ABUJA – Nigerian Governmen says there is no immediate plan to invite a former Petroleum Minister, Mrs. Deziani Alison-Madueke, back to the country to face corruption trial.
The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, disclosed this to State House correspondents on Wednesday after the weekly Cabinet meeting.
He said bringing Alison-Madueke, who is undergoing trial in the United Kingdom, back to Nigeria will jeopardize the trial.
Malami said, “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 Alison-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.
“Mrs. Deziani Alison-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 truth of the matter is that government is doing something, especially on issues of corruption and litigation in Nigeria and outside the country.”
Prompt News recalls that the former Minister had through her lawyer requested the Attorney General to commence process to bring her back to the country to face corruption trial.
