As Nigeria’s immediate past minister of petroleum, Diezani Alison-Madueke, continues with her battle to wade off the series of corruption allegations against her, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has demanded that she be repatriated from the United Kingdom (UK) to defend herself.
The demand for her repatriation comes ahead of the international anti-corruption summit in the UK for which Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari is a participant.
Diezani Alison-Madueke, former minister of petroleum
Some allies of Alison-Madueke are currently answering questions relating to their roles in the huge financial mismanagement and corruption that rocked the government of Dr Goodluck Jonathan.
SERAP believes that the charges she is currently facing in UK court do not sufficiently capture the gravity of her alleged crimes and the increasing allegations of corruption against her in Nigeria.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had recently announced it was commencing special investigation into the how some banks got involved in the N23 billion allegedly shared to officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigerian electoral umpire, by officials of Jonathan’s government during the 2015 general elections.
Executive director of SERAP, Adetokunbo Mumuni, said on behalf of the rights group: “The anti-corruption summit in London provides an important opportunity for the UK government to support the ongoing fight against corruption in Nigeria, and to send a powerful message that the UK will not provide sanctuary or condone impunity for corrupt public officials.
“As a state party to the UN convention against corruption, the UK government can use the convention as a basis for the extradition of Alison-Madueke back to Nigeria.
“We urge the Nigerian authorities to without delay submit a request to the UK authorities for the extradition of Mrs Alison-Madueke, explicitly making the point that Nigeria will guarantee her a due process-trial.
“If the UK refuses the extradition request, Nigeria should consider submitting the matter for arbitration and if this cannot resolve the case, refer it to the International Court of Justice for adjudication. The Nigerian authorities should also consider filing a civil action against Mrs Alison-Madueke in the UK court.
“By sending Mrs Alison-Madueke back to her country, the UK will be sending a message that high-level official corruption will not go unpunished no matter where the suspected perpetrator hides and thus contribute to the fight against impunity for grand corruption.
“The UK indeed has an obligation to extradite Mrs Alison-Madueke through international cooperation and collaboration in good faith with Nigeria.
“We believe that effective prosecution in Nigeria is feasible and this will bring justice closer to Nigerians who are direct victims of corruption.
“Extraditing Mrs Alison-Madueke back to Nigeria is equally important for allowing easier access to witnesses, evidence, victims of corruption; creating a deep connection between Nigerians and the impact of the trial; and empowering victims of corruption.”
The statement continues: “SERAP believes that there is probable cause that Mrs Alison-Madueke participated in the extraditable acts involving some banks in Nigeria, whether directly or indirectly. The allegations of corruption against her are strong enough for Prime Minister David Cameron to facilitate an extradition proceeding.
“The UK shouldn’t be a country of refuge for corrupt officials if it is to avoid a miscarriage of justice in high-level corruption cases. But if Mrs Alison-Madueke is not extradited, the UK will have a responsibility to amend her charges to include the fresh allegations against her and to try her on the merits under the UK laws as if she had committed the crimes there.”
Recently, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) reportedly released the chief executive officers of two Nigerian banks.
According to Sahara Reporters, the men regained freedom after they returned billions of naira they had illicitly acquired from political slush funds during the administration of former president, Goodluck Jonathan.
The EFCC sources revealed that Yemi Adeola, the Sterling Bank’s CEO, was released on Friday, May 6, after he deposited a payment of N5 billion.
According to one of the sources, the money returned by Adeola was in partial restitution for a transaction of $88 million he received from Diezani Alison-Madueke, a former minister of petroleum resources.
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