Nigeria’s ex-petroleum minister, Diezani Allison-Madueke is likely to escape trial in the United Kingdom (UK) even though she is facing charges of bribery by the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA).
This was disclosed by an official of Southwark Crown Court in an interview with The Guardian.
“Her case has just been transferred to us,” from the Westminster Magistrate Court, where she appeared on October 3.
The court official also responded to a question on when the former minister will be due to appear before a judge at the court.
He said, “She has a plea and pre-trial preparation hearing on October 30.”
The source also spoke on the likely date of how the trial will be: “This hearing is for her to take a plea. If she pleads guilty, she will not need to face trial. If she enters a no-guilty plea, a trial date will then be set.”
Recall that 63 years old Allison-Madueke who also served as President of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) during her tenure as Minister under President Goodluck Jonathan, is alleged by the NCA to have pocketed about £100,000 in bribes in exchange for awarding multi-million pounds worth of oil contracts.
The NCA allegations also stated that she and her family benefitted from chauffeur-driven cars, flights on private jets, and luxury holidays, among others.
