London Courthas fixed June for former Minister
The Court at London, in the United Kingdom, UK, has fixed June for the commencement of the trial of the former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, and four others, over alleged corrupt practices.
According to the report, part of the evidence against the accused, is the proceedings of a Federal High Court in Nigeria, in respect of the order of a final forfeiture of $153 million, allegedly traced to the ex-Minister.
According to a source in the Economic And Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC: “The UK Investigators have gone far on the allegations against Diezani. From the records made available, the ex-Minister and four others will face trial as from June.
“We have taken more evidence to the UK, including all court records relating to the final forfeiture of $153million. We have a huge pile of documents.”
Responding to a question, the source added: “In fact, one of the suspects on the radar of Investigators has been located in London, and he is under surveillance.” He declined to name the suspect.
On the reported negotiation with the former Minister, the source said: “There is no basis to negotiate with the ex-Minister, in view of the overwhelming evidence at our disposal. You should ask yourself what purpose the negotiation will serve.
“The EFCC is set for the trial of the ex-Minister at home and abroad. It is curious to be talking of a curious negotiation with someone who has a prima facie case to answer.
“The ex-Minister has forfeited $153 million; we have had far-reaching investigation on her involvement in the $115 million poll bribery scandal; we have seized some of her choice properties, and she has consistently maintained that she is ready for trial. So, what is the basis for negotiation when we have a good case?”
Recall, that The National Crime Agency, NCA, on October 2, 2015, had arrested Diezani and four others, for alleged corruption and money laundering.
The former Minister, whose movement has been restricted to the UK, remains under investigation.
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