Diezani Alison Madueke Acquitted of All Bribery Charges in UK
Diezani Alison Madueke, Nigeria’s former minister of petroleum resources, has been acquitted of all bribery charges following a jury decision in a London court. The verdict, delivered on Wednesday, marks a significant outcome for Alison Madueke after facing serious accusations from British prosecutors.
During her tenure as oil minister from 2010 to 2015 under ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Alison Madueke was acquitted on five counts of bribery and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery. The 65-year-old has steadfastly denied the allegations throughout the legal proceedings.
Prosecutors claimed that Alison Madueke led a life of luxury in London, funded by oil and gas industry players seeking favorable treatment and lucrative contracts from Nigeria’s oil sector. They asserted that the gifts and benefits she received were intended to influence government decisions regarding contract awards.
However, throughout the trial, Alison Madueke maintained her innocence, asserting that she neither accepted bribes nor exercised direct control over the awarding of government contracts. After deliberating for over 46 hours, the jury at Southwark Crown Court returned a not guilty verdict on all charges, according to reports.
This ruling represents a serious setback for British authorities, whose investigation into Alison Madueke began over a decade ago. Known for her significant influence in Nigeria’s oil industry, she also briefly held the position of Chairperson of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
Alison Madueke stood trial alongside oil executive Olatimbo Ayinde, who faced charges of bribery and bribing foreign public officials linked to her activities. The conclusion of this high-profile case adds a notable chapter to the complex narrative of international corruption involving former public officials in Nigeria.
Background on Corruption Charges
Alison Madueke’s legal troubles trace back to her time as oil minister, when she was indicted in 2023 on five counts of bribery and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery. The charges relate to oil and gas contracts awarded during her term, when she simultaneously served as OPEC chair from 2014 to 2015.
Following the defeat of the People’s Democratic Party in Nigeria’s 2015 presidential election, she relocated to the UK. While she faces multiple corruption cases in Nigeria, some proceedings have stalled due to her absence. A Nigerian court has mandated the forfeiture of billions of naira worth of assets tied to her case.
Recent reports indicated that a Nigerian oil contractor funded Alison Madueke’s luxurious lifestyle in the UK, with claims of significant expenditures such as over £2 million at Harrods and around £4.6 million for renovations on properties in London and Buckinghamshire.
Allegations and Denials
Prosecutors allege that purchases were made using payment cards linked to Nigerian businessman Kolawole Aluko and his firm, Tenka Limited. The allegations also include claims that Alison Madueke resided in luxury properties, including a £2.8 million house in Marylebone and a mansion overlooking Regent’s Park.
Denying all charges during her court appearance, she stated that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) reimbursed her for expenses incurred. According to reports, Alison Madueke emphasized in court, “I can categorically say that at no point have I ever solicited or accepted any bribes or abused my position.”
In her defense, she pointed to the disorganization of NNPC’s financial structure at the time and the establishment of a logistics company in London to facilitate public arrangements. The jury’s decision on Wednesday is a pivotal moment in a lengthy investigation of Alison Madueke’s alleged activities.
