Diezani Alison-Madueke, a former Minister of Petroleum Resources in Nigeria, has been at the centre of several high-profile corruption allegations. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed money laundering charges against her in 2015, and in July 2020, a bench warrant was issued for her arrest. However, in a recent motion filed by her counsel, Diezani denied being on the run and asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to set aside the bench warrant.
Diezani’s counsel, Mike Ozekhome, argued that she went to the United Kingdom in 2015 for treatment for –
“the most aggressive form of breast cancer – Triple Negative Cancer.”
She claimed that the EFCC’s assertion that she was on the run was false, and that the bench warrant breached her right to a fair hearing as it was issued without jurisdiction.
Diezani stated that she had resided in the UK since May 22, 2015, when she voluntarily travelled for medical treatment towards the end of Jonathan’s administration. As a result, she underwent two operations, eight months of intensive chemotherapy, and five weeks of radiotherapy.
However,
She claimed she was erroneously put into a near-fatal coma during her chemotherapy. On October 2, 2015, she was invited by the UK National Crime Agency to the Charing Cross Police Station. She was then questioned for several hours and subsequently released on police bail.
Diezani alleged that the EFCC broke into her Abuja residence and carted away several documents and many items of value. All of this happened in her absence, without prior invitation or notice. She learned about several forfeiture orders made in respect of certain funds and property in some charges or other civil proceedings, either through the media or by being informed by close associates and relatives. The media usually ascribed and allegedly said that the funds and property belonged to her.
Diezani stated that despite her ongoing legal battles, she has been living openly. She claims to have never attempted to conceal her identity or location whether abroad or in Nigeria. Additionally, she claimed that the UK National Crime Agency (NCA) was fully aware of her location in the UK.
Diezani has asked the court to vacate the order of bench warrant against her. She further asked that they strike out her name from the charge –
“in the interest of justice.”
