Alison-Madueke Denies Bribery Claims in UK Court

Diezani Alison-Madueke, the former petroleum minister of Nigeria, began her defense at Southwark Crown Court in London, where she faces six counts under the UK Bribery Act. During her testimony, she denied allegations of abusing her office to solicit bribes, asserting that she did not seek or accept financial advantages from oil businessmen in exchange for favors.

Alison-Madueke emphasized that her role in awarding oil contracts was limited to formal approval, which was primarily a rubber-stamp process, with key decisions made by a committee within the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). She acknowledged accepting travel arrangements and funding for expenses but claimed these were handled through official channels.

Furthermore, she stated that she was unaware of a £100,000 cash delivery to her London residence until it was revealed during the trial. Alison-Madueke attributed some of the arrangements to cultural practices in Nigeria, which she described as common within the political and social systems.