The UK Crime Agency has responded to the statement made by the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, regarding the investigation of the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke.
The response was sequel to an email sent to the NCA Press Office in London by The PUNCH.
In the email signed by Louise Powell, the Senior Communications Officer, said, “We have neither confirmed nor denied whether we have an investigation into Diezani Alison-Madueke.”
On whether the NCA would be collaborating with the EFCC to extradite Diezani to Nigeria, the agency said it does not handle extradition outside the European Union countries because of the European Arrest Warrant agreement.
Once issued, the EAW requires another member state within the EU to arrest and transfer a criminal suspect or sentenced person to the issuing state so that the person can be put on trial or complete a detention period.
However, Nigeria, which is not a member of the EU, does not enjoy such privileges.
The NCA therefore asked that questions regarding Diezani’s purported extradition be directed to the UK Home Office.
The UK Home Office promised to respond to The PUNCH inquiries before the end of the month.