I challenge anyone to come forward with facts showing that I stole government or public money – Diezani Madueke

Nigeria’s former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, has denied allegations of financial impropriety under her tenure, especially the alleged disappearance of $20billion.  Mrs. Diezani, who is battling with cancer disclosed this in an interview with The Boss newspaper.

She was visibly angry at the mention of the $20billion

“If there is one issue I must pursue in this world it is the biggest lie of this money. How can $20billion disappear just like that? Where did it disappear to? Is it possible that such an amount would not be traceable? This is more painful coming from someone I considered a good friend who should appreciate the gravity of such allegation. I challenge anyone to come forward with facts showing that I stole government or public money. I’ve never stolen Nigeria’s money…” She said.

Alison-Madueke was recently arrested by officials of the National Crime Agency, United Kingdom over suspected money laundering activities.

The former minister had been alleged to have used her position as minister to steal billions of naira from the country’s coffers.

However, she has never been officially charged or tried for these allegations and has strongly denied any wrongdoing. She was alleged to have spent billions of dollars inappropriately on private jets and responsible for some missing $20bn.

She is also widely accused of reckless spending of government funds, but the former minister had maintained innocence.