They are accused of taking bribes from Tullow Oil, a British company in Uganda.

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Tullow has 90% of its reserves in Africa, with other projects in Madagascar, Congo and Sierra Leone.

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Beyond promoting Mandela's key legacy objectives, Sunderland can also expect to do significant business, according to Tullow Oil's chief executive Aidan Heavy.

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The company had no stake in the Kohat site, and the meatier part--running the actual operations--was held by Irish firm Tullow Oil.

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London-based Tullow hopes to complete the sale by the end of 2013.

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Tullow Oil has announced plans to sell off its gas exploration, development and production assets in the UK and Dutch Southern North Sea.

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But then Irish oil giant Tullow discovered over 2 million barrels under the waters of Lake Albert, Uganda, in 2009, and the region suddenly shot into the limelight.

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Here too Tullow brought in Saif because of its pedigree.

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Potential oily takeover targets include Tullow Oil and Anadarko Petroleum.

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Tullow vigorously denies that accusation.

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