International pressure group, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) on Wednesday, asked the British Government to extradite former Nigerian Petroleum Resources Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke in order to be tried according to Nigerian law.
In the released statement, SERAP also called on the British Government to crack down on the country’s financial institutions that continued to provide “safe havens for corrupt funds” from Nigeria.
SERAP advised the UK Government not to provide “sanctuary’’ for Nigerian corrupt public officials or condone their impunity.
Here’s what the statement says:
“The anti-corruption summit in London provides an important opportunity for the UK government to support the ongoing fight against corruption in Nigeria.
“It is also to send a powerful message that the UK will not provide sanctuary for corrupt public officials or condone impunity.
“As a party to the UN Convention against Corruption, the UK government can use the convention as a basis for the extradition of Mrs Alison-Madueke to Nigeria.
“We urge the Nigerian authorities to without delay submit a request to the UK authorities for the extradition of Alison-Madueke, explicitly making the point that Nigeria will guarantee her a due process-trial.
“The Nigerian authorities should also consider filing a civil action against Alison-Madueke in the UK courts,” the statement signed by the Executive Director of SERAP, Mr Adetokunbo Mumuni, said.
“The allegations of corruption against her are strong enough for Prime Minister David Cameron to facilitate an extradition proceeding.”
“It is also important for Mr Cameron to work towards improving judicial cooperation between Nigeria and the UK if stolen assets stashed in the UK are to be fully repatriated.”