Setback in EFCC’s extradition moves as Dominica gives Diezani Madueke citizenship, appointment.
Fortune has smiled on Diezani Alison-Madueke, a former petroleum minister, who has been appointed as a commissioner for trade and investment for the Commonwealth of Dominica by the country’s prime minister, Roosevelt Skerrit.
The appointment does not, however, attract a remunerative package, according to the prime minister’s letter This was after she was given Dominica’s citizenship, The Nation reports, citing a May 29, 2015 approval letter by the prime minister.
Recall that Diezani is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in connection with an alleged N23.29 billion poll bribery scam.
The anti-graft agency also wants the ex-minister to account for N47.2 billion; $487.5million; N23,446,300,000 and $5milion (about N1.5billion) in various Nigerian banks. She is also expected to account for alleged spending of $6.9 million to buy three 40-feet mobile stages for use during mass public speaking events.
However, the alleged acquisition of Dominica’s citizenship and the diplomatic passport has reportedly caused a huge setback for the EFCC’s chances of getting her extradited to Nigeria to face charges.
According to The Nation, Diezani’s case, including the extradition process, is getting complicated after her laying claim to citizenship of the Commonwealth of Dominica. The newspaper reports that a top source, who spoke in confidence, said the former minister is taking full advantage of the system in the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth of Dominica where she is a citizen.
“We cannot successfully repatriate her without the involvement of the two countries. She has really set hurdles against her extradition.
While the National Crime Agency (NCA) claimed that it is still investigating our allegations against Diezani, the Commonwealth of Dominica has not shown any interest in the return of her citizen to Nigeria.
“What we have done so far is to present a comprehensive report of our findings to the NCA,” the source was quoted to have said.