Diezani Seeks Tinubu’s Intervention in Alleged Misconduct Case
Diezani Alison-Madueke, Nigeria’s former Petroleum Minister under President Goodluck Jonathan (2010-2015), has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Nigerian government to allow her return to Nigeria, citing her worsening health condition due to an aggressive form of breast cancer (Triple Negative Cancer) for which she has been receiving treatment in the United Kingdom (UK) since 2015.
She faces multiple corruption allegations, including accusations of diverting billions of dollars from the Nigerian treasury and awarding contracts in exchange for bribes.
She has been charged with bribery offenses in the UK and is involved in ongoing legal battles regarding asset forfeiture by Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
In January 2025, the US and Nigeria signed an agreement to repatriate about $52.88 million in assets linked to Alison-Madueke and her associates, recovered through forfeiture related to bribery and corruption cases. The Nigerian government plans to use these funds for rural electrification and anti-corruption initiatives.
Despite her legal troubles, Alison-Madueke has denied all corruption allegations and is currently challenging the forfeiture of her assets in Nigerian courts. Her request to return home is tied to both her health and ongoing legal matters.
Speaking emotionally to journalists in London after a medical appointment, Diezani Alison-Madueke revealed that she is currently battling second-stage breast cancer and expressed her desire to return to Nigeria to make peace and confess her involvement in the alleged misappropriation of public funds amounting to billions of dollars
“I am a born-again Christian. I am currently battling stage two cancer and on lifelong medication. Yes, I misappropriated funds while in office. I’m asking for forgiveness from President Tinubu and Nigerians,” she said in tears.
In a shocking revelation, Diezani claimed she entrusted over $9 billion to Dauda Lawal Dare, now Governor of Zamfara State, during his time as Executive Director at First Bank Nigeria PLC. According to her, Lawal has now cut all communication and is allegedly collaborating with UK authorities to monitor her, possibly in a bid to lay claim to the funds.
“My husband, my family, and my Nigerian lawyer in the UK are all aware of my dealings with Dauda Lawal. But he has now blacklisted all our phone numbers. He has immunity now as a governor and is no longer picking my calls,” she cried.
Diezani pleaded for President Tinubu’s intervention, assuring she is ready to return with written evidence signed by her lawyer and help recover the looted funds for Nigeria.
“Nigeria is my home. There’s no place like home. I want to make things right before it’s too late,” she pleaded.
The former minister has been undergoing cancer treatment in the UK since 2015, including chemotherapy and surgeries, while facing multiple corruption charges from both Nigerian and international bodies. Her latest plea may mark a turning point in one of Nigeria’s most high-profile corruption cases.
