The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is set to collaborate with prosecutors in the United Kingdom in the trial of former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke.
According to The PUNCH, a team from the EFCC will travel to London to file relevant documents and share its findings with the UK court.
The EFCC intends to present its evidence, including a court order for the forfeiture of Diezani’s $2.5 million properties and vehicles, to support the UK’s prosecution.
This move is aimed at ensuring Nigeria benefits from Diezani’s trial and recovers assets linked to funds allegedly looted by her.
A source close to the matter revealed that the EFCC has sufficient evidence against Diezani, including allegations of stealing $2.5 billion from Nigeria’s coffers during her tenure as minister.
According to a source privy to the information, 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 country may not be able to retrieve questionable assets from Diezani if the EFCC does not file an application as an interested party. We have received an advisory on this important bend to Diezani’s trial and we will be part of the case in the UK. A team will leave for London any moment from now to explore legal opportunities and file necessary papers as an interested party.
“The overall aim is for Nigeria to benefit from Diezani’s trial, especially the recovery of all assets linked to funds looted in this country. The EFCC has sufficient evidence against Diezani, including a court order on the former minister’s $2.5 million homes and cars.
“In another case, a former chairman of EFCC confirmed that the commission recovered $153 million and secured the final forfeiture of over 80 properties in Nigeria valued at about $ 80 million. The allegations against Diezani by the EFCC border on the alleged stealing of about $2.5 billion from Nigeria’s coffers as a minister.” the source said.
The source emphasized the importance of Nigeria’s involvement in the case to recover stolen assets and serve justice.
The trial, scheduled to commence in November 2025, will see Diezani face charges of bribery and corruption.
The National Crime Agency has alleged that Diezani received benefits worth at least £100,000, including cash, luxury items, and properties.
The EFCC’s collaboration with the NCA in the UK is seen as a significant step in tackling international corruption and recovering stolen assets.
The outcome of the case may also lead to Diezani’s extradition to Nigeria to serve prison terms if convicted.
