Diezani Says Acquittal Ends Years of ‘Unjust Vilification’

LONDON — Former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources Diezani Alison-Madueke has described her acquittal on bribery charges by a United Kingdom court as the end of nearly 11 years of “unjust vilification, condemnation and scrutiny”.

Alison-Madueke was cleared of all six charges by the Southwark Crown Court in London on Wednesday after jurors deliberated for several hours, bringing to a close a legal battle that began years after she left office.

The former minister had been accused by UK prosecutors of accepting bribes in the form of luxury goods and access to high-end properties from oil industry figures in exchange for facilitating the award of lucrative oil and gas contracts during her tenure.

Her legal troubles began in October 2015 when she was arrested in London, months after leaving office as petroleum minister. She was later released on bail.

The UK authorities formally charged Alison-Madueke in August 2023 over allegations linked to a purported £100,000 bribery scheme, and her trial commenced in January.

During the proceedings, her defence team argued that she exercised limited authority over the approval of oil contracts, maintaining that key decisions were largely made before reaching her office.

Former Minister Reacts to Verdict

Speaking in a video released after the verdict, Alison-Madueke expressed gratitude to God, her legal team, family and supporters, describing the legal process as both lengthy and emotionally draining.

“It has been a very arduous and long, almost 11 years. It has been traumatic not just for me but for my family, for friends, and for all those who stayed and supported me,” she said.

The former minister said the ordeal had also affected her elderly mother, son and other relatives who stood by her throughout the proceedings.

“I did my job to the best of my ability, but God is not a man that he should lie. We thank Him,” she added.

In a separate statement issued through her representative, Bolouere Opukiri, Alison-Madueke said the acquittal marked the conclusion of a decade-long period of public scrutiny.

“I give thanks to Almighty God for His faithfulness and for the complete vindication I have received,” the statement said.

“I am grateful to my legal counsel for their diligence and to my family and friends for their steadfast support and encouragement throughout this period.”

She added that she was “profoundly relieved” by the verdict and that her name had been cleared.

Alison-Madueke said she would address the events of the past decade and outline her future plans at a later date, but for now intended to focus on rebuilding her life and enjoying what she described as the freedom she had been denied for many years.

The verdict brings an end to one of the most closely watched international corruption cases involving a former Nigerian public official, a case that has attracted significant attention in both Nigeria and the United Kingdom since allegations first emerged nearly a decade ago.

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A Lagos-based journalist with a passion for disseminating factual information and a deep appreciation for good music, good food, movies, and beautiful cars. He hopes to travel the world someday, documenting its beauty and diverse cultures through his storytelling.