Diezani Must Return to Nigeria, Face EFCC Cases — Laolu Akande

Diezani Must Return to Nigeria, Face EFCC Cases — Laolu Akande

Former presidential spokesman Laolu Akande has urged former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, to return to Nigeria and defend herself against pending corruption allegations and EFCC cases, despite her recent legal outcome in the United Kingdom.

Akande made the call during a monitored interview on Friday, describing the UK court’s decision as “exciting news,” but stressing that it does not end or override ongoing proceedings in Nigeria.

Akande said the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) still has active cases involving Diezani, including court-ordered asset forfeitures linked to alleged proceeds of corruption. He maintained that while foreign court rulings may influence public perception, they do not conclude domestic legal processes, especially where Nigerian courts are still reviewing related matters. He argued that the former minister should return home and allow the Nigerian judiciary to fully determine the outstanding allegations, insisting that only a local court judgment can provide final closure.

He also revisited controversies surrounding Nigeria’s oil sector during Diezani’s tenure as petroleum minister, particularly the strategic alliance agreements involving the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC). Akande alleged that crude oil worth about $3 billion was sold under arrangements that did not involve proper payment of royalties or taxes. He added that these issues remain part of public records and investigations, though they are still subject to legal scrutiny and not fully resolved in court.

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He further claimed that documents reviewed during his time in government pointed to transactions involving Diezani and other individuals, adding that these matters require judicial determination in Nigeria.

Akande insisted that if Diezani believes the UK ruling supports her innocence, she should return to Nigeria and face the EFCC corruption trials to clear her name once and for all. He said allowing Nigerian courts to decide the pending cases would help resolve one of the country’s most high-profile corruption controversies and strengthen accountability in public service.

Diezani Alison-Madueke, who served under former President Goodluck Jonathan, has faced multiple corruption allegations in Nigeria and abroad since leaving office in 2015. She has consistently denied wrongdoing, while several asset recovery and forfeiture proceedings have been carried out by Nigerian authorities over the years.

Akande’s remarks have further intensified public debate over whether foreign court outcomes should influence domestic corruption cases involving former public officials.

Diezani Must Return to Nigeria, Face EFCC Cases — Laolu Akande