Crime: Why UK Police charge ex-Nigerian Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke with bribery –NCA

*The United Kingdom National Crime Agency’s International Corruption Unit indicts former Nigerian Oil Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke for abusing her power in Nigeria, and accepting ‘financial rewards for awarding multi-million-Pound contracts’

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

British Police Tuesday, August 22, 2023, disclosed they had charged Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, former  Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources, with bribery offences.

It was learnt the UK Police suspected Alison-Madueke had accepted bribes in return for awarding multi-million-Pound oil and gas contracts, agency report noted.

ConsumerConnect reports the 63-year-old ex-Oil Minister was a key figure in the administration of erstwhile President (Dr.) Goodluck Jonathan, served as Petroleum Minister from 2010 to 2015 in the West African country.

While serving as a Cabinet Minister in Nigeria, she also acted as President of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

Andy Kelly, Head of the National Crime Agency’s (NCA) International Corruption Unit, further 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 what has been a thorough and complex international investigation.”

Details of criminal charges

The NCA disclosed that Alison-Madueke was accused of benefitting from at least 100,000 Pounds in cash, chauffeur driven cars, flights on private jets, luxury holidays for her family, and the use of multiple London properties.

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

Report as well indicates that since she left office in Nigeria, Alison-Madueke has been dogged by some corruption allegations, but denies the charges.

The suspect is currently living in St John’s Wood, an upmarket area of west London, and will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court October 2 this year, said the British Police.