An arrest warrant for Diezani Alison-Madueke, a former minister of petroleum resources, has been obtained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The development was revealed to journalists on Monday by the EFCC’s acting spokesman, Dele Oyewale.
Remember that Alison-Madueke was arrested today at the Westminster Magistrates Court in London, United Kingdom, as a result of alleged bribery charges.
The 13-count money laundering indictment the EFCC brought against her is not included in the charges brought against her at the London court.
The EFCC further stated, “It is instructive to note that criminality is criminality, irrespective of jurisdictional differences. No crime can go unpunished.
“The money laundering charges for which Madueke is answerable to the EFCC cover jurisdictions in Dubai, the United Kingdom, the United States of America and Nigeria.
“To bring the former minister to trial in Nigeria, an arrest warrant has been obtained, and extradition proceedings have been initiated.
The commission is on course on her trial. She will soon have her day in our courts,” he added.
Alison-Madueke was given a £70,000 bail by district judge Michael Snow today at the Westminster Magistrates Court.
Alison-Madueke was also given various conditions by Snow, such as an 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew, an electronic tag that she had to wear constantly, and a £70,000 surety that had to be paid before she was allowed to leave the courthouse.
She didn’t formally enter a plea, claims Reuters. Her lawyer, Mark Bowen, however, informed the court that she will enter a not guilty plea.
On October 30, she will appear in court again at Southwark Crown Court.