Bribes and Other Crimes

Nigeria’s former oil minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has been charged in the UK with bribery adding to the ranks of politicians enshrouded in corruption. As corruption soars and authorities embezzle resources, Nigerians continue to plummet into poverty forgotten by those who swore to protect them.

Written by Victoria Audu

Aug 27, 2023

Photo Illustration by Onyinye Dike/The Republic. Source: Quartz.

On Tuesday 22 August 2023, Diezani Alison-Madueke, Nigeria’s former oil minister, who also served as the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries president, was charged by the UK National Crime Agency (NCA) with bribery. The offences follow an investigation by the NCA, which alleges that she accepted bribes in exchange for oil and gas contracts worth millions of pounds while in government.

THE CRIME

Alison-Madueke served as Nigeria’s Minister for Petroleum Resources during Goodluck Jonathan’s administration from 2010-2015. During this period, she allegedly received bribes amounting to £100,000 in cash and much more. According to the NCA, ‘She 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.’

In March 2023, the NCA presented proof of her corrupt activities to the US Department of Justice which aided them in reclaiming assets valued at $53.1 million. The amount recovered is of record-breaking feat according to Andy Kelly, the Head of the NCA’s International Corruption Unit. Kelly 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.’

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About the Author

Victoria Audu

is a Junior Editor at The Republic.

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Bribes and Other Crimes

THE CRIME