By George Agba, By Kunle Olasanmi, By Reuben Buhari, Chika Otuchikere
— Oct 3, 2015 4:35 am | Leave a comment

Hours after the immediate past Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke was arrested by the United Kingdom National Crime Agency, and her residences in Abuja and Lagos simultaneously raided by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Federal Government has started mulling the idea of having her extradited back to Nigeria.

Diezani was arrested yesterday alongside four other people on offences related to bribery, corruption and money laundering. Even though the names of the other four couldn’t be ascertained, but just after the arrest of Diezani in London, EFCC operatives who stormed her home in Abuja also stormed the home of one Jide Omokore, a business friend of hers while she held sway as oil minister.

There were reports that Omokore’s 9 Turnbull Street home in Ikoyi, was raided by EFCC operatives. His office on Glover Street, also in Ikoyi was also under lock-down by EFCC officials.

Information gotten by LEADERSHIP Weekend shows that the arrest of Diezani by the Seizure Organised Crime Agency of the United Kingdom was at the behest of the EFCC which has been working discreetly and collaborating with the UK police on investigating Diezani and several other high-profile Nigerian government officers.

Even though her passport was seized and she was released on bail after hours of questioning by the London police, she was however, mandated to report at the Charing Cross Police Station on Monday, where she will continue answering question from the Seizure Organised Crime Agency who arrested her.

The former minister is in the the books for offences related to bribery, corruption and money laundering. When contacted, the British High Commission in Nigeria confirmed that some arrests were made Friday but declined to disclose the identities of those arrested.

Joseph Abuku, Press and Public Affairs Officer, said, “This morning, five people between the ages of 21 and 60 were arrested on suspicion of bribery and corruption offences. The crimes are being investigated by the National Crimes Agency.

“The National Crime Agency does not confirm identity at arrest nor provide information that could be used to corroborate the identity of an arrested individual,” he was quoted as saying.

Even though Wilson Uwujaren, the spokesperson of the EFCC refused to pick calls put through to him, nor replied text messages asking for conformation of the raid on both Deziani and Omokare’s houses, a credible source within the EFCC, who spoke to LEADERSHIP Weekend said “what you heard today (yesterday) was a result of careful and coordinated investigation by our commission. And I can confirm to you that more arrest will follow as we dig deeper into allegations surrounding a lot of high profile Nigerians on certain dealings.”

Asked whether they will initiate the process of extraditing her to Nigeria, the source said they will, when the London police are through with her. “The Commission will surely want to have her back in Nigeria so that we can also ask her some questions. But we will wait first and see the outcome. He also volunteered information that some officers of the EFCC will quickly proceed to the United Kingdom so they can be close and monitor proceedings.

Also, When LEADERSHIP Weekend contacted the force Public Relations Officer, Olabisi Kolawole, to confirm the planned extradition, the spokesman said she was not aware but would have to make some contacts and get back . As at the time of filling this report, the police PRO had not gotten back to our reporter. But a source said the police are out to carry out the plans of President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure the repatriation of the country’s money stolen and freighted to foreign countries.

“Yes the police played a role in the arrest of the former petroleum minister and we are making collaborative moves to extradite her into the country to face charges of corrupt enrichment and money laundering,” the source said.

Asked how soon the extradition is expected to materialise, the source said he could not yet be certain due to some of the legal processes that would clear the way for the action.

LEADERSHIP Weekend further sought clarification from the Ministry of Justice on whether officials of the ministry were aware of the arrest. A very senior official in the ministry of justice could not confirm to LEADERSHIP Weekend, if the arrest was as a result of an agreement between the government of the United Kingdom and that of Nigeria.

When asked to confirm or deny, if the government has anything to do with the arrest, he simply said he was going to make enquiries from a superior officer.

When LEADERSHIP WEEKEND put another call through to find out the true position, his mobile telephone rang severally with no one answering.

But In its reaction, the presidency said last night that the arrest of the former petroleum resources minister in London was an indication that the world is actually listening to President Muhammadu Buhari’s appeal for assistance in the ongoing war against corruption in the country.

The presidency was reacting to questions as to whether the arrest of Mrs. Alison-Madueke and four others by the British crime agency was based on its request.

When contacted by LEADERSHIP Weekend on telephone, the special adviser to the president on media and publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina simply said, “We have no information”.

The senior special assistant to the president on media and publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, however, told our correspondent that although he was not aware of any request by the presidency for Deziani’s arrest, the action taken by the British Crime Agency showed that the world was listening to President Buhari.

Shehu said, “I am not aware of any request. But you are aware of what President Buhari told world leaders at the 70th General Assembly of the United Nations; that they should assist in facilitating the return of stolen funds back to their countries of origin.

“If the arrest of the former minister has actually taken place in the U.K, then it definitely means that the world is listening to President Buhari’s call for assistance in the anti- corruption war”.

President Buhari had on Monday in New York urged world leaders heading countries where proceeds of corruption were being stashed to do more in returning the stolen funds and assets to their countries of origin.

Addressing the world leaders at the UN general assembly, the Nigerian President had said, “Nigeria is ready and willing to partner with international agencies and individual countries on a bilateral basis to confront crimes and corruption.

“In particular, I call upon the global community to urgently redouble efforts towards strengthening the mechanisms for dismantling safe havens for proceeds of corruption and ensuring the return of stolen funds and assets to their countries of origin”.

As at the time of going to press, LEADERSHIP weekend found out that the Asokoro home of the former minister was still under locks by officials of the EFCC who continued searching the house.

SOURSE:.http://leadership.ng/reporter/by-reuben-buhari/

UK can have her, we dash them patapata..

We don't want the trial marred by cries of persecution, witch hunting sentiments& TRIBAL dances at the gate of the Court.... ROBIN HOOD she's not..

All we request is that she shares the same cell with Ibori so they can have lengthy talks about the misplaced feeling that, because oil springs from their lands, it means it is their PERSONAL property & they can then proceed to pilfer the accrued proceeds...No bueno!!!



The most disgusting part of these two people's stories is that they didn't even improve the well being of the folks in their locality!!!

Now we are going to beg the UK to return the money which they will in turn then begin to give us CONDITIONS!!!

For a start, LEADERSHIP Newspaper is owned by APC Chief and Buhari's ally Mr Nda Isaiah.

@Topic: The APC and their Àgents are trying very hard to associate the success of Diezani's arrest to Buhari, who is yet to achieve anything since May 29. For the record...

1. The EFCC has at no time invited Ðiezani for questioning neither have they declared her wanted. In fact, they never invited her associates at any time prior to now. They never at any time request for Alison's extradition

2. The arrest was carried out by UK National Crime Agency on crimes that relate with money laundring and corruption on foreign soil. The EFCC got the info from the media and rushed to seal her Abuja house just to score points.

3. Diezani is not the first to be arrested by the british. Alamesiegha was arrested in 2005 by metropolitan police in london. James Ibori was arrested in Dubai at the request of the British authorities after he was declared wanted by both the UK (in 2007) and EFCC/Nigeria (March 2010). Credit for all these went to the British.

4. Since coming to power Buhari has been making probe rhetoric and has never shown the will. In fact, he has been drinking and eating with alleged corrupt officials like Amaechi, Atiku, Tinubu etc. Obasanjo in his letter once dared Atiku Abubakar to travel to the USA and see if he won't be arrested. Buhari is also yet to take action over the alleged corruption of Fashola as highlighted by Governor Ambode. In fact, the only case that's on the prosecution line is that of Saraki, which we all know was precipitated by political disagreement and not really because Buhari want to fight corruption. Buhari withdrew the EFCC's N2,8billion case against Sylva and even gifted him ticket for Bayelsa governorship elÉction. In fact, Sylva was with Buhari during the Oct 1st celebration. Another is the case of Abubakar Audu, a right-hand man of Buhari since his ANPP days who despite his corruption case was gifted the ticket for Kogi governorship poll.

greed of humanity at the detriment of others

I have long heard about Barcanista

Now I can see him/her in action...

Diezani would be tried in the UK.Buhari's obviously knows he has nothing concrete to convict her with in the more virile UK justice system haence his desperation to get her home where he can bribe Judges to do his biddings!! The British authourities would never acquiese to this demand.

If she is found guilty by the british authourities then so be it.

Asked whether they will initiate the process of extraditing her to Nigeria, the source said they will, when the London police are through with her. “The Commission will surely want to have her back in Nigeria so that we can also ask her some questions. But we will wait first and see the outcome. He also volunteered information that some officers of the EFCC will quickly proceed to the United Kingdom so they can be close and monitor proceedings.

Hopefully, they meant through with jailing her. Please, we the sane citizens don’t want her in Nigeria.

polithiefcians everywhere
abeg
i wantu cook JOLLOF... should i Use Rice??

Nice development... Next destination should be KIRIKIRI straight.



Now playing; After the reggae play the blues remix feat Vic O, Daddy showkey, Baba Fryo and Zaki Adze. Dedicated to the soon-to-be Queen of Kirikiri Kingdom.

Nemesis

chukwudi44:
Diezani would be tried in the UK.Buhari's obviously knows he has nothing concrete to convict her with in the more virile UK justice system haence his desperation to get her home where he can bribe Judges to do his biddings!! The British authourities would never acquiese to this demand.

If she is found guilty by the british authourities then so be it.

Is supporting corruption your default setting ?

You think the uk will arrest anyone without having adequate evidence to nail them??

chukwudi44:
Diezani would be tried in the UK.Buhari's obviously knows he has nothing concrete to convict her with in the more virile UK justice system haence his desperation to get her home where he can bribe Judges to do his biddings!! The British authourities would never acquiese to this demand.

If she is found guilty by the british authourities then so be it.

Shut up!

No, please - keep her in the UK for now. Doesn't mean she won't also face the Nigerian justice system.

modath:


Is supporting corruption your default setting ?

You think the uk will arrest anyone without having adequate evidence to nail them??

Ode leave that for the British courts to decide!! Diezani's fate would be decided in UK and not in Nigeria

OrlandoOwoh:

Shut up!

Oloribruku ode!!

Awesome

TonyeBarcanista:
For a start, LEADERSHIP Newspaper is owned by APC Chief and Buhari's ally Mr Nda Isaiah.

All newspapers are owned by APC. Which one is owned by your father, so we can start reading news from there?

1.

The EFCC has at no time invited Ðiezani for questioning neither have they declared her wanted. In fact, they never invited her associates at any time prior to now. They never at any time request for Alison's extradition

. So they would have informed you if they did.

The arrest was carried out by UK National Crime Agency on crimes that relate with money laundring and corruption on foreign soil. The EFCC got the info from the media and rushed to seal her Abuja house just to score points.

What do you know


3.

Diezani is not the first to be arrested by the british. Alamesiegha was arrested in 2005 by metropolitan police in london. James Ibori was arrested in Dubai at the request of the British authorities after he was declared wanted by both the UK (in 2007) and EFCC/Nigeria (March 2010). Credit for all these went to the British.

That it has been happening that way does not mean it cannot be the other way round. What is your problem with who takes the credit btw?

You made a statement in your thread yesterday that, you don't know when the investigation started in UK, so that you can attribute it to GEJ abi?

[s]

TonyeBarcanista:
For a start, LEADERSHIP Newspaper is owned by APC Chief and Buhari's ally Mr Nda Isaiah.

@Topic: The APC and their Àgents are trying very hard to associate the success of Diezani's arrest to Buhari, who is yet to achieve anything since May 29. For the record...

1. The EFCC has at no time invited Ðiezani for questioning neither have they declared her wanted. In fact, they never invited her associates at any time prior to now. They never at any time request for Alison's extradition

2. The arrest was carried out by UK National Crime Agency on crimes that relate with money laundring and corruption on foreign soil. The EFCC got the info from the media and rushed to seal her Abuja house just to score points.

3. Diezani is not the first to be arrested by the british. Alamesiegha was arrested in 2005 by metropolitan police in london. James Ibori was arrested in Dubai at the request of the British authorities after he was declared wanted by both the UK (in 2007) and EFCC/Nigeria (March 2010). Credit for all these went to the British.

4. Since coming to power Buhari has been making probe rhetoric and has never shown the will. In fact, he has been drinking and eating with alleged corrupt officials like Amaechi, Atiku, Tinubu etc. Obasanjo in his letter once dared Atiku Abubakar to travel to the USA and see if he won't be arrested. Buhari is also yet to take action over the alleged corruption of Fashola as highlighted by Governor Ambode. In fact, the only case that's on the prosecution line is that of Saraki, which we all know was precipitated by political disagreement and not really because Buhari want to fight corruption. Buhari withdrew the EFCC's N2,8billion case against Sylva and even gifted him ticket for Bayelsa governorship elÉction. In fact, Sylva was with Buhari during the Oct 1st celebration. Another is the case of Abubakar Audu, a right-hand man of Buhari since his ANPP days who despite his corruption case was gifted the ticket for Kogi governorship poll.

[/s]
RUBBISH! ABSOLUTE RUBBISH!

A novice in politics even will understand that no UK agency (let alone the National Crime Agency) will arrest anyone without having received a complaint or report of corruption cases against such person. That she was arrested is enough for anyone with an atom of intelligence to understand that a report/complaint must have been received about her.

They must have also carried out some investigations into those allegations before her arrest could be made.

That EFCC/FG was not revealing their covert operations to you Tonye does not mean they were not doing their work.

You have once again proved to be too empty upstairs.

I only pity those you're fooling around here.

So quick??

TonyeBarcanista:
For a start, LEADERSHIP Newspaper is owned by APC Chief and Buhari's ally Mr Nda Isaiah.
@Topic: The APC and their Àgents are trying very hard to associate the success of Diezani's arrest to Buhari, who is yet to achieve anything since May 29. For the record...
1. The EFCC has at no time invited Ðiezani for questioning neither have they declared her wanted. In fact, they never invited her associates at any time prior to now. They never at any time request for Alison's extradition
2. The arrest was carried out by UK National Crime Agency on crimes that relate with money laundring and corruption on foreign soil. The EFCC got the info from the media and rushed to seal her Abuja house just to score points.
3. Diezani is not the first to be arrested by the british. Alamesiegha was arrested in 2005 by metropolitan police in london. James Ibori was arrested in Dubai at the request of the British authorities after he was declared wanted by both the UK (in 2007) and EFCC/Nigeria (March 2010). Credit for all these went to the British.
4. Since coming to power Buhari has been making probe rhetoric and has never shown the will. In fact, he has been drinking and eating with alleged corrupt officials like Amaechi, Atiku, Tinubu etc. Obasanjo in his letter once dared Atiku Abubakar to travel to the USA and see if he won't be arrested. Buhari is also yet to take action over the alleged corruption of Fashola as highlighted by Governor Ambode. In fact, the only case that's on the prosecution line is that of Saraki, which we all know was precipitated by political disagreement and not really because Buhari want to fight corruption. Buhari withdrew the EFCC's N2,8billion case against Sylva and even gifted him ticket for Bayelsa governorship elÉction. In fact, Sylva was with Buhari during the Oct 1st celebration. Another is the case of Abubakar Audu, a right-hand man of Buhari since his ANPP days who despite his corruption case was gifted the ticket for Kogi governorship poll.

COMING FROM A CLOWN QHO THINKS APC MODERATES A GLOBAL SOCIAL NETWORK LIKE FACE BOOK THE WAY SEUN AND LALASTICLALA MODERATES NAILAND

YOU NEED A CHILL PILL BRO. GO ON VACATION OR SOMETHING....SO YOU CAN RECOVER FROM THE SHOCK OF JONATHAN LOOSING! I CAN HELP WITH SOME CASH..... YOU ARE BECOMING TOO MORONIC!!!!

Say no to extradition to Nigeria, where our judiciary is a mess. She should rather face trial in the U.K.