The Southwark Crown Court has acquitted Nigeria’s former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, of all bribery charges brought against her by the United Kingdom government.
Following more than 46 hours of deliberation, a jury on Wednesday returned a “not guilty” verdict on all six counts.
A pivotal moment in the trial involved a written statement from former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, which was read in open court. In the statement, Jonathan defended his former minister, asserting that it was not unusual for third parties to cover costs for ministers on official overseas duties. He further confirmed that he had personally approved Alison-Madueke’s use of private jets for several international trips.
The trial, which began in January 2026, stemmed from a 2023 investigation by the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA). Prosecutors alleged that Alison-Madueke accepted bribes—including luxury goods and access to high-end real estate—in exchange for awarding multi-million-pound oil and gas contracts during her tenure.
Lead prosecutor Alexandra Healy had argued that the former minister “enjoyed a life of luxury in London” funded by businessmen seeking political favors. Among the claims was an allegation that businessman Kolawole Aluko spent over £2 million on luxury items for the minister at Harrods and provided her family with access to a mansion outside London.
Alison-Madueke was arraigned alongside her brother, Doye Agama, and oil executive Olatimbo Ayinde. All parties maintained their innocence throughout the proceedings.
The defense successfully argued that the minister’s role in contract approvals was overstated by the prosecution. Counsel for Alison-Madueke contended that oil sector contracts underwent rigorous vetting by multiple agencies before reaching her desk.
The defense further maintained that operational authority rested primarily with the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), while the ministry’s role was strictly limited to oversight.
