Former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, who is now in the United Kingdom, has acknowledged that she embezzled money from Nigeria.
Confessing her deeds during a recent press briefing in London, Madueke alleged that she had entrusted nine billion Dollars to the incumbent Governor of Zamfara State.
Madueke served as petroleum minister under the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
The Port Harcourt-born is understood to have fled the country to the United Kingdom out of fear of being arrested by Nigeria’s anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Diezani, who is said to be battling cancer, is now appealing to the Nigerian government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to allow her to return to the country and confess to her financial wrongdoing during her time in office.
According to SaharaReporters, Madueke, accused of embezzling billions of dollars from Nigeria, expressed her willingness to provide detailed information about the funds she allegedly misappropriated while in power.
“I am now a born-again Christian and currently grappling with the second stage of cancer, for which my United Kingdom-based physician has advised me to continue medication for the rest of my life. Yes, no one is flawless, but sometimes, God Almighty permits such occurrences.
“I’ve been accused of financial misconduct during my tenure as the petroleum minister, and it’s true. However, I would like President Bola Tinubu and Nigerians to forgive me, allow me to return home, and contribute because life is transient,” the former Minister reportedly said.