The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) on Wednesday requested the British authorities to extradite former Petroleum Minister, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke, to face trial in Nigeria.
SERAP’s call came against the backdrop of the hosting of International Anti-corruption Summit in London scheduled to commence on May 12.
The group said in a statement in Lagos that the UK should not provide “sanctuary’’ for Nigerian corrupt public officials or condone their impunity.
“The anti-corruption summit in London provides an important opportunity for the UK government to support the ongoing fight against corruption in Nigeria.
“It is also to send a powerful message that the UK will not provide sanctuary for corrupt public officials or condone impunity.
“As a party to the UN Convention against Corruption, the UK government can use the convention as a basis for the extradition of Mrs Alison-Madueke to Nigeria.
“We urge the Nigerian authorities to without delay submit a request to the UK authorities for the extradition of Alison-Madueke, explicitly making the point that Nigeria will guarantee her a due process-trial.
“The Nigerian authorities should also consider filing a civil action against Alison-Madueke in the UK courts,” the statement signed by the Executive Director of SERAP, Mr. Adetokunbo Mumuni, said.
“The allegations of corruption against her are strong enough for Prime Minister David Cameron to facilitate an extradition proceeding.”
SERAP also called on the UK Prime Minister to crack down on the country’s financial institutions that continued to provide “safe havens for corrupt funds” from Nigeria.
The group noted: “It is also important for Mr Cameron to work towards improving judicial cooperation between Nigeria and the UK if stolen assets stashed in the UK are to be fully repatriated.” NAN
