcomes, with keen interest, the arraignment of a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke at the Westminister’s Court in London, United Kingdom, following alleged bribery allegations,” the statement read.
“Although the charges preferred against her at the London court, are diametrically different from the 13-count charges bordering on money laundering the EFCC has raised against her, it is instructive to note that criminality is criminality, irrespective of jurisdictional differences.
“No crime can go unpunished. The money laundering charges for which Madueke is answerable to the EFCC, cover jurisdictions in Dubai, United Kingdom, United States of America and Nigeria
“To bring the former Minister to trial in Nigeria, an arrest warrant has been obtained and extradition proceedings have been initiated. The Commission is on course on her trial. She will soon have her day in our courts.”