EFCC commends Diezani London Court appearance, to pursue extradition

Diezani Alison-Madueke, Nigeria's Former Minister of Petroleum Resources

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has commended the arraignment of former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, at the Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London, United Kingdom, where she faces charges of bribery related to oil and gas contracts.

Alison-Madueke appeared before the judges in London, and District Judge Michael Snow granted her bail of £70,000, subject to stringent conditions including the use of an electronic tag, an overnight curfew, and a £70,000 surety.

During her appearance at Westminster Magistrates Court, Alison-Madueke provided personal information, including her name, date of birth, and address, though she did not formally enter a plea. Her attorney, Mark Bowen, indicated her intention to plead not guilty.

This marks the second instance of a prominent Nigerian politician facing legal action in the United Kingdom in recent years. The previous case involved James Ibori, a former state governor, who received a 13-year prison sentence in 2012 for fraud and money laundering.

In response to Alison-Madueke’s court appearance, the anti-corruption agency revealed via its official social media account that they had secured an arrest warrant and initiated extradition proceedings against her.