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The EFCC says it has so far traced N47.2 Billion and $487.5 Million in cash and properties to former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, who is in London, United Kingdom, where she is treating cancer and facing likely prosecution for graft.

Two officers of the EFCC, Tony Orilade and Aishah Gambari, in an article released on Tuesday, revealed details of the heist, which may be the biggest bust in Nigeria’s history.

Read the full article below:

DIEZANI ALISON-MADUEKE: What an Appetite!

N47.2 Billion and $487.5 Million in cash and properties have so far been traced to the former Minister of Petroleum Resources in the Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke. This followed painstaking investigations by operatives of Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

TONY ORILADE/AISHAH GAMBARI

From time immemorial, precious metals – gold, silver and sparkling stones such as diamonds have delighted women. Relationships have been built and destroyed, wars fought for and reconciliations cemented with gold and precious stones. Not too far back in history, Liberia was the theatre of war over Blood Diamonds.

Unlike Liberia however, the Nigerian nation is not at war. But, it seems Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke, until recently, Minister of Petroleum Resources, going by the sheer amount of her acquisition of gold and diamonds, may have been fighting a spirited war against millions of compatriots who are heavily and unevenly yoked by crass poverty. To boot, the former minister is accused of having stolen – in broad daylight – the money that funded her acquisitive binge.

A search of one of Alison-Madueke’s palatial residences in Abuja, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, turned up boxes of gold, silver and diamond jewelry, worth several million pounds sterling.

Apart from the jewelry, the EFCC, Nigeria’s foremost anticorruption agency, has traced N47.2 Billion and $487.5 Million in cash and properties to the former Minister of Petroleum Resources in Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

The former minister who has been in London since the birth of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, has however continued to deny any financial misdeed. She insists she is being severely maligned and persecuted by the EFCC. But, on the strength of weighty evidences placed before Nigerian courts, there are a string of judicial pronouncements ordering the forfeiture of all allegedly ill-gotten wealth to Alison-Madueke’s former employers, the Federal Government of Nigeria.

One of the constitutional requirements to be appointed to public office in Nigeria, is the total declaration of all personal assets. It does seem like that provision was observed more in the breach by Alison-Madueke.

The EFCC, in the course of investigation, traced another property valued at $37.5m to the former minister in Banana Island, Lagos. She was said to have purchased the 15-storey building, which comprises 18 flats and six penthouses, between 2011 and 2012from the developers, YF Construction and Real Estate. The property was allegedly acquired in the name of a shell company, Rusimpex Limited, which is managed by one Afamefuna Nwokedim, Principal Partner, Stillwaters Law Firm, Lagos.

On August 7, 2017, Justice Chuka Obiozor, a vacation judge sitting at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, ordered the final forfeiture of a $37.5m (N11.75bn) (Eleven Billion, Seven Hundred and Fifty Million Naira) property on Banana Island, Ikoyi, Lagos allegedly belonging to Diezani Alison-Madueke. The order followed an exparte application filed on July 17, 2017 by the EFCC.

At the last adjourned sitting on July 19, 2017, counsel to the EFCC, A.B.C. Ozioko, while moving the ex-parte application, had urged the court to order the forfeiture of the total sum of US$2, 740,197.96 and N84, 537,840.70 respectively found by the Commission in Rusimpex USD account No. 1013612486 domiciled in Zenith Bank Plc suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities. Ozioko had also urged the court to order an interim forfeiture of the assets and property. Ruling on the applications, Justice Obiozor had ordered the respondents- Deziani, Afamefuna Nwokedi and Rusimpex Limited- to show cause within 14 days why the properties should not be forfeited to the Federal Government.

The judge had further ordered the publication of the interim order in any national newspaper for the respondents or anyone who is interested in the property to appear before the court to show cause within 14 days why the final order of the property should not be made in favour of the Federal Government.

At the resumed hearing on August 7, counsel to the EFCC argued that the failure of the second and third respondent, Nwokedi and Rusimex meant that “they are not willing to contest the application”.

In his ruling, Justice Obiozor ordered the final forfeiture of the property to the Federal government, in view of the failure of any interested parties or persons to contest the interim forfeiture order as published in a national newspaper by the Commission. The court also ordered the permanent forfeiture of the sums of US$2, 740,197.96 and N84, 537,840.70respectively realized as rent on the property.

But, by far the most numbing, record-shattering acquisitions of Alison-Madueke, is to be found in the ritzy, nouveaux richesplayground of Banana Island, Lagos. It consists of two apartments at the Bella Vista Court. The apartments which are Penthouses, are located on Block C-5, Flat 21, Plot 1, Zone N. For them, a $350 Million (Three Hundred and Fifty Million US Dollar) hole was allegedly dug in the Nigerian treasury on November 22, 2011, by Alison-Madueke.

Also in Lagos, Alison-Madueke allegedly bought a block of six units serviced apartments at number 135, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, just a few hundred metres away from the EFCC zonal operations hub. The apartment has a standby power generating set, sporting facilities, play ground and a water treatment plant. The property was bought at the rate of N800 Million (Eight Hundred Million Naira) on January 6, 2012.

Other properties in Yaba, Lagos, also discovered by the eagle eyes of the Commission’s operatives, are located at number 7, Thurnburn Street and 5, Raymond Street. The Thurnburn Street property consists of 21 mixed housing units of eight 4-bedroom apartments, two penthouse apartments of 3-bedrooms each and six 3-bedroom (all en-suite) terrace apartments.

The Raymond Street property is made up of two en-suite 2-bedroom apartments and one 4-bedroom apartment.

The Yaba, Lagos properties, which dug a deep hole of an eye-popping N1 Billion (One Billion Naira), were paid for on May 30, 2012. The same day Alison-Madueke splashed N900 million for the Port Harcourt estate.

In Lekki Phase one, an upscale neighbourhood of Lagos, operatives found a twin four-bedroom duplex. The duplex is located on Plot 33, Block 112, Lekki Peninsula Residential Scheme Phase 1, Lekki, Lagos, with an estimated value of over N200 Million (Two Hundred Million Naira).

Also in Lagos, a large expanse of land at Oniru, Victoria Island, Lagos has also been traced to the former Petroleum Resources Minister. The land, which is located in Oniru Chieftaincy Family Private Estate, Lekki peninsular, Lagos and currently being utilized as a dumping site, was bought on February 16, 2012, for N135 Million (One Hundred and Thirty- Five Million Naira).

Plot 8, Gerard Road Ikoyi, Lagos, another property traced to Alison-Madueke, is a penthouse on the 11th Floor in the Block B Wing of the building. It was bought for N12 Million (Twelve Million Naira) on December 20, 2011.

On plot 10, Frederick Chiluba Close, in the serene, upscale Asokoro district of Abuja, lies a tastefully built and finished duplex. In the compound, there are also a Guest Chalet, Boy’s Quarters, an elegant swimming pool, fully equipped sports gym and a host of other amenities. Investigators have discovered that the property acquired by the ex-minister in December, 2009, at the cost of N400 Million (Four Hundred Million Naira) was never declared in any of the asset declaration forms filed by Alison-Madueke.

Also linked to the former Minister in Abuja is a mini estate at Mabushi, Abuja. The estate located on Plot 1205, Cadastral Zone B06, Mabushi Gardens Estate, houses 13 three bedroom terrace houses, each with one bedroom en-suite maid’s quarters. It was purchased on April 2, 2012 at the princely sum of N650 Million (Six Hundred and Fifty Million Naira).

In Aso Drive, Maitama, Abuja, Alison-Madueke reportedly acquired a 6-bedroom en-suite apartment made up of three large living rooms, two bedroom Guest Chalets, two bedroom Boys Quarters, two lock up garages and a car park. It was bought on July 20, 2011 for N80 Million (Eighty Million Naira).

Down South in Nigeria’s oil city of Port Harcourt, the former minister’s acquisitive appetite took her to Heritage Court Estate, located on Plot 2C, Omerelu Street, Diobu Government Residential Area, Phase 1 Extension, Port Harcourt. The Estate which is made up of 16 four bedroom terrace duplexes is equipped with among other facilities, a massive standby power generating set. Alison-Madueke did not blink as she shelled out N900 Million (Nine Hundred Million Naira) for it on May 30, 2012,

In neighbouring Bayelsa State, an apartment with two blocks of flats, all en-suite, and with a Maid’s Quarters were also traced to her. The house located on Goodluck Jonathan Road, Yenagoa is sitting on a large expanse of land. Realtors spoken to by EFCC investigators have placed estimated values running into hundreds of millions of Naira on the property. The apartments have four living rooms, eight bedrooms and gold-plated furniture.

Aside from jewelry and property, Alison-Madueke, EFCC operatives charge, has N23,446,300,000 and $5milion (about N1.5billion) in various Nigerian banks.

Based on evidence presented by the Commission before the court, Justice Muslim Suleiman Hassan on January 6 2017, ordered the funds’ temporary forfeiture to the federal government.

The EFCC again, on January 24, 2017, urged the Federal High Court in Lagos to order the forfeiture of yet another N9 billion allegedly laundered by some bank officials for Alison-Madueke.

A month later, on February 16, 2017, Justice Hassan ordered the final forfeiture to the federal government, of a whooping sum ofN34 Billion naira which has been traced to the former minister.

Earlier in May 2016, the sum of over $100 Million (One Hundred Million US dollars) were traced to the accounts of several Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) staffers, who were allegedly bribed by Alison-Madueke to compromise Nigeria’s 2015 general elections.

Justice Mohammed B. Idris of the Federal High Court, sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on April 27, 2017, ordered the final forfeiture of the bribe money traced to one staff of INEC, Christian Nwosu, who was arraigned on April 5, 2017.

In the course of the trial, Nwosu pleaded guilty to receiving the sum of N30 Million (Thirty Million Naira) from Alison-Madueke. Upon his confession, the court ordered the final forfeiture of his landed property situated at Okpanam, Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State. Also forfeited by Nwosu to the federal government was the cash sum of N5 Million (Five Million Naira).

Going by the continued unearthing of hard-to-ignore evidences of unexplained acquisitions, coupled with Justice Chuka Obiozor’s rulling on the final forfeiture of a $37.5m (N11.75bn) (Eleven Billion, Seven Hundred and Fifty Million Naira) to the federal government, ex-minister Alison-Madueke’s evidence-free counter-charge, that she is a victim of EFCC persecution, may be ringing hollower and hollower.

** Orilade and Gambari are officers of the Public Affairs Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

BIG STORY

IGP Didn’t Ask Nigerians To Beat Up Officers During Stop-And-Search — Police

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The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has clarified that Kayode Egbetokun, the inspector-general of police, did not instruct Nigerians to pummel officers during stop-and-search operations.

In a statement on Monday, Muyiwa Adejobi, the force spokesperson, emphasized that Egbetokun has never endorsed violence against law enforcement agents.

Adejobi added that the blog post suggesting otherwise was entirely fabricated.

“The Nigeria Police Force wishes to address a viral fake news story that has emerged, claiming that Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has instructed citizens to physically assault and throw stones at police officers who request to search their phones,” the statement reads.

“This claim is entirely false and has no basis in reality. The IGP has not issued any such directive encouraging violence against law enforcement officers.”

“Instead, he has called on citizens to report instances of police misconduct through appropriate channels.”

“This approach underscores the importance of accountability and maintaining the rule of law, rather than resorting to violent actions.”

“Members of the public are urged to make use of the following Police helplines & contacts to lay complaints whenever necessary: +2347056792065, +2349133333785, +2349133333786, @PoliceNG on X, @ngpolice on Facebook, and @nigeriapoliceforce on Instagram.”

“Citizens can also contact us by mail through; [email protected] and reach us through the police website at npf.gov.ng.”

Recently, Egbetokun instructed police officers to stop arbitrary arrests and cease searching the smartphones of Nigerians.

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Federal Government Declares Public Holiday For Christmas, New Year Celebrations

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The federal government has declared December 25-26, and January 1, 2025, as public holidays.

The public holidays are to commemorate the “Christmas,” “Boxing Day,” and “New Year’s Day” celebrations, respectively.

Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the minister of interior, announced the dates in a statement signed by Magdalene Ajani, the ministry’s permanent secretary.

He extended his greetings to Nigerians for the holidays and encouraged them to use the festive period to reflect on the values of “love,” “peace,” and “unity” that the season signifies.

He further emphasized that the yuletide is a time to foster harmony and strengthen bonds across families and communities.

“The Christmas season is a good moment for both spiritual reflection and national renewal. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, let us demonstrate kindness and extend goodwill to one another, irrespective of our differences,” the statement reads.

The minister also urged Nigerians to remain committed to the peace, unity, and progress of the nation.

He assured citizens of the federal government’s commitment to peace, security, and prosperity across the nation.

Tunji-Ojo added that the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of the President Bola Tinubu administration will usher in a prosperous economy that will be the envy of the world.

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Tinubu’s 50% Transport Reduction Scheme May Begin Tuesday

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The proposed 50 percent interstate transport fare price slash by the Federal Government, initially planned to commence on December 20, 2024, may now begin on December 24.

The slash is aimed at alleviating high transport costs during the Yuletide season.

Recall that the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Transportation, announced last Thursday that it had reached an agreement with stakeholders in the road transport sector to support Nigerians who will be travelling during the holiday season.

The government stated that it would cover 50 percent of the transport fare for travelers, alongside the commencement of free rail transportation for citizens on December 20, 2024.

This initiative, according to the Director of Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Olujimi Oyetomi, was part of President Bola Tinubu’s broader effort to provide transportation palliatives for Nigerians celebrating Christmas and New Year.

Oyetomi said that the agreement was signed between the Federal Government and key transport stakeholders, including the National Union of Road Transport Workers, the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, and the Association of Luxurious Bus Owners of Nigeria, among others.

The ministry’s spokesperson explained that under the arrangement, passengers traveling from Abuja and Lagos (Oshodi) to various destinations across the country would pay only half of the usual fare.

A senior official in the transportation ministry, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that while the rail initiative was set to transport 340,000 Nigerians during and after the Yuletide, details about the road transport component remained unclear.

“The minister will most likely unveil the scheme tomorrow (Monday) at the Eagles Square, and detailed information will be provided accordingly.

“We were supposed to commence on the (December) 20th, but due to some imperfections, it has been delayed. By God’s grace, it should start on Tuesday. However, the MoU and other agreements have been adequately signed.”

When contacted, the Chief Executive Officer of God is Good Motors, Enahoro Ekhae, confirmed signing the MoU but noted that the scheme had not yet started.

“Yes, we indeed signed an MoU, but we are yet to begin the implementation,” he said.

When asked about the delay, he responded, “It is the government that can explain that. We, as GIGM, will begin once we reach an agreement with the government to start.”

Meanwhile, it was learned from the Federal Ministry of Finance on Sunday that the initiative was delayed due to funding challenges.

The programme, which was expected to begin on December 20, has been stalled as transport unions await payments promised under the scheme.

Sources at the finance ministry told one of our correspondents that efforts to secure funding were ongoing, with stakeholders hopeful for a resolution in the coming days.

The initiative, which aims to provide subsidized transportation through partnerships with transport unions, was supposed to start at Eagle Square in Abuja but failed to take off.

“We have signed the MoU, but the minister believes that the transport unions should receive their payments before starting, so that we can maintain accurate records,” a source at the finance ministry explained.

“The transportation minister has been working with the finance ministry to secure the funds, including those for the rail component.”

While the rail part of the initiative continues because it is managed solely by the Federal Government, road transport remains stalled due to the lack of government-owned buses.

“The route involves transportation unions. The Federal Government does not have buses to operate the system. We want the transport unions to take ownership and run the program. They are expected to account for the money given to them, as we have monitoring mechanisms in place,” the source clarified.

Despite ongoing efforts to secure funds, the process has been slow. “He (the minister) has been going to finance. He couldn’t secure the funds. That’s why we couldn’t start.”

The plan includes a payment of 50 percent of the agreed average fare to transport unions for each route, covering road trips from Abuja to state capitals and from Oshodi in Lagos to other destinations.

“The government is supposed to pay the transport unions 50 percent of the average fare we’ve already agreed upon for each route,” the source added.

However, no funds have been disbursed yet, leaving transport unions unable to mobilize. “All transport unions with whom we signed the MoU will have to bring their vehicles to Eagle Square. But no one has received any money yet. Therefore, everyone has been asked to remain on hold.”

The source expressed hope that the issue would be resolved soon. “I believe that as early as tomorrow (Monday) morning, the minister will press the Minister of Finance. The finance minister will understand the urgency, as it’s a directive from the President, and they will find a way to release the funds. Then, the process will begin.”

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