Nigerians React To EFCC Chief’s Appeal To Nigerians In Diaspora To Pressurise UK To Release Diezani Alison-Madueke For Trial

By Edna Wande Last updated May 25, 2020

Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ibrahim Magu, has urged Nigerians in the Diaspora to compel the United Kingdom to release former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Allison Madueke, to face trial in Nigeria over alleged corruption.

The EFCC has been investigation for money laundering to the tune of $2.5 billion when she served under the administration of former President, Goodluck Jonathan.

Magu made the plea during a virtual town hall meeting with Nigerians in Diaspora (NID), Vanguard reports.

He tasked NID to support the anti-graft agency by exposing foreign assets of local politicians, taking advantage of the government’s whistleblowing policy.

Magu expressed displeasure over the continued difficulties being faced by the EFCC to bring Alison-Madueke to trial, stressing that Nigerians in the United Kingdom should form pressure groups to demand her trial.

He said;

Nigerians in the United Kingdom need to collaborate with the EFCC more and pressure the authorities there to assist the EFCC in bringing Diezani to trial.

Does it not bother Nigerians in that country that Diezani has not been brought to trial for the heinous allegations of corruption against her in Nigeria?.

The EFCC boss also assured Nigerians abroad of business protection in the country, stressing that local fraudsters frustrating Diasporans from investing in Nigeria would henceforth face the wrath of the law.

He said the EFCC is aware of the uncertainties and risks which local fraudsters are posing to credible businessmen and women abroad, who wish to invest in the Nigeria’s economy.

According to Magu;

The EFCC is ready to offer intelligence services to anyone seeking genuine business partners in Nigeria. The profiles of potential business partners in Nigeria would be obtained and delivered to the foreign-based investors and this would assist you in taking decisions on whom to partner with locally.

He added;

We can also offer intelligence on any line of business desired by the Nigerian in the Diaspora. We are ready to do all these to encourage credible and serious investors who do not want to be defrauded by fraudsters in Nigeria.

Magu charged Nigerians in the Diaspora to avail themselves the opportunities in the country and bring more investments into local economy.

Many Nigerians on Twitter have however called out the EFCC boss for ‘misplaced priority’ and an attempt to evade investigating other corrupt Nigerians in the country.

See some reactions below;

Anytime people asked EFCC to probe someone(from the ruling party) they would come up with another narrative. Lol
Days ago we called out EFCC to probe Obasa, today they are talking about Diezani.
This deflection strategy don cast fr.

— Premier (@SodiqTade) May 25, 2020

Sadly, EFCC is engaged in a witch hunt & wants Nigerians to join in the ugly biz. Late Abba Kyari, ex-interior Minister Dambazau, Tinubu, Speaker Obasa, etc hav been accused of various acts of corruption but weren’t investigated by EFCC. It wants only Diezani. That’s witch hunt.

— The Roy ⚖ (@BarrROUN1990) May 25, 2020

The Nigeria government has a very bad reputation in the international community.

The UK government didn’t agree with EFCC because they believe it’s a political witch hunt and the same Nigerian government is corrupt as well.

The whole Diezani case is dead and buried already.

— OLUOMO OF DERBY 🇳🇬 🇬🇧 (@Oluomoofderby) May 25, 2020

With the level of corruption under this admin, I’m afraid, Diezani has attained sainthood.
Let her be! Face the one with 64 accounts before the matter enter voicemail

— ZigZag (@IkBoyoyo) May 25, 2020

Now that we don’t have Diezani at our disposal, we can start from home and what did you me that obasa own is not on the level confiscation. Can please Define “Level of Confiscation “?

— Olaonipekun (@OfficialSamkayz) May 25, 2020

#ObasaGate and, #gandollar are there, other corrupt politicians are in Nigeria too. Nigerians been echoing their trial and nothing has been done. No response whatsoever from EFCC. Now you want us to be shouting at UK government to release Diezani for your selective prosecution?

— PoseidonRidwan🧠🌹🍓 (@Sysiphus) May 25, 2020

Because she is a woman why don’t we bully her abi😩😩😩😩😩These other men that are currently in the country why don’t you start with them first. Diezani that is far away is the one you want to bring back for trial.

— RHOZE (@Egbuna_Rosemary) May 25, 2020

For the umpteenth time, releasing Diezani for trial in Nigeria is a sure way to her freedom. Is it not Nigerian courts and same prosecution counsels at EFCC?

— Emmy ®️ (@emmybac) May 25, 2020