“Diezani Alison-Madueke’s UK acquittal does not end Nigeria’s corruption probe” — HEDA says

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA) has said the acquittal of former Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke by a United Kingdom court should not bring an end to corruption investigations and asset-recovery proceedings involving her in Nigeria.

In a statement, HEDA Chairman Olanrewaju Suraju said the June 17 verdict by a Southwark Crown Court jury should be respected as a decision on the specific bribery charges brought against Alison-Madueke in the UK.

However, he said the verdict does not automatically determine the outcome of separate cases and asset-recovery proceedings under Nigerian law.

HEDA urged the Nigerian government, including the EFCC, to continue pursuing viable cases based on credible evidence, due process and the rule of law.

The organisation stressed that criminal prosecution and asset recovery are separate legal processes, adding that an acquittal in a criminal case does not necessarily determine the status of assets involved in separate forfeiture proceedings.

Alison-Madueke was found not guilty of six bribery-related charges in the UK after a five-month trial. She is also involved in separate proceedings in Nigeria concerning assets linked to her.

HEDA said Nigeria should not rely on foreign courts to determine whether corruption allegations involving Nigerians should be pursued domestically.

It also called for greater transparency from Nigerian authorities on the status, location and management of assets recovered or forfeited in connection with the former minister.