As Nigeria’s immediate past minister of petroleum,
Diezani Alison-Madueke, continues with her battle to
wade off the series of corruption allegations against her,
the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project
(SERAP) has demanded that she be repatriated from the
United Kingdom (UK) to defend herself.
The demand for her repatriation comes ahead of the
international anti-corruption summit in the UK for which
Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari is a
participant.
Diezani Alison-Madueke, former minister of petroleum
Some allies of Alison-Madueke are currently answering
questions relating to their roles in the huge financial
mismanagement and corruption that rocked the
government of Dr Goodluck Jonathan.
SERAP believes that the charges she is currently facing
in UK court do not sufficiently capture the gravity of her
alleged crimes and the increasing allegations of
corruption against her in Nigeria
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had recently
announced it was commencing special investigation
into the how some banks got involved in the N23 billion
allegedly shared to officials of the Independent National
Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigerian electoral
umpire, by officials of Jonathan’s government during
the 2015 general elections.
Executive director of SERAP, Adetokunbo Mumuni, said
on behalf of the rights group: “The anti-corruption summit
in London provides an important opportunity for the UK
government to support the ongoing fight against corruption
in Nigeria, and to send a powerful message that the UK will
not provide sanctuary or condone impunity for corrupt
public officials.
“As a state party to the UN convention against corruption,
the UK government can use the convention as a basis for
the extradition of Alison-Madueke back to Nigeria.
“We urge the Nigerian authorities to without delay submit a
request to the UK authorities for the extradition of Mrs
Alison-Madueke, explicitly making the point that Nigeria will
guarantee her a due process-trial.
“If the UK refuses the extradition request, Nigeria should
consider submitting the matter for arbitration and if this
cannot resolve the case, refer it to the International Court of
Justice for adjudication. The Nigerian authorities should
also consider filing a civil action against Mrs Alison-
Madueke in the UK court.
“By sending Mrs Alison-Madueke back to her country, the
UK will be sending a message that high-level official
corruption will not go unpunished no matter where the
suspected perpetrator hides and thus contribute to the fight
against impunity for grand corruption.
“The UK indeed has an obligation to extradite Mrs Alison-
Madueke through international cooperation and
collaboration in good faith with Nigeria.
“We believe that effective prosecution in Nigeria is feasible
and this will bring justice closer to Nigerians who are direct
victims of corruption.
“Extraditing Mrs Alison-Madueke back to Nigeria is equally
important for allowing easier access to witnesses, evidence,
victims of corruption; creating a deep connection between
Nigerians and the impact of the trial; and empowering
victims of corruption.”

The statement continues: “SERAP believes that there is
probable cause that Mrs Alison-Madueke participated in the
extraditable acts involving some banks in Nigeria, whether
directly or indirectly. The allegations of corruption against
her are strong enough for Prime Minister David Cameron to
facilitate an extradition proceeding.
“The UK shouldn’t be a country of refuge for corrupt
officials if it is to avoid a miscarriage of justice in high-level
corruption cases. But if Mrs Alison-Madueke is not
extradited, the UK will have a responsibility to amend her
charges to include the fresh allegations against her and to
try her on the merits under the UK laws as if she had
committed the crimes there.”
Recently, the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission (EFCC) reportedly released the chief
executive officers of two Nigerian banks.
According to Sahara Reporters, the men regained
freedom after they returned billions of naira they had
illicitly acquired from political slush funds during the
administration of former president, Goodluck Jonathan.
The EFCC sources revealed that Yemi Adeola, the
Sterling Bank’s CEO, was released on Friday, May 6,
after he deposited a payment of N5 billion.
According to one of the sources, the money returned by
Adeola was in partial restitution for a transaction of $88
million he received from Diezani Alison-Madueke, a
former minister of petroleum resources.



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