A London court has cleared former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, of all bribery-related charges brought by UK authorities. The Southwark Crown Court discharged and acquitted her after a jury found her not guilty on all six counts, following more than 46 hours of deliberation.
Case Background
The UK's National Crime Agency (NCA) had accused Alison-Madueke of accepting bribes in exchange for influencing the award of multi-million-pound oil and gas contracts during her tenure as petroleum minister from 2010 to 2015. She was charged alongside oil executive Olatimbo Ayinde and her brother, Doye Agama. All three pleaded not guilty to the allegations.
Prosecution Claims
Prosecutors alleged that Alison-Madueke benefited from luxury items, high-end properties, and other advantages provided by individuals seeking favorable treatment in Nigeria's oil sector. They claimed that Nigerian businessman Kolawole Aluko spent millions of pounds on luxury goods and properties linked to the former minister.
Defense Argument
Alison-Madueke's defense argued that she had limited authority over oil contract approvals, noting that major decisions in the sector involved multiple agencies and were largely handled through established processes. The defense also maintained that operational control of the petroleum sector rested mainly with the leadership of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, while the ministry performed oversight functions.
Key Evidence
The court proceedings featured a written statement from former President Goodluck Jonathan, who told the court that it was not unusual for third parties to make payments on behalf of ministers on official foreign trips. This statement supported the defense's position that the alleged benefits were not improper.
Conclusion
The acquittal brings an end to the UK criminal case against the former minister, who served as Nigeria's petroleum minister from 2010 to 2015. The verdict marks a significant legal victory for Alison-Madueke, who had faced the prospect of a lengthy prison sentence if convicted.
