Former Nigerian Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachikwu, has been implicated in a high-profile bribery case alongside former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke.
The charges against Alison-Madueke include receiving bribes, such as cash, luxury goods, private jet flights, and the use of upscale properties in the UK in exchange for awarding oil contracts during her tenure from 2010 to 2015.
Kachikwu’s involvement in the criminal proceedings has sent shockwaves through the nation’s political landscape.
According to court documents, Kachikwu was allegedly bribed in August 2015 with the intent to influence his role as a foreign public official, contravening the Bribery Act 2010.
Westminster magistrates’ court saw Alison-Madueke in attendance, where she was granted bail in the amount of £70,000.
However, the district judge imposed stringent conditions, including an 11 pm to 6 am curfew, the mandatory wearing of an electronic tag, and the payment of a £70,000 surety before leaving the court premises, deeming her a “flight risk.”
Also Read: Former Nigerian Oil Minister, Alison-Madueke Faces Bribery Charges in London Court
This development comes amidst an ongoing investigation by Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), alleging that Alison-Madueke embezzled $2.5 billion from Nigeria’s treasury during her ministerial tenure.
The EFCC has obtained a warrant for her arrest and initiated extradition proceedings, further escalating the legal battle.
Allegations continue to mount in this high-stakes case, with both former ministers vehemently denying any wrongdoing.
As the investigation unfolds, Nigeria watches closely, eager to see justice served in a case that could reshape the nation’s political landscape.