Court gives EFCC Leave To Arraign Alison-Madueke, Omokore

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has, on Monday, been granted leave by a Federal Capital Territory High Court, Apo to arraign former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, and a former Chairman of Atlantic Energy Drilling company, Olajide Omokore, on February 25.

The Alison-Madueke and Omokore, are to face five count charges, bothering on conspiracy and illegal act of accepting and giving gratifications.

Justice Valentine Ashi granted leave to the commission, after the prosecuting counsel informed the judge that the former minister had absconded the country to the United Kingdom while investigation was going on.

He added that Alison–Madueke, refused to honour an invitation by the EFCC to appear at the commission.

ACcording tot the commission, the offense committed by the suspect is contrary to the provisions of Sections 26(1) and 17 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

The suspects, are to be arraigned for allegedly accepting and giving gifts of properties described as penthouse 22, Block B, Admiralty Estate, Ikoyi, and penthouse 21, building 5, block C, Banana Island, Lagos.

The counsel for the second defendant, Tayo Adeniyo SAN, told the court that his client was not served with the charges and his client was ready to clear his name.

NAN reports that on November 11, the EFCC confirmed that the process to repatriate the former Minister of Petroleum, Alison-Madueke, from the United Kingdom has begun.