The presidency on Sunday confirmed the arrest of a former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke in London saying it is working closely with British law enforcement confirmed, over allegations of corruption and money laundering levelled on the former minister.
In a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President, Garba Shehu , the authorities are saying for the first time that matters are being handled with seriousness and deep commitment. Nobody wants to give the impression that this government is frivolous and unserious.
“For this reason, government is only confirming active collaboration. Beyond this, we are not saying more. In due course, Nigerians will be briefed on updates as appropriate.” Garba said
Recall that vanguard reported yesterday that there were indications, that the minsiter, was arrested and released in the United Kingdom, on Friday, on money laundering allegations, and may be charged to court, this week.
Sunday Vanguard learnt that besides the four other persons arrested with the former minister, more suspects may also be arraigned.
Meanwhile, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) detectives, who raided the Abuja home of Allison-Madueke, just at about the time of her arrest in the UK, on Friday, reportedly recovered cash running into millions of Naira.
The trial is expected to be conducted in London and is likely to draw thousands of Nigerians resident in the United Kingdom (UK) but no date was specified, last night, when Sunday Vanguard made contacts with the National Crime Agency (NCA), which arrested and released Diezani and the four others on Friday.
An official of the NCA gave indication of the trial in a telephone chat but pointed out that the identities of all the suspects would only be unveiled at the point of charging them to court.
The official explained that the law establishing the NCA does not allow it to name those being investigated before charging them to court.
The official said: “Indeed we cannot name the five persons who were arrested and granted police conditional bail until we are ready to charge them to court.
“The law does not permit us to do so and we will release appropriate information to the media as the case progresses”.
Many days for the thief and one day for the owner of the house. The other celebrated thief, Saraki cannot be having a good night sleep, as his criminal life may also soon come to an end. Nigeria has suffered too much in the hands of its own citizens. Just a few years ago Diezani and Saraki both received the bow & go treatment at the Senate. Today, they may bow, but will not go!
ReplyDeleteAll looters must go to jail after returning Country funds. And they should not near country polical system again even including there Family
ReplyDeleteIs she now a member of deeper life, chosen or mountain of fire? No earrings? where are all her diamonds? Madam you cannot deceive us, come out in your usual full glory and while we are at it, her boyfriend Chris the watch maker abi wetin be his name should be quizzed too.
ReplyDelete