UK Court Acquits Diezani Alison-Madueke of Bribery Charges

On Wednesday, a UK court acquitted Diezani Alison-Madueke, the former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources, of six bribery charges brought against her by the UK National Crime Agency. Alison-Madueke, who served under President Goodluck Jonathan from 2010 to 2015, faced allegations of accepting bribes and conspiracy to commit bribery between 2011 and 2015.

Throughout the trial at Southwark Crown Court, the 65-year-old maintained her innocence, asserting she neither accepted bribes nor influenced the awarding of oil and gas contracts. After 46 hours of deliberation, the jury returned a unanimous not guilty verdict.

This acquittal represents a significant setback for British authorities, whose investigation into Alison-Madueke's alleged corrupt activities began a decade ago. Additionally, her brother, Doy Agama, faces bribery charges related to her case.

Alison-Madueke was formally charged by the NCA in August 2023, with allegations of receiving illegal payments in exchange for approving oil and gas contracts worth millions of pounds.