The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set to apply to a United Kingdom court to participate as an interested party in the trial of former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke. A team from the anti-graft agency will travel to London to file papers and present findings on the $2.5 million homes and cars linked to Diezani, based on a forfeiture order from a high court in Abuja.
Diezani, who has been on trial in the UK's Southwark Crown Court for an alleged £100,000 bribe, may face additional scrutiny from the EFCC, which alleges that she "benefitted from at least £100,000 in cash, chauffeur-driven cars, flights on private jets, luxury holidays for her family, and the use of multiple London properties."
The EFCC's interest in the case stems from its desire to access assets that may be seized from the ex-minister. A source revealed that Nigeria might struggle to reclaim questionable assets from Diezani without the EFCC's involvement as an interested party. The EFCC aims to ensure that Nigeria benefits from Diezani's trial, especially in recovering assets linked to looted funds.
The EFCC has gathered substantial evidence against Diezani, including a court order pertaining to her $2.5 million homes and cars. The agency is also working with the UK's National Crime Agency (NCA) and may collaborate on the case. The EFCC's move highlights its commitment to recovering stolen, diverted, and questionable assets for the benefit of Nigerian citizens.
