Law

Diezani Alison-Madueke Appears in UK Court on Bribery Charges.

Published

7 months ago

October 2, 2023

Stella Charles Akupue

Diezani Alison-Madueke Appears in UK Court on Bribery Charges.

Former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, appeared in a London court on Monday to face bribery charges. The ex-minister, who was a prominent figure during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, served as petroleum minister from 2010 to 2015.

During her appearance at Westminster Magistrates Court, Alison-Madueke spoke only to provide her name, date of birth, and address. Her lawyer, Mark Bowen, informed the court that she would be pleading not guilty, as reported by Reuters.

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Diezani Alison-Madueke Faces Bribery Charges in UK Court

The charges against Alison-Madueke allege that she received bribes in various forms, including cash, luxury goods, flights on private jets, and the use of high-end properties in the UK, in exchange for awarding lucrative oil contracts.

Andy Kelly, Head of the National Crime Agency’s (NCA) International Corruption Unit, stated, “We suspect Diezani Alison-Madueke abused her power in Nigeria and accepted financial rewards for awarding multi-million-pound contracts. These charges are a milestone in a thorough and complex international investigation.”

According to the NCA, the accusations against Alison-Madueke include benefiting from at least £100,000 in cash, chauffeur-driven cars, private jet flights, luxury family holidays, and the use of multiple London properties.

The charges also detail financial rewards such as furniture, renovation work, staff for properties, payment of private school fees, and gifts from high-end designer shops, including Cartier jewellery and Louis Vuitton goods.

District Judge Michael Snow granted bail to Diezani Alison-Madueke. As part of her bail conditions, she must provide a surety who will pay £70,000. Additionally, she must always wear an electronic tag, and the judge imposed an 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew.