UK charges former petroleum minister,Allison-Madueke to court over alleged bribery

The UK government has announced bribery charges against Diezani Alison-Madueke, former Nigerian oil minister for allegedly receiving substantial financial rewards in return for awarding multi-billion-pound oil and gas contracts.

The UK National Crime Agency (NCA),said the 62-year old Nigerian, who served as petroleum minister from 2010 to 2015 under the Goodluck Jonathan administration, would appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on October 2.

Andy Kelly, head of the international corruption unit of the NCA said the first female president of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is suspected  of abusing her position to accept financial rewards for awarding multi-million-pound contracts.

 “These charges are a milestone in what has been a thorough and complex international investigation,” said Kelly.

According to the NCA,Alison-Madueke allegedly benefited from at least 100,000 pounds in cash, chauffeur driven cars, flights on private jets, luxury holidays for her family, and the use of multiple London properties.

The NCA also disclosed that charges against her also detail financial rewards including furniture, renovation work and staff for the properties, payment of private school fees, and gifts from high-end designer shops such as Cartier jewellery and Louis Vuitton goods.

Alison-Madueke, who currently lives in St John’s Wood, an upmarket area of west London, has been  mired by corruption allegations since her departure from public office but has denied all allegations levied against her till date.