The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Ibrahim Magu on Monday explained why the agency was pushing to have former minister of Petroleum, Diezani Madueke, back in Nigeria to face corruption charges.
Magu said after three years of investigation in the United Kingdom, no charges have been filed against her in the UK courts, while investigations into her financial malfeasance have been concluded by the EFCC in Nigeria.
He spoke while fielding questions from journalists at the Jabi head office of the EFCC in Abuja, during a press conference to commemorate his three years leadership of the anti-craft agency.
Madueke, according to the EFCC, has been alleged to be responsible for the $20 billion missing from the Petroleum sector under her watch.
She has already been charged to court in Nigeria by the EFCC over money laundering issues.
In October 2015, Madueke was arrested by the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) in London, along with four other people on suspicion of corruption offences.
Magu said “There is no court trial. She was being investigated even before I assumed office. So, it has taken so long and it is very unreasonable that she is not being tried there.
“So, we are tired of waiting and that was why I said if you cannot prosecute her, bring her and we will prosecute her. There is no prosecution going on in the UK.
“We are involved in the investigation in this country and outside the country including America and London. I have been there. We have worked and sat together. We cannot wait endlessly.
“I think three years is sufficient for you to take her to court. There is no court process against her in the UK. Nobody is prosecuting her there,” He said.
Also asked about the Malibu scandal involving former Nigerian government officials and International oil companies Shell and Eni, Magu said the EFCC is still interested in the matter.
He said the Commission is scheduled to meet with prosecutors from Italy in Nigeria next week, noting that the Commission is committed to collaborating with the Italian authorities to bring the case to conclusion.
The Malibu case revolves around allegations that Dan Etete a former petroleum minister facilitated the transfer of payment of $1.1bn to a company he had set up, Malabu oil and gas in 1998 using a false identity.
The 2011, $1.3 billion purchase by oil giants Shell and Eni of OPL 245, an offshore oil block is estimated to hold 9 billion barrels of crude.
Daily Trust reports that 15 entities including the oil companies are being prosecuted in Milan, Italy with Nigeria being the victim.
Earlier, the EFCC chairmen said since he took over from 2015 to 2018 the agency have secured 703 convictions.
He said assets recoveries from 2015- 2018, following court orders which granted prayers for interim and final forfeiture of looted funds include over N794billion and over $261million recovered.
He said Pounds Sterling recovered stands at 1, 115, 930.47 and 8, 168, 871. 13 Euros, while the sum of 86, 500 CFA has also been recovered.
He said hundreds of properties such as filling stations, petroleum products, land, jewellery, automobiles, real estate, vessels, hospitals, company shares and heavy machinery and broadcast equipment have been seized from corrupt elements between 2015 and 2018.
He added that from 2015 to 2018; 407 mansions were seized, 126 have been forfeited finally and 281 are under interim forfeiture.
He said nine filling stations were seized and placed under interim forfeiture.
Lands seized sums up to 98 of which 56 are under interim forfeiture, while 42 have been forfeited finally to the Federal Government.
He said two hundred and fifty nine automobiles have been seized, 35 are under interim forfeiture while 224 have been forfeited finally.
He said a hospital, St. Solomon Health Care Centre located at No. 24, Adeniyi Jones Street, Ikeja, Lagos, has also been forfeited finally.
He said a Base Transceiver Station (BTS) equipment in 36 sites across five Eastern States were forfeited finally on orders of court.
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