UK Court Acquits Diezani Alison-Madueke of Bribery Charges

Diezani Alison-Madueke, the former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum, was found not guilty of six bribery charges by a UK court, concluding an investigation by the UK National Crime Agency that began a decade ago. The jury's decision followed 46 hours of deliberation.

Alison-Madueke, 65, defended herself against allegations that she accepted cash, luxury goods, and travel arrangements in exchange for government contracts during her tenure from 2010 to 2015. She argued that the gifts were cultural and not bribes, and maintained that she had no influence over contract awards.

Alison-Madueke's brother, Doy Agama, was also acquitted of conspiracy to commit bribery. Despite her acquittal in the UK, she faces multiple corruption cases in Nigeria, which have stalled due to her absence.

Following the verdict, she expressed profound relief and described the ruling as a full vindication, thanking her legal team and family for their support throughout the trial.