UK Sacks Over 600 Police Officers
The UK has dismissed nearly 600 police officers across England and Wales in the year leading to March 2024, according to newly released data. This increase, a sharp rise from the previous year’s 394 dismissals, reflects a renewed focus on accountability within police forces following a series of high-profile scandals. Among those removed from duty were 74 officers involved in sexual misconduct and 18 found with indecent images of minors. The College of Policing reported that dishonesty topped the reasons for dismissal, with 125 cases, followed by instances of discriminatory behaviour. This wave of sackings comes amid efforts to restore public trust after severe breaches in conduct, including the 2021 murder of Sarah Everard by a Metropolitan Police officer and other cases of sexual violence by police personnel.
UK Police Arraign Diezani Over Bribery Charges
A former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London over charges of bribery offences. The former minister had on August 22, charged to court by the United Kingdom (UK) government over an alleged £100,000 bribe. The UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) said they suspected Diezani had accepted bribes in return for awarding multi-million-pound oil and gas contracts. The Head of the National Crime Agency’s International Corruption Unit, Andy Kelly, said “We suspect Diezani Alison-Madueke abused her power in Nigeria and accepted financial rewards for awarding multi-million-pound contracts. “These charges are a milestone in what has been a thorough and complex international investigation.”
UK Police slams bribery charges on Diezani
The British police have charged former Minister of Petroleum, Diezani Alison-Madueke with bribery offences. According to Reuters, the UK police on Tuesday said they suspected she had accepted bribes in return for awarding multi-million-pound oil and gas contracts. Reuters said charges against her also detail financial rewards including furniture, renovation work and staff for the properties, payment of private school fees, and gifts from high-end designer shops such as Cartier jewellery and Louis Vuitton goods. The 63-year-old ex-minister served during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, from 2010 to 2015. She was the president of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Speaking about the charges, Andy Kelly, Head of the National Crime Agency’s (NCA) International Corruption Unit, said, “We suspect Diezani Alison-Madueke abused her power in Nigeria and accepted financial rewards for awarding multi-million-pound contracts. “These charges are a milestone in what has been a thorough and complex international investigation.” The NCA said Alison-Madueke was accused of benefiting from at least £100,000 in cash, chauffeur-driven cars, flights on private jets, luxury holidays for her family, and the use of multiple London properties.