British authorities announced on Tuesday that they have formally charged former Nigerian oil minister Diezani Alison-Madueke with bribery offences.
The charges stem from suspicions that she accepted bribes in exchange for awarding multi-million pound oil and gas contracts during her tenure.
Nigeria, known as Africa’s most populous nation and a prominent oil producer, has long grappled with pervasive political corruption. Former colonial ruler Britain has become a preferred destination for Nigerian officials seeking to enjoy the proceeds of their ill-gotten gains.
Alison-Madueke, 63, held the position of petroleum minister from 2010 to 2015, serving under former President Goodluck Jonathan. Also, she assumed the role of president of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) from 2014 to 2015.
Andy Kelly, Head of the National Crime Agency’s International Corruption Unit, stated, “We suspect Diezani Alison-Madueke abused her power in Nigeria and accepted financial rewards for awarding multi-million pound contracts. These charges mark a significant milestone in a comprehensive and intricate international investigation.”
Alison-Madueke was detained in London in October 2015, several months after leaving office. She has been subject to investigations in both Nigeria and the United States.
While she has previously denied allegations of corruption, she was not reachable for comment on Tuesday. A London-based lawyer representing her in 2015 did not promptly respond to requests for comment.
The National Crime Agency disclosed that Alison-Madueke is presently residing in the affluent St John’s Wood neighborhood of west London. She is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on October 2.
The charges against her encompass various financial benefits, including cash sums exceeding £100,000 ($127,000), chauffeur-driven cars, private jet flights, luxurious family vacations, and the utilization of multiple upscale properties in London.
The NCA also outlined additional rewards such as furniture, property renovations, staffing for residences, private school tuition payments, and extravagant gifts from high-end boutiques, including Cartier jewelry and Louis Vuitton merchandise.
The agency further indicated that substantial assets linked to the alleged offences have been frozen. It confirmed its cooperation with the U.S. Department of Justice, leading to the recovery of assets totaling $53 million tied to Alison-Madueke.
Recent years have witnessed Nigerian courts ordering the seizure of assets amounting to tens of millions of dollars, encompassing properties, vehicles, substantial amounts of jewelry, and even a gold iPhone.
This announcement comes within a month of a London court’s order for the confiscation of $130 million from former Nigerian oil state governor James Ibori. Although unrelated, this case also sheds light on the prevailing issue of political corruption in Nigeria.
Britain’s well-developed legal and financial sectors, coupled with a thriving property market, have made it a global hub for money laundering. The anti-corruption unit of the National Crime Agency forms part of the government’s concerted efforts to combat the inflow of illicit funds.