EFCC Backtrack On Diezani’s Repatriation, Blocks Her Return For Trial

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Wednesday successfully blocked an attempt by embattled former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, to return to Nigeria from London to face trial.

Mrs. Alison-Madueke had fled to London shortly after she left office in May 2015. She later became an object of interest to the UK National Crime Agency which has since then been investigating her for corruption and money laundering.

It however, appears that the former minister is tired of staying in the UK, and now wants to return to Nigeria, where she is also being investigated for massive corruption.

She recently filed an application through her lawyer before Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of the Federal High Court, Abuja, seeking to be joined as defendant in the trial of businessman Jide Omokore.

The EFCC however interpreted her action as a ploy to escape prosecution in the UK and frustrate the ongoing trial in Nigeria.

After hearing arguments by both parties, Justice Dimgba declined to grant the application, and instead, struck out the eighth count in which the former minister’s name appeared.

In mounting a strong challenge to the application, the counsel for the EFCC, M.S. Abubakar, in an 18-paragraph counter-affidavit, vehemently opposed the filing, arguing that, “the applicant realized she was being investigated, and she absconded abroad and sometimes in March this year operatives were in London, but her lawyers refused to allow the operatives interview her.

“My lord, this present application is a plot by the applicant to enable her escape prosecution in London, also to enable her come to Nigeria and scuttle the ongoing case which has already gotten to an advanced stage.”

After hearing arguments by both parties, Justice Dimgba declined to grant the application, and instead, struck out the eighth count in which the former minister’s name appeared.

The verdict effectively ended her dream of returning home after holing up in London for more than two years.

It remains unclear whether she would appeal the ruling.

Source: Premium Times

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