The FG has no intention of inviting Diezani to Nigeria -AGF

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Diezani Alison-Madueke

Abubakar Malami, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, says Nigeria will not bring back former petroleum minister, Diezani Allison Maduake from the UK to face trial as this act will jeopardise the investigations being carried out on her over there.

Recall that Diezani had stated interest to appear in court to defend an alleged N400m criminal charge where her name was mentioned by the defendants in a case filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

Malami, however, told the state House correspondents in Abuja on Wednesday, that the Government would not hesitate to bring her back if the need arises but at the moment it’s more important she faces her corruption charges in UK because of the gravity of the offence.

“Steps have been taken by the United Kingdom authorities on issues bothering on corrupt practices involving Nigerians.

“If Nigeria feels strongly that there is need to bring Mrs. Diezani Allison-Madueke here to face charges of corruption, government will not hesitate to do that.

“As things stand now, there is no need for that since the UK Government is already investigating her.

“Government will not take any decision that will jeopardize what the UK government is doing,’’ he said.

He said Madueke could request to be brought home for trial but that she should face her trial in the UK because the gravity of the offence she committed abroad was higher.

He said: “Mrs. Deziani Allison-Madueke is facing charges of money laundering and acquisition of properties in the United Kingdom.

“So it is more important to face the charges there than for her to come as a mere witness in a case in Nigeria.’’

The minister further stated that the country was doing a lot in litigation and fight against corruption within and outside the country.

“The truth of the matter is that government is doing something, especially on issues of corruption and litigation in Nigeria and outside the country,” he added.

He said that there had been some understanding between Nigeria and other countries, especially the United Kingdom on the recovery of stolen funds.

Recall that Nigerian musician, Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, had led a protest to the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in Abuja, demanding the extradition of Diezani from the UK to Nigeria

Mrs. Madueke is currently standing trial in Nigeria and the UK for alleged misappropriation of the nation’s funds while she held sway as minister during the immediate past administration.

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