Jonathan Defends Madueke's Private Jet Use in UK Court

Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan submitted a statement to Southwark Crown Court in the United Kingdom, defending the use of private jets by Alison Madueke, the former Minister of Petroleum Resources from 2010 to 2015. The statement was presented during the ongoing trial of Madueke, who, alongside Olatimbo Ayind and Doy Agama, faces five counts of bribery, to which she has pleaded not guilty.

Prosecutors allege that Madueke accepted luxury goods and access to high-end properties in exchange for favorable treatment in oil contracts. Jonathan's statement confirmed that he approved payments made on behalf of Madueke for certain foreign trips, asserting that it is not unusual for third-party payments to be made for ministers during official duties.

Additionally, Nigerian businessman Igho Sanomi and Ghanaian businessman Kevin Okyer were mentioned in court, with allegations of bribery and reimbursement for items purchased on behalf of Madueke, including a payment of $3,900 in 2014.