Ahead of the International Anticorruption Summit in the UK this week, a
civil society group Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project
(SERAP) has called on the UK authorities to “extradite Nigeria’s former
petroleum minister Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke to face charges of
corruption and money laundering, as the charges she is currently facing in
UK court do not sufficiently capture the gravity of her alleged crimes,
and the increasing allegations of corruption against her in Nigeria.”
The request followed announcement this week by the Central Bank of Nigeria
that it was carrying out special investigations into the roles played by
banks in certain financial transactions, especially the N23bn reportedly
shared to officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission by
officials of the former President Goodluck Jonathan administration to
influence the outcome of the last general elections.
In a statement today by SERAP executive director Adetokunbo Mumuni the
group said, “The anticorruption summit in London provides an important
opportunity for the UK government to support the ongoing fight against
corruption in Nigeria, and to send a powerful message that the UK will not
provide sanctuary or condone impunity for corrupt public officials.”
The statement reads in part: “As a state party to the UN Convention
against Corruption, the UK government can use the convention as a basis
for the extradition of Mrs Alison-Madueke back to Nigeria.”
“We urge the Nigerian authorities to without delay submit a request to the
UK authorities for the extradition of Mrs Alison-Madueke, explicitly
making the point that Nigeria will guarantee her a due process-trial.”
“If the UK refuses extradition request, Nigeria should consider submitting
the matter for arbitration and if this cannot resolve the case, refer it
to the International Court of Justice for adjudication. The Nigerian
authorities should also consider filing a civil action against Mrs
Alison-Madueke in the UK court.”
“By sending Mrs Alison-Madueke back to her country, the UK will be sending
a message that high-level official corruption will not go unpunished no
matter where the suspected perpetrator hides and thus contribute to the
fight against impunity for grand corruption. The UK indeed has an
obligation to extradite Mrs Alison-Madueke through international
cooperation and collaboration in good faith with Nigeria.”
“We believe that effective prosecution in Nigeria is feasible, and this
will bring justice closer to Nigerians who are direct victims of
corruption. Extraditing Mrs Alison-Madueke back to Nigeria is equally
important for allowing easier access to witnesses, evidence, victims of
corruption; creating a deep connection between Nigerians and the impact of
the trial; and empowering victims of corruption.”
“SERAP believes that there is probable cause that Mrs Alison-Madueke
participated in the extraditable acts involving some banks in Nigeria,
whether directly or indirectly. The allegations of corruption against her
are strong enough for Prime Minister David Cameron to facilitate an
extradition proceeding.”
“The UK shouldn’t be a country of refuge for corrupt officials if it is to
avoid a miscarriage of justice in high-level corruption cases. But if Mrs
Alison-Madueke is not extradited, the UK will have a responsibility to
amend her charges to include the fresh allegations against her and to try
her on the merits under the UK laws as if she had committed the crimes
there.”
“Mr Cameron risks missing an ‘open goal’ unless he shows that the UK is
unreservedly committed to seeking justice for victims of corruption, and
international cooperation in the fight against corruption by urgently
facilitating the extradition of Mrs Alison-Madueke to Nigeria so that she
can explain her role in the continuing disclosure of allegations of
corruption and money laundering involving several Nigerian banks which
allegedly took place during her time in office as petroleum minister.”
“SERAP is also concerned that UK banks continue to accept millions of
pounds from corrupt Nigerian politicians. Without the complicity of these
banks, it would be much harder for corrupt politicians including from
Nigeria to loot public funds or accept bribes.”
“Therefore, in order to meet the requirements of the UN Convention against
Corruption, Mr Cameron will need to do more to reform and crack down on
his country’s financial institutions that continue to provide safe havens
for corrupt funds from Nigeria with almost absolute impunity.”
“It’s also important for Mr Cameron to work towards improving judicial
cooperation between Nigeria and the UK if stolen assets stashed in the UK
are to be fully repatriated and if he is not to send a message that
corrupt suspects can get away with their crimes without consequences.”