Legal hurdle stalling Diezani’s extradition for trial, says Wahab Shittu

Legal hurdle stalling Diezani’s extradition for trial, says Wahab Shittu

Wahab Shittu, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), says
successive Nigerian governments have struggled to prosecute Diezani
Alison-Madueke, former minister of petroleum, due to complex extradition
procedures.

 

On Friday, the Nigerian and US governments signed an asset
return agreement on $52.88 million recovered from the Galactica assets.

 

The assets were linked to Alison-Madueke and her associates.

 

Speaking on Channels Television’s ‘Politics Today’ on
Friday, Shittu said “legal and extra-legal hurdles” remain a significant
challenge in the extradition of the ex-minister.

 

“You know the extradition procedures of getting somebody who
has taken flight from one country to another involve legal compliance
procedures that must be satisfied before someone can be extradited to Nigeria,”
he said.

 

“There are judicial procedures and international
administrative protocols that must be complied with.

 

“Successive Nigerian governments, particularly this
administration, are making efforts to ensure Diezani is brought back to face
her trials. However, legal and extra-legal hurdles remain a significant
challenge.



“These challenges demonstrate the complexity of
international justice systems but efforts must continue until justice is
served.”

 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alleged
that Alison-Madueke stole $2.5 billion from Nigeria’s coffers during her stint
as minister.

 

In October 2015, Alison-Madueke and four other persons were
arrested in the UK over alleged bribery and money laundering offences.

 

In August 2023, the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) said
they suspected that Alison-Madueke had accepted bribes in return for awarding
multi-million-pound oil and gas contracts.

 

The Southwark Crown Court in the UK has been prosecuting
Alison-Madueke over an alleged £100,000 bribe.

Source: Legal hurdle stalling Diezani’s extradition for trial, says Wahab Shittu

 - NigerianEye
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