UK crime agency charges former Nigerian oil minister with bribery offences | cnn

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Former Nigerian Oil Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke has been charged with bribery offenses following an investigation by the UK’s National Crime Agency, which alleges she took bribes in exchange for multi-million dollar oil and gas contracts while in government.

“It is alleged that he benefited from at least £100,000 in cash, chauffeured cars, private jet flights, luxury holidays for his family and the use of multiple London properties,” the National Crime Agency said in a statement. .

“Their charges also detail financial rewards including furniture, renovation work and staffing for the properties, payment of private school fees, and gifts from high-end designer stores such as Cartier jewelry and Louis Vuitton products.”

Alison-Madueke, who was a key figure in former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan’s cabinet from 2010 to 2015, has previously denied the corruption allegations.

The agency said Alison-Madueke, who currently resides in London, will appear before Westminster Magistrates Court on October 2.

“These charges are a milestone in what has been a comprehensive and complex international investigation,” said Andy Kelly, head of the NCA’s International Corruption Unit. “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 abroad to confront the threat.”

The National Crime Agency added that assets related to the alleged crimes, worth millions of pounds, have been frozen as part of the investigation.

Alison-Madueke was also the first female president of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa and the largest oil producer, is one of the 13 OPEC countries.