Why Court in London grants Alison-Madueke bail

Date:

Share post:

Diezani Alison-Madueke, a former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources, has appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London over charges of bribery offences.

The former minister had on August 22 been charged to court by the United Kingdom (UK) government over an alleged ÂŁ100,000 bribe.

The UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) said they suspected Diezani had accepted bribes in return for awarding multi-million-pound oil and gas contracts.

British police say they suspect she had accepted bribes in return for awarding multi-million-pounds oil and gas contracts, Reuters reported.

“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,” said Andy Kelly, Head of the National Crime Agency’s International Corruption Unit.

The charges, the British law enforcement said, include allegations of her benefiting from cash, chauffeur-driven cars, private jet flights, extravagant family vacations, and the utilisation of several upscale London properties.

Furthermore, the NCA details a web of financial rewards, including expenses for property furnishings and renovations, private school fees, and lavish gifts from renowned designer boutiques like Cartier and Louis Vuitton.

The former minister, aged 63, resides in the upscale neighbourhood of St John’s Wood in West London.

She wielded significant influence during her tenure as the Minister of Petroleum Resources from 2010 to 2015 in the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

She also held the role of President of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

Aside from legal tussles in the UK, Alison-Madueke remains under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). In October 2022, Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon of the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the final forfeiture of two Abuja properties and two luxury vehicles belonging to her.

Michael Snow, the district judge, has granted Alison-Madueke a ÂŁ70,000 bail.

However, Snow imposed additional conditions on Alison-Madueke, which include an 11 pm to 6 am curfew, mandatory wearing of an electronic tag at all times, and a requirement to provide a 70,000-pound surety before departing from the court premises.

Alison-Madueke’s next legal proceedings will take place at Southwark Crown Court, renowned for handling serious criminal cases, scheduled for October 30.

spot_img

Related articles

2026: Nigerian U16-Basketball Team prepares for Youth Olympic Games

In a significant step toward the upcoming Youth Olympic Games in Dakar 2026, Nigeria's Under-16 female basketball team...

Ember months: FRSC launches awareness campaign in Ebonyi

Abakaliki, Nigeria - Launching its 2024 Ember months awareness campaign in Ebonyi on Wednesday, the Federal Road Safety...

FG, IFAD-VCDP train 12 youth on equipment fabrication, maintenance

Awka, Nigeria - The Federal Government, in collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development, Value Chain Development...

Museum of West African Art Institute opens in Edo

Benin, Nigeria - The Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) was opened on Tuesday at a preview opening...