Following her recent bribery acquittal by a London court, Diezani Alison-Madueke former minister of Petroleum Resources is facing intense pressure to immediately return to Nigeria and answer to the multi-billion dollar corruption allegations still pending against her at home, according to former presidential aide Laolu Akande.
- +Cleared in London, needed at home: Diezani urged to face Nigerian justice
Speaking during a national television broadcast, Akande, a veteran journalist and former spokesperson to ex-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, emphasised that while the UK legal system may have cleared her of specific foreign charges, the gravity of the institutional damage alleged in Nigeria demands her physical presence and accountability before the nation’s judicial system.
Speaking during a national television broadcast, Akande, a veteran journalist and former spokesperson to ex-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, emphasised that while the UK legal system may have cleared her of specific foreign charges, the gravity of the institutional damage alleged in Nigeria demands her physical presence and accountability before the nation’s judicial system.
He argued that true vindication for the former minister can only be achieved if she willingly submits herself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and domestic courts rather than remaining abroad.
Alison-Madueke, who served as petroleum minister from 2010 to 2015 under President Goodluck Jonathan, has been residing in the United Kingdom since leaving office.
She has been the subject of sprawling investigations by both British and Nigerian authorities regarding the alleged diversion of public funds, money laundering, and the controversial awarding of multi-billion dollar oil contracts.
A Southwark Crown Court in London recently dismissed the bribery charges brought against her by the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA), citing a lack of sufficient evidence to secure a conviction under British law.
The UK court’s decision has sparked intense debate across Nigeria, with many citizens expressing frustration over the difficulty of prosecuting high-profile public officials in foreign jurisdictions.
Despite the British ruling, the EFCC maintains an active interest in her case, having previously secured final forfeiture orders on luxury properties, bank accounts, and jewelry worth millions of dollars linked to the former minister, maintaining that these assets were acquired through the proceeds of domestic corruption.
Akande concluded that the Nigerian government must intensify its efforts to ensure justice is served, noting that the country’s anti-corruption fight loses credibility if high-profile suspects remain insulated from domestic trials.
He maintained that if she is convinced of her innocence, the most honorable step is to board the next flight to Abuja, though whether Alison-Madueke will heed the call to return remains highly uncertain.
