London, United Kingdom – Former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has been acquitted of all six bribery charges brought against her by United Kingdom prosecutors, ending a high-profile corruption trial that attracted international attention and lasted several weeks in London.
The verdict was delivered on Wednesday at Southwark Crown Court after jurors concluded deliberations and found the former minister not guilty on all counts. The case marked the culmination of years of investigations into allegations of corruption linked to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Alison-Madueke, who served as Nigeria’s Minister of Petroleum Resources from 2010 to 2015 under former President Goodluck Jonathan, had faced allegations that she accepted luxury gifts and benefits from business associates in exchange for influence over the awarding of lucrative oil contracts.
British prosecutors alleged that the former minister received expensive hospitality, accommodation, shopping trips, and other benefits from individuals seeking favorable treatment in Nigeria’s petroleum industry. However, throughout the trial, Alison-Madueke consistently denied all allegations of wrongdoing.
Her defense team argued that the expenses cited by prosecutors were either personally reimbursed by her or were legitimate costs associated with official government duties. The defense further maintained that there was no evidence proving that she accepted bribes or improperly influenced contract decisions.
Following the acquittal, Alison-Madueke described the outcome as the end of an “11-year ordeal,” expressing relief after years of legal battles and public scrutiny. The former minister stated that the prolonged investigations and court proceedings had taken a significant toll on her personal life and family.
The UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA), which led the investigation, acknowledged the jury’s verdict and stated that it respected the outcome of the judicial process.
The trial was closely monitored in both Nigeria and the United Kingdom due to its significance in the global fight against corruption.
Also cleared of related charges in the case were Nigerian oil executive Olatimbo Ayinde and Alison-Madueke’s brother, Doye Agama.
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