We’ve neither confirmed nor denied that Diezani is being investigated – UK Crime Agency

The United Kingdom Crime Agency has responded to the statement
made by the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, regarding the investigation of the
Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke.

The response was sequel to an email sent to the NCA Press Office
in London by The PUNCH.

In the email signed by Louise Powell, the Senior Communications
Officer, said, “We have neither confirmed nor denied whether we
have an investigation into Diezani Alison-Madueke.”

On whether the NCA would be collaborating with the EFCC to
extradite Diezani to Nigeria, the agency said it does not handle
extradition outside the European Union countries because of the
European Arrest Warrant agreement.

Once issued, the EAW requires another member state within the EU
to arrest and transfer a criminal suspect or sentenced person to
the issuing state so that the person can be put on trial or
complete a detention period.

However, Nigeria, which is not a member of the EU, does not
enjoy such privileges.

The NCA therefore asked that questions regarding Diezani’s
purported extradition be directed to the UK Home Office.

The UK Home Office promised to respond to The PUNCH inquiries
before the end of the month.

Magu had, on Monday, said the EFCC was working with the Office
of the Attorney General of the Federation to extradite the former
petroleum minister because the UK authorities had “unnecessarily
delayed” her case.

When asked if her extradition to Nigeria would not affect her
pending case in the UK, Magu said, “There is no court trial. She
was being investigated even before I assumed office. So, it has
taken so long and it is very unreasonable that she is not being
tried there.

“So, we are tired of waiting and that was why I said if you
cannot prosecute her, bring her and we will prosecute her. There is
no prosecution going on in the UK.

“We are involved in the investigation in this country and
outside the country including America and London. I have been
there. We have worked and sat together.

“We cannot wait endlessly. I think three years and above is
sufficient for you to take her to court.

“There is no court process against her in the UK. Nobody is
prosecuting her there.”