Nigeria’s anti-graft agency, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has hit a snag its bid to bring former Petroleum Resources Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke to justice.
Diezani who served during the six-year stint of Goodluck Jonathan fled Nigeria for the United Kingdom shortly after Mr Jonathan lost his re-election in 2019.
But she had a plan, she was going to stay away from Nigeria for as long as possible until it is safe for her to return and her safe haven wasn’t the UK, it was the Dominican Republic were she is not only a citizen but has been appointed Trade and Investment Commissioner.
In a document seen by Chronicle NG from the office of the EFCC, the anti-graft agency has failed to successfully extradite Diezani because of her new ties in the Dominican Republic.
“With the diplomatic passport, she is immune to arrest by any law enforcement agency, including the Interpol,” an EFCC senior official who craved anonymity said.
“Before leaving office on May 28, 2015, she had perfected a script with the office of the Prime Minister, Commonwealth of Dominica.
“She lobbied to be appointed as Trade and Investment Commissioner with effect from June 1, 2015.
“The lobby actually worked. In a letter dated May 29, 2015 and signed by Prime Minister Roosevelt Kerry, Diezani was offered not only the citizenship of Dominica, a Caribbean Island, but also an appointment as Trade and Investment Commissioner.
“A diplomatic passport issued on May 21, 2015, with an expiry date of May 20, 2020, came with the offer of appointment,” the document from the EFCC reads.
It adds that “the passport contained 32 pages and in one of the pages, a restraining statement against arrest is made.”
The restraining order reads as follows: “The President of the Commonwealth of Dominica requests and requires in the Name of the Government of Dominica all those whom it may concern to allow the bearer to pass freely without let or hindrance and afford the bearer such assistance and protection as may be necessary.”
Diezani’s diplomatic passport number is given as DP0000445.
In the appointment letter issued by Prime Minister Kerry, Diezani was tasked with “direct promotion and marketing of Dominica as a trade and investment domicile.”
It is believed in intelligence circles that Diezani now works for the Commonwealth of Dominica.
“She is strengthened by a diplomatic shield which no law enforcement agency around the world can ignore. Besides, her British citizenship is another protective hedge she has been using against repatriation to Nigeria, to answer overwhelming charges of corruption against her,” the document further states.
Unconfirmed reports claim she has been treating cancer in the UK, even though EFCC sources believe the cancer stories have been planted in the media to buy her more time as she continues to evade arrest and prosecution for alleged corruption.
Several attempts by the EFCC to trigger an extradition treaty with the UK and have Diezani return home for trial have met a brick-wall.
Among other acts of corruption, the former minister has been accused of fraudulent ownership of 76 luxurious property in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt, valued at N23 billion.
Fourteen charges bordering on theft and concealment to the tune of $153 million, have been filed against her by the EFCC.
