The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is poised to partner with UK prosecutors as an interested party in the trial of former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, over alleged $2.5 billion fraud. According to reports, a team from the EFCC will journey to London to file relevant documents, aiming to share findings and a court order on Diezani’s $2.5 million properties and vehicles with the UK court.
The move comes amid efforts to ensure Nigeria benefits from Diezani’s trial, including the recovery of assets linked to looted funds. The EFCC possesses substantial evidence against Diezani, including allegations of embezzlement and final forfeiture orders on properties and funds. Collaboration with UK authorities, including the National Crime Agency (NCA), underscores the global scale of the investigation into Diezani’s alleged corruption.
Diezani’s trial in the UK revolves around charges of bribery, with allegations of benefits worth at least £100,000, including cash, luxury vacations, and multiple properties. Despite bail granted in 2023, concerns remain over her potential flight risk and the extradition process initiated by the Attorney-General of the Federation.
The trial proceedings are slated to commence in November 2025, reflecting the ongoing pursuit of justice in one of Nigeria’s most high-profile corruption cases.
