The Presidency, on Sunday, confirmed the arrest of a former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, in the United Kingdom over allegations of corruption and money laundering.
It was learnt that the Department of State Service (DSS) was collaborating with the National Crime Agency (NCA) in Britain to get to the root of the bribery and money laundering allegations against the former Minister and four others, who are yet to be named.
“The government is aware of the arrest and all the government investigative agencies are working very closely with the British law enforcement,” the Senior Special Assistant to the President, Garba Shehu, said on Sunday.
“Nigerian authorities are saying for the first time that matters are being handled with seriousness and deep commitment. Nobody wants to give the impression that this government is frivolous and unserious.
“For this reason, government is only confirming active collaboration. Beyond this, we are not saying more. In due course, Nigerians will be briefed on updates as appropriate,” he said
“The arms of government dealing with investigation, particularly the Department of State Service (DSS), are actively collaborating with the relevant agencies in the UK.”
“Nobody wants to say anything as a Mark of respect for the agencies carrying out the investigation. We also want to show that we are serious about this anti-corruption war.”
When pressed to explain if Nigeria will ask for the ex-minister’s extradition, Shehu said: “I won’t give details other than telling you that the DSS is collaborating with the relevant agencies on this case. We want to do things differently from the past.”
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) plans to send a team to London to be part of the former minister’s trial.
Mrs Alison-Madueke, who is on bail, is expected to be charged to court in London for alleged money laundering and other related offences by the NCA.