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.”
(PUNCH)
