Diezani Alison-Madueke, Nigeria's former oil minister and a prominent figure in ex-President Goodluck Jonathan's administration, has been charged with bribery offenses in the United Kingdom.
The charges stem from allegations that she accepted substantial financial rewards in exchange for awarding multi-million dollar oil and gas contracts during her tenure as oil minister from 2010 to 2015.
The 63-year-old, who has been on bail since her arrest in London in 2015, has consistently denied all allegations of corruption.
However, assets worth millions of pounds have been frozen as part of an ongoing investigation by the UK's National Crime Agency (NCA), which describes these charges as a significant milestone in a complex international investigation.
The NCA's International Corruption Unit spokesperson, Andy Kelly, stated, "These charges are a milestone in what has been a thorough and complex international investigation."
The agency's collaborative efforts with Nigeria's anti-corruption agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), have played a crucial role in unraveling the alleged misconduct.
Among the alleged benefits Ms. Alison-Madueke is said to have received are at least £100,000 in cash, chauffeur-driven cars, private jet flights, luxury family holidays, and the use of multiple properties in London.
Furthermore, the investigation reveals payments for property renovations, staff services, private school fees, and gifts from high-end designer shops.
The US Department of Justice has also been involved in asset recovery efforts, managing to reclaim $53.1 million linked to Alison-Madueke's alleged corruption, thanks to evidence provided by the NCA.
Last year, Nigeria's EFCC announced the recovery of over $153 million and more than 80 properties linked to the former oil minister.
Nigeria, one of the world's largest oil producers, has long struggled with translating its oil wealth into societal benefits for its population of over 225 million.
The case of Diezani Alison-Madueke highlights the challenges the country faces in combating corruption and ensuring equitable distribution of resources.
Ms. Alison-Madueke, who currently resides in London's St John's Wood suburb, is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on October 2, as announced by the NCA.