Former Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke acquitted of bribery charges in London court

Former Minister of Petroleum Resources Diezani Alison-Madueke has been acquitted of all bribery charges by a jury at London's Southwark Crown Court after more than 46 hours of deliberation. The 65-year-old faced five counts of accepting bribes and one charge of conspiracy to commit bribery related to her 2010-2015 tenure, which she denied.

Prosecutors alleged oil and gas industry figures provided her with a life of luxury in London in exchange for seeking lucrative government contracts in Nigeria. Alison-Madueke, who served as OPEC president, maintained she did not take bribes or influence contract awards. The trial concluded with her complete acquittal alongside co-defendants former minister Olatimbo Ayinde and her brother Doye Agama, who were also cleared of all charges.

British authorities had investigated these corruption allegations for over a decade. This case has drawn significant attention given ongoing debates about corruption in Nigeria's oil sector and previous asset recovery efforts. The outcome raises questions about international prosecution of corruption cases involving Nigerian officials.

What does this acquittal mean for Nigeria's ongoing efforts to recover alleged stolen assets and the broader fight against corruption in public service?

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/06/17/london-court-clears-alison-madueke-of-bribery-charges/