Suspected oil transfer middleman appears in court

A key suspect in the controversial Malabu oil scandal last week appeared as a witness before an Italian court in Milan. Abubakar Aliyu is alleged to have acted as a 'middleman' for top officials of former President Goodluck Jonathan's administration in the long-running controversy. The Premium Times reports that Aliyu is being questioned in Italy over his role in what has been described as one of Africa's most corrupt oil deals. The Malabu scandal involved the transfer of about $1.bn by Shell and ENI through the Nigerian Government to accounts controlled by a former Nigerian Petroleum Minister Dan Etete. About $520m went to accounts of companies controlled by Aliy. Anti-corruption investigators suspect he fronted for top officials of the Jonathan administration as well as officials of Shell and ENI. The judges noted that given the seriousness and complexity of the charges against Aliyu, a postponement should be granted and they will later announce a trial date.