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Former President of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Diezani Alison-Madueke, has been accused of bribery offenses connected to her tenure as Nigeria’s oil minister, as announced by the United Kingdom National Crime Agency (NCA) on Tuesday.
Alison-Madueke, aged 63, has been on bail since her initial arrest in London in October 2015. The National Crime Agency (NCA) has confirmed that she is scheduled to make a court appearance in the British capital on October 2.
Following her arrest, her family’s legal representative informed AFP that she intends to vehemently contest the corruption allegations that have haunted her throughout her tenure and beyond, during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Serving from 2010 to 2015, Alison-Madueke held the distinction of being Nigeria’s inaugural female oil minister and the first woman to preside over the global oil consortium, OPEC.
The head of the NCA’s division focused on international corruption, Andy Kelly, released a statement stating, “We hold suspicions that Diezani Alison-Madueke wielded her influence improperly in Nigeria and received financial gratifications in exchange for granting multi-million pound contracts.”
The NCA has stated that Alison-Madueke is alleged to have received benefits totaling at least £100,000 ($127,000), including cash, chauffeur-driven cars, private jet flights, lavish family holidays, and the occupancy of multiple upscale London properties.
The charges also outline additional financial perks, such as funding for furniture, property renovations, and property-related staff, as well as the payment of private school tuition fees. Notably, there are mentions of gifts from renowned luxury stores, including Cartier jewelry and Louis Vuitton items.
Kelly emphasized that bribery stands as a deeply entrenched form of corruption that facilitates severe criminal activities and can yield catastrophic outcomes for developing nations.
He further remarked, “These charges represent a significant juncture in what has been an exhaustive and intricate global investigation.”
Alison-Madueke has resided in the upscale St. John’s Wood neighborhood in North London since her initial arrest. Her family has revealed that she also underwent chemotherapy for breast cancer during this period.
Upon her arrest, the NCA disclosed detaining five individuals in London under suspicion of international corruption. However, the identities of those apprehended were not divulged.
Subsequently, the Nigerian government, led by Muhammadu Buhari, who succeeded Jonathan, officially confirmed Alison-Madueke’s arrest. The government further conveyed its commitment to collaborative efforts between Nigerian and British law enforcement agencies.
Following his assumption of office, former Army General Buhari initiated an anti-corruption campaign, emphasizing its importance as a key priority.
The NCA has reported that assets worth millions of pounds related to the case have been frozen as a crucial aspect of the ongoing investigation.
Back in March, the agency, specializing in combatting international and organized crime, furnished evidence to the US Department of Justice, enabling the recovery of assets amounting to $53.1 million associated with Alison-Madueke’s alleged corrupt activities.
