EFCC deletes post on Madueke “begging” Tinubu

Oluwasegun SanusiDecember 23, 20231 Mins read216

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has pulled down an Instagram post quoting former Minister of Petroleum Resources Diezani Allison-Madueke, allegedly speaking on money laundering charges against her and begging the President.

The post, initially attributed to the ex-minister in an interview with journalists in the United Kingdom, was shared on the EFCC’s official Instagram handle but has since been deleted.

The post, which has been screenshotted by different Instagram users, was said to be an unsigned post that had now been removed from the EFCC’s Instagram page.

In response to inquiries, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale emphasized that the report was not authentic and did not originate from the commission, as reported.

“Anything that is not signed by me is not from us (the EFCC),” Oyewale clarified.

It should be recalled that Allison-Madueke, who served during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, has been facing prosecution by the EFCC on alleged money laundering charges.

However, reports emerged earlier that the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, had submitted a warrant of arrest and an extradition request to the Crown Prosecution Services of the United Kingdom for Allison-Madueke.

The extradition request was said to be made in accordance with Nigeria’s Extradition Act and the London Scheme of Extradition within the Commonwealth.

EFCC provided evidence establishing a prima facie case against Allison-Madueke in a letter to the AGF, leading to the issuance of a warrant of arrest by a magistrate.

The Attorney-General’s office, acting on President Bola Tinubu’s directive, initiated the extradition process, citing legal frameworks governing extradition between the United Kingdom and Nigeria.

However, despite the reported extradition request, the EFCC’s denial of the recent Instagram post highlights the need for caution and accurate reporting in ongoing legal proceedings involving Allison-Madueke. The commission must reaffirm its commitment to pursuing due process in the case.