Diezani Alison-Madueke, the former Petroleum Minister, currently residing in the United Kingdom, has reportedly admitted to embezzling funds from Nigeria. During a recent press briefing in London, Madueke claimed to have entrusted nine billion dollars to the current Governor of Zamfara State.
Madueke, who served as the petroleum minister under former President Goodluck Jonathan, is said to have left the country to the UK to avoid potential arrest by Nigeria’s anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Battling cancer, she is now appealing to the Nigerian government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to allow her to return and confess to financial wrongdoing during her tenure.
In her confession, Madueke expressed remorse for financial misconduct during her time as the petroleum minister, stating her willingness to provide detailed information about the alleged misappropriation of funds. Claiming to be a born-again Christian and emphasizing the transient nature of life, she sought forgiveness from President Tinubu and Nigerians.
Madueke also discussed her connection with the current governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal Dare, alleging that she entrusted him with over nine billion dollars for safekeeping while he was the Executive Director of First Bank Nigeria PLC. She expressed concern that Lawal, who is no longer responsive to her calls, might be collaborating with the UK police to put her under surveillance, possibly to claim the entrusted money after her demise.