Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison‑Madueke, has entered a not guilty plea to all six criminal charges brought against her in a London court, rejecting allegations that she accepted bribes and conspired to commit bribery while in office.
Alison‑Madueke, aged 65, appeared before Southwark Crown Court on Thursday where she denied five counts of accepting bribes and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery. The prosecution alleges that during her tenure as Nigeria’s oil minister she enjoyed a lavish lifestyle in the United Kingdom funded by oil and gas industry figures seeking to influence lucrative contract awards.
According to prosecutors, the accusers will argue that key industry players provided Alison‑Madueke with access to luxury properties and lavish gifts — perks they claim were intended to secure favours and preferential treatment in the allocation of oil and gas deals.
However, in her defence, senior counsel Jonathan Laidlaw QC told the jury that the properties and goods were not unlawfully obtained as personal benefits. Laidlaw argued that many of the purchases were made on her behalf because, he claims, Nigerian ministers are prohibited from holding foreign bank accounts, thereby necessitating third‑party arrangements.
Laidlaw said Alison‑Madueke disputes the nature and extent of the properties and goods cited by the prosecution and stressed that anything spent on her — whether personal or official — was reimbursed. He indicated that personal expenses were repaid by the former minister in Nigeria, and expenses incurred in the course of official duties were refunded through appropriate government channels, meaning she received no improper financial advantage.
The trial marks a high‑profile chapter in international anti‑corruption efforts and could have significant implications for how alleged misuse of office by public officials is prosecuted beyond national borders.
Proceedings are ongoing, and the court is expected to hear further evidence and testimony as the case continues.
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