Diezani who appeared in court today to answer her charges was also slammed with other sanctions including an 11pm to 6am curfew, an electronic tag to be worn by her at all times and a £70,000 surety to be paid before she could leave the court building.
During her appearance at Westminster Magistrates Court, she provided her name, date of birth, and address.
Although, she did not formally enter a plea, her attorney, Mark Bowen, informed the court that she would plead not guilty.
Her next court appearance will be at Southwark Crown Court, which handles serious criminal cases, on Oct. 30.
In a statement published on its website, the agency disclosed that Diezani “is alleged to have benefitted from at least £100,000 in cash, chauffeur-driven cars, flights on private jets, luxury holidays for her family, and the use of multiple London properties.
“Her charges 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.”
In March 2023, the NCA also provided evidence to the US Department of justice that enabled them to recover assets totalling USD 53.1 million linked to Diezan’s alleged corruption.
However, The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has had said that it has obtained a warrant of arrest to bring former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Deziani Allison-Madueke to trial for alleged corruption.’
The Commission also said in a statement by its Acting Head, Mefia and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, that it had initiated a process of extradition for the former minister.
“To bring the former Minister to trial in Nigeria, an arrest warrant has been obtained and extradition proceedings have been initiated.” The EFCC said
The EFCC was reacting to the arraignment of the former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke at the Westminister’s Court in London, United Kingdom, over alleged bribery allegations.
The EFCC described it as a welcome development.
Oyewale said although the charges preferred against her at the London court, are diametrically different from the 13-count charges bordering on money laundering the EFCC has raised against her, it is instructive to note that criminality is criminality, irrespective of jurisdictional differences.
“No crime can go unpunished. The money laundering charges for which Madueke is answerable to the EFCC, cover jurisdictions in Dubai, United Kingdom, United States of America and Nigeria.
“The Commission is on course on her trial. She will soon have her day in our courts.” The statement added.