Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
Former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has been acquitted of all corruption charges brought against her in the United Kingdom following a high-profile trial at Southwark Crown Court in London.
The verdict, delivered on Wednesday, brings to a close a case that stemmed from investigations launched by British authorities more than a decade ago into allegations of bribery linked to Nigeria’s oil sector.
Alison-Madueke, who served as petroleum minister between 2010 and 2015 under former President Goodluck Jonathan, had faced six counts, including five allegations of accepting bribes and one charge of conspiracy to commit bribery. She consistently denied all accusations.
Prosecutors alleged that the former minister received luxury benefits in London from oil and gas industry figures seeking business opportunities in Nigeria.
However, Alison-Madueke maintained throughout the proceedings that she never accepted bribes and did not influence the award of government contracts.
After lengthy deliberations, the jury returned not guilty verdicts on all six counts against the former minister.
The court also cleared oil industry executive Olatimbo Ayinde, who had faced bribery-related charges connected to the case.
Similarly, Alison-Madueke’s brother, Doye Agama, was acquitted of conspiracy to commit bribery allegations linked to payments made to his church.
Alison-Madueke, 65, also previously served as president of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries during her tenure as Nigeria’s petroleum minister.
The judgment marks the conclusion of one of the most closely watched international corruption cases involving a former Nigerian public official.
