Diezani: Ex-petroleum minister insists she never stole from Nigeria

Looking gaunt and frail, the embattled former minister, who is battling cancer, was recently arrested by officials of the National Crime Agency, United Kingdom over suspected money laundering activities.

Ex-Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, has reiterated her innocence on the corruption allegations levelled against her.

Read: 'I didn't steal from Nigeria' - former Petroleum Minister says

In an interview with Dele Momodu's TheBoss Newspaper, Diezani said she did not use her position to steal Nigeria’s money but performed her duties to the best of her knowledge and abilities.

Looking gaunt and frail, the embattled former minister, who is battling cancer, was recently arrested by officials of the National Crime Agency, United Kingdom over suspected money laundering activities.

Read: Former Minister of Petroleum Resources arrested in London

The recent picture of the onetime minister for transportation, is undoubtedly a total opposite from her glamorous days as petroleum minister, when she ranked high as one of the elegant and beautiful ministers in the Jonathan Goodluck's cabinet.

Allegation and corruption charges levelled against Alison-Madueke include spending billions of dollars inappropriately on private jets, responsible for a missing $20bn, payment of N30.9bn ($263m) to contractors between December 26 and 31, 2007 while she worked as a Trasport Minister.

Read: Luxury homes of Diezani Alison-Madueke’s family members uncovered

In October 2009, the Senate indicted Alison-Madueke and recommended prosecution for the alleged transfer of N1.2bn into the private account of a toll company without due process and in breach of concession agreement.