Diezani Madueke, the former Petroleum Minister under ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, who sought refuge in the United Kingdom amidst fears of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has made a heartfelt appeal to Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Madueke, currently battling the second stage of cancer, expressed her desire to return to Nigeria and confess to financial misconduct during her tenure.
During a press conference in London following a medical visit, the once-accused embezzler of billions of dollars from Nigeria revealed her readiness to disclose details of the allegedly misappropriated funds.
Madueke, who claimed to have embraced Christianity, pleaded for forgiveness and an opportunity to contribute to her homeland, acknowledging the transient nature of life.
Speaking to the press, she stated, “I’ve been accused of financial misconduct during my tenure as the petroleum minister, and it’s true.
However, I would like Bola Tinubu and Nigerians to forgive me, allow me to return home, and contribute because life is transient.”
Madueke also implicated Dauda Lawal Dare, the current governor of Zamfara State, revealing that she had entrusted over $9 billion to him while he served as the Executive Director of First Bank Nigeria PLC.
She expressed distress over Lawal’s alleged collaboration with the UK police and his refusal to answer her calls.
In October, SaharaReporters disclosed that a UK court was trying Alison-Madueke over bribery allegations.
The Westminster Magistrates Court adjourned the hearing on the suit involving her for allegedly accepting a £100,000 bribe.
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The UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) suspected Madueke of accepting bribes in exchange for awarding multi-million-pound oil and gas contracts.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, submitted a warrant of arrest and extradition request to the Crown Prosecution Services of the United Kingdom.
The EFCC initiated the extradition process, revealing on October 2 that it had commenced bringing Madueke back to Nigeria over 13-count charges related to money laundering.