News

Shocker: How Diezani Stole N47.2bn, $487.5m -EFCC Offers Details

Published

9 years ago

August 9, 2017

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said 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 ostensibly treating cancer and facing likely prosecution for graft.

Two officers of the EFCC, Tony Orilade and Aishah Gambari, in an article they released on line on Wednesday, revealed details of the stealing said to be the biggest burst by the anti-graft Commission bust in Nigeria’s history.

The article is reproduced below verbatim.

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.

News

Published

3 days ago

October 22, 2026

Mega Icon

Swegop to Politicians: Stop Mudslinging, Fix Roads

The South West Guild of Online Publishers (SWEGOP) has urged politicians to stop mudslinging and focus on issues affecting Nigerians, while calling on the Federal Government and state governments to declare a state of emergency on roads ravaged by rainfall.

The guild said political campaigns should be centred on policies, development plans and practical solutions to the people’s problems, rather than false information, unsubstantiated allegations and personal attacks.

The position was contained in a statement signed by the guild’s Acting Chairman, Chief Tunde Busari, and Publicity Secretary, Mr Remi Oladoye.

SWEGOP warned that spreading misinformation during political campaigns could erode public confidence in the democratic process, urging politicians to tell the electorate what they intend to do and how they plan to deliver on their promises.

It called on political actors to embrace responsible communication and constructive engagement, stressing that campaigns should provide voters with clear choices on policies and programmes capable of improving their lives.

In a related development, the guild called on the Federal Government and state governments to urgently address the worsening condition of roads following damage caused by rainfall in several areas.

It expressed concern that some roads had been washed away or rendered impassable, making movement difficult for motorists and other road users.

The guild urged the relevant authorities to prioritise the rehabilitation of damaged roads, improve drainage systems and implement lasting solutions to prevent recurring damage, particularly during the rainy season.

It warned that the deteriorating road network posed risks to road users and could disrupt the movement of people and goods, with consequences for commercial activities and the wider economy.

SWEGOP stressed that emergency repairs must be backed by proper drainage, effective maintenance and coordinated action by the different levels of government to prevent the problem from recurring.

The guild maintained that responsible political campaigns and urgent action on failing infrastructure were both necessary to address public concerns and improve the lives of Nigerians.

News

2027: Alli, Oseni Tour Ibarapa, Seek Support for APC Candidacies

Published

3 days ago

October 22, 2026

Mega Icon

Governorship, Oyo South senatorial candidates meet traditional rulers, religious leaders and community groups

The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, and the party’s Oyo South senatorial candidate, Hon. Remi Oseni, have toured Ibarapa North, Central and East Local Government Areas to seek stakeholders’ support for their 2027 candidacies and other APC candidates across the ballot.

The two-day tour, which took place on Monday and Tuesday, covered Igangan, Tapa, Ayete, Idere, Igbo-Ora and Eruwa, where the candidates met traditional rulers, religious leaders, community groups and other stakeholders to discuss the area’s development challenges and solicit their backing ahead of the 2027 general elections.

During the engagements, Alli outlined his priorities for Oyo State, promising to prioritise the reconstruction of the Ibadan-Ibarapa road, extending to Igangan, improve the education sector, revive public water supply and strengthen local government administration if elected governor.

The delegation visited the palaces of the Asigangan of Iganganland, Oba Rafiu Adeniyi; the Asawo of Ayete, Oba Emanuel Ewuola Okeniyi; the Elempe of Tapa, Oba Sunday Oyekanmi Titiloye (Abioje I); the Olu of Igbo-Ora, Oba Jimoh Olajide Titiloye (Asoroolu Ayinla V); and the Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oba Samuel Adebayo Adegbola (Ajobo Olurin I). The team was also hosted by Dr. Olusola Ayandele Eruobodo at his residence on Monday evening.

Speaking during the meetings, Alli identified effective local government administration as critical to grassroots development, noting that local councils must be empowered to deliver meaningful improvements to their communities. He pledged to work towards a functional local government system that would make development more visible at the grassroots.

On education, the APC governorship candidate expressed concern about the standard of learning in the state and proposed limiting class sizes to a maximum of 30 pupils to improve teaching and learning outcomes.

He also promised to ensure that Oyo State’s financial resources, including federal allocations, translate into tangible improvements in infrastructure and public services. As part of his plans to improve residents’ welfare, he pledged to work towards reviving the state water corporation to ensure a more reliable supply of clean water across the state.

On infrastructure, Alli reiterated his commitment to reconstructing the Ibadan-Ibarapa road, extending to Igangan. He also promised to create greater opportunities for indigenous construction firms in the award of public contracts, while engaging external contractors for projects beyond the capacity of local companies.

The APC candidate also criticised the reported N5.5 billion expenditure on a stadium, questioning whether the facility met international standards and adequately served the needs of the state’s football clubs, particularly Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC).

He cited difficulties faced by the club in arranging matches, including playing several away fixtures within a week and receiving a hostile reception at its temporary home ground in Ogun State. He attributed these challenges to the stadium facility’s reported failure to meet the required standards.

Also addressing the gatherings, Oseni, who is seeking election to the Senate to represent Oyo South Senatorial District, highlighted his contributions to the development of communities across Ibarapa and appealed to residents and community leaders to support his senatorial ambition.

He urged stakeholders to support APC candidates across the ballot, arguing that stronger cooperation between the state and the Federal Government could improve Oyo State’s access to federal opportunities, resources and development initiatives.

At a meeting with the League of Imams in Igbo-Ora, Alli acknowledged that disunity within the Muslim community might have affected communication with political leaders. He assured the religious leaders that his administration would not marginalise any religious group and appealed for their support for his aspiration and those of other APC candidates.

The tour was attended by APC leaders and campaign officials, including the Director-General of the Sharafadeen Alli Campaign, Hon. Yemi Aderibigbe; the Director-General of the Remi Oseni Campaign Council, Chief Lowo Obisesan; and the APC Deputy National Auditor, Hon. Gbenga Ariba, alongside other party leaders from across Oyo State.

News

Watchdog Alleges Pressure on Oyo LG Chairmen, Warns Against Releasing N2.57bn for election

Published

4 days ago

October 21, 2026

Mega Icon

Group questions budgetary provision, cites pending court cases

The Watchdogs for Good Governance has warned the 33 local government chairmen in Oyo State against releasing council funds for the planned December 29 local government election, questioning the legality and financial implications of a proposed N4.28bn funding arrangement.

The group alleged that the councils were being pressured to contribute N2.57bn towards the exercise despite claims that no provision was made for the expenditure in their 2026 budgets.

Under the proposed arrangement announced by the state government, the local governments are expected to bear 60 per cent of the election cost, amounting to N2,566,800,000, while the state government will contribute the remaining 40 per cent, or N1,711,200,000.

The controversy followed an announcement by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, that the State Executive Council had approved funding for the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission to conduct the election scheduled for December 29.

But the Watchdogs for Good Governance, in a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its convener, Comrade Ahmed Adeyemo, questioned why the councils should commit billions of naira to the election when, according to the group, the expenditure was not captured in their approved budgets.

Adeyemo argued that the proposed spending could further limit the resources available to local governments to address pressing needs in their communities, including bad roads, inadequate infrastructure and poor access to primary healthcare.

“Where is the budgetary provision for OYSIEC? Why resort to milking the councils dry when grassroots communities are grappling with bad roads, lack of basic infrastructure and poor access to quality primary healthcare?” he asked.

The group also raised concerns over pending court cases challenging the conduct of the election, warning that the councils could face financial consequences if the exercise were subsequently nullified.

According to Adeyemo, at least three suits had been filed by members of the Allied Peoples Movement over the election, including grievances relating to the selection of chairmanship and councillorship candidates across the 33 local government areas.

He maintained that proceeding with the election while the cases remained pending raised questions about the prudence of committing such a substantial amount of public money to the exercise.

“Spending billions on an election that is sub judice and may be voided by the courts is the height of administrative irresponsibility and financial recklessness,” Adeyemo said.

The group further alleged that council chairmen were under intense pressure from the state government to release their respective contributions, although it did not provide documentary evidence to substantiate the claim.

It consequently urged the chairmen not to authorise any transfer of council funds for the election without addressing the budgetary and legal concerns it had raised.

Adeyemo warned that any chairman found to have improperly diverted public funds for the exercise should be held accountable, insisting that local government resources should be used to meet the needs of residents.

“The funds belong to the people of Oyo State for development, not for funding an election whose legality is being contested,” he said.

The group called on the relevant authorities to clarify the financial arrangements for the election and address the concerns surrounding the pending litigation.

Efforts to obtain reactions from the affected council chairmen as of press time were unsuccessful.