Mrs Diezani Alison Madueke, former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum, has been charged with bribery offences following an investigation by National Crime Agency (NCA) of the British government.
The 63-year-old who also served as President of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC, is suspected by NCA to have accepted bribes during her time as Minister in exchange for awarding multi-million pound oil and gas contracts.
The Delta-born flamboyant lady 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.
She is expected to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on 2 October.
Meanwhile, speaking over the development, Andy Kelly, Head of the NCA’s International Corruption Unit (ICU) said, “We suspect Diezani Alison-Madueke abused her power in Nigeria and accepted financial rewards for awarding multi-million pound contracts.
“These charges are a milestone in what has been a thorough and complex international investigation.
“Bribery is a pervasive form of corruption, which enables serious criminality and can have devastating consequences for developing countries. We will continue to work with partners here and overseas to tackle the threat.”
