Ahead of the International Anti-corruption Summit in the UK this week, a civil society group Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the UK authorities to extradite Nigeria’s former Petroleum Minister, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke to face charges of corruption and money laundering.
In its statement signed by its executive director, Mumuni Tokunbo, SERAP argued that the charges preferred against Dieziani in UK court do not sufficiently capture the gravity of her alleged crimes and the increasing allegations of corruption against her in Nigeria.
SERAP’s request was sequel to the revelation by the Central Bank of Nigeria that it was carrying investigations into the roles played by banks in certain financial transactions, especially the N23 billion reportedly shared to officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by officials of the former President Goodluck Jonathan administration to influence the outcome of the last general elections. It stated that the anti-corruption summit in London provides an important opportunity for the UK government to support the ongoing fight against corruption in Nigeria.
It noted: “As a state party to the UN Convention against Corruption, the UK government can use the convention as a basis for the extradition of Mrs Alison-Madueke back to Nigeria. According to SERAP, “We believe that effective prosecution in Nigeria is feasible, and this will bring justice closer to Nigerians who are direct victims of corruption. Extraditing Mrs Alison-Madueke back to Nigeria is equally important for allowing easier access to witnesses, evidence, victims of corruption; creating a deep connection between Nigerians and the impact of the trial; and empowering victims of corruption.’’
Source: NigerianEye
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