Former Petroleum Resources Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke has described her acquittal by a London court as the end of nearly 11 years of what she called “unjust vilification, condemnation and scrutiny”.
The former minister was cleared of all six bribery charges by the Southwark Crown Court in the United Kingdom after jurors deliberated for several hours on Wednesday.
The case stemmed from allegations that surfaced following her arrest in London in October 2015, shortly after she left office. Although she was released on bail, investigations continued for years before UK authorities formally charged her in August 2023.
Prosecutors alleged that Alison-Madueke accepted luxury gifts and access to high-end properties from industry figures in exchange for awarding lucrative oil and gas contracts during her tenure as minister.
However, her defence team argued that she had limited authority over the approval of oil contracts, maintaining that key decisions were largely made before matters reached her desk.
Speaking in a video after the verdict, Alison-Madueke expressed gratitude to God, her family and supporters, describing the legal battle as both lengthy and traumatic.
“I’m just thankful to God. It’s been a very, very arduous and long, almost 11 years. It’s been traumatic not just for me but for my family, for friends, for all those who have stayed and supported,” she said.
She also reflected on the impact of the case on her loved ones, including her elderly mother and son, saying the experience had been a difficult journey for everyone involved.
In a statement issued through her representative, Bolouere Opukiri, the former minister said the verdict brought an end to a decade of public scrutiny.
“I give thanks to Almighty God for His faithfulness and for the complete vindication I have received. I am grateful to my legal counsel for their diligence and to my family and friends for their steadfast support and encouragement throughout this period,” the statement read.
“I am profoundly relieved. My name has been cleared, and this ordeal has come to an end.”
Alison-Madueke added that she would speak further about the events of the past decade and her future plans at a later date. For now, she said she intends to focus on enjoying the freedom she believes was unjustly denied to her for many years.
The acquittal closes a high-profile legal case that attracted international attention and remained one of the most closely watched proceedings involving a former Nigerian public official.
