Former Nigerian Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke Charged with Bribery Offences by UK Police

The British police have taken legal action against Diezani Alison-Madueke, the former Minister of Petroleum of Nigeria, charging her with bribery offenses related to alleged improprieties during her tenure.

According to information provided by Reuters, the UK police unveiled on Tuesday their suspicion that Alison-Madueke had accepted bribes in exchange for awarding significant oil and gas contracts, valued at millions of pounds.

The 63-year-old former minister held her position within the administration of former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, serving from 2010 to 2015. Notably, she also held the presidency of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

In response to the charges, Andy Kelly, who heads the International Corruption Unit of the National Crime Agency (NCA), 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.”

The NCA’s allegations against Alison-Madueke include receiving benefits exceeding £100,000, including cash, chauffeur-driven vehicles, private jet flights, opulent family vacations, and utilization of several high-end properties across London.

Charges filed against her further detail the financial advantages she allegedly enjoyed, such as the provision of furniture, extensive renovation work, and staff management for these London properties. The charges also cite the payment of private school tuition fees and lavish gifts from prestigious designer shops, which encompass Cartier jewelry and luxury goods from Louis Vuitton.

Alison-Madueke’s legal predicament marks a significant development in an extensive international inquiry, shedding light on potential transgressions related to her time as a prominent figure in Nigeria’s petroleum sector. The upcoming legal proceedings are anticipated to garner widespread attention, as her actions during her ministerial tenure are under intense scrutiny.