The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is reportedly planning to collaborate with UK prosecutors in the trial of former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, in a UK court.
According to sources, a team from the EFCC will travel to London to file relevant documents and participate as an interested party in the trial.
The EFCC intends to share its findings and the Abuja high court’s forfeiture order concerning Diezani’s $2.5 million properties and vehicles with the UK court.
This move aims to ensure that Nigeria benefits from Diezani’s trial and potentially recovers assets linked to funds looted in the country.
Related News: EFCC Probes 10 NSCDC Officers, 20 contractors in Alleged N7.5 Billion Fraud
The EFCC reportedly possesses substantial evidence against Diezani, including allegations of stealing approximately $2.5 billion from Nigeria’s coffers during her tenure as minister.
The collaboration between the EFCC and the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) underscores the international dimension of the case.
Last year, the NCA described the charges against Diezani as a significant milestone in a comprehensive international investigation into bribery and corruption.
Diezani currently faces trial at the Southwark Crown Court in the UK over allegations of receiving benefits worth at least £100,000, including cash, luxury properties, and private jet flights.
Efforts to secure Diezani’s extradition have also been underway, with the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice submitting a warrant of arrest and extradition request to the Crown Prosecution Services of the United Kingdom in October 2023.
You can also read: EFCC Probes 10 NSCDC Officers, 20 contractors in Alleged N7.5 Billion Fraud