Diezani Alison-Madueke Denies Bribery Charges in Court

Diezani Alison-Madueke, the former Minister of Petroleum Resources in Nigeria, is currently on trial at Southwark Crown Court, facing six counts under the UK Bribery Act. She is accused of accepting bribes from oil businessmen in exchange for favorable treatment in awarding oil contracts.

During her defense, Alison-Madueke maintained that she acted lawfully throughout her tenure and did not solicit or accept bribes. She acknowledged the provision of properties in London and flight arrangements funded by business associates but insisted that these expenses were reimbursed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

Alison-Madueke argued that her role as Minister involved policy decisions related to oil contracts handled by the NNPC and that she was not involved in the decision-making process. She described the gifts received as common professional support and criticized the weak financial controls at NNPC's London office.

The trial is expected to conclude by the end of May 2024.