The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA) has urged Nigerian authorities to continue corruption investigations and asset-recovery proceedings involving former Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke despite her acquittal by a United Kingdom court.
HEDA Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, said the June 17 verdict by a Southwark Crown Court jury should be respected as a decision on the specific bribery charges brought against Alison-Madueke in the UK.
However, he stressed that the verdict does not automatically determine the outcome of separate criminal cases or asset-recovery proceedings involving her in Nigeria.
HEDA called on the Federal Government and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to pursue any viable cases supported by credible evidence while adhering to due process and the rule of law.
The organisation noted that criminal prosecution and asset recovery are distinct legal processes, meaning an acquittal in one criminal case does not necessarily determine the status of assets involved in separate forfeiture proceedings.
Alison-Madueke was acquitted of six bribery-related charges in the UK following a five-month trial. She is also facing separate proceedings in Nigeria involving assets allegedly linked to her.
HEDA maintained that Nigeria should not depend on foreign courts to determine whether corruption allegations involving its citizens should be investigated or prosecuted domestically.
The group also called for greater transparency from Nigerian authorities regarding the status, location and management of assets recovered or forfeited in connection with the former minister.
