We started investigating Alison-Madueke since 2013 – UK National Crime Agency

The UK National Crime Agency [NCA] on Saturday said investigation into allegations of corruption against Nigeria’s former minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, and the four other people arrested Friday had been on since 2013.

In an update on its website, the NCA said, “The investigation commenced in 2013 under the Proceeds of Corruption Unit, and transferred to the NCA earlier this year.”

Until recently, the Proceeds of Corruption Unit was domiciled at the Metropolitan Police Service.

But after the International Corruption Unit was created at the NCA in line with the UK Anti-Corruption Plan, the Proceeds of Corruption Unit at the Metropolitan Police and the Overseas Anti-Corruption Unit of the City of London Police were scrapped.

The ICU then became the UK’s prime agency  for the investigation of bribery of foreign public officials by individuals or companies from the UK, and money laundering by corrupt foreign officials and their associates.

In its update Saturday, the NCA also said it had released the former minister on “conditional bail”.

The other four unnamed persons arrested with her were also granted bail.

“All five people arrested were released on conditional police bail later that evening, pending further investigation both in the UK and overseas.”

The conditions of the bail are not immediately clear.

But people familiar with the matter told Premium Times that Mrs. Alison-Madueke and her colleagues were barred from travelling out of the UK pending conclusion of investigation and their arraignment in court.

One source said the suspects’ travelling documents were seized, but Premium Times has been unable to independently verify that as at the time of this report.

The source also said the suspects were also warned against any attempt to tamper with evidence.

The identities of the four other people arrested along with Mrs. Alison-Madueke, could not be immediately ascertained…

 

-Premium Times

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PR Guru / Author / Promoter / Controversial Writer / Hip Hop Artiste / Actor / Human Rights Activist. The First Nigerian Hip Hop Artiste to obtain a Masters Degree (M.A) in Arts ( Religion & Human Relations). The author of one of the most controversial books in Nigeria; "Emancipation from Masturbation". With over 12 Movies and 3 Musical albums since 2003. Former Events Manager at Silverbird’s Rhythm Fm Awka Station till 2010. For more info. Call : 08033239298.

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