The jury in the bribery trial of Diezani Alison-Madueke has begun deliberations at Southwark Crown Court in London, following nearly four months of proceedings.
Alison-Madueke, who served as Nigeria’s minister of petroleum resources between 2010 and 2015 under former President Goodluck Jonathan, is facing five counts of accepting bribes and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery. She has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Prosecutors allege that the former minister received luxury benefits from oil industry figures seeking favourable treatment in the award of contracts.
The court heard that these benefits allegedly included access to high-end properties and luxury shopping trips in London.
In her defence, Alison-Madueke told the jury she never asked for or accepted bribes and maintained that her actions were based on official recommendations.
Her legal team also argued that she played a limited role in decision-making, describing her position as largely procedural.
She is standing trial alongside oil industry executive Olatimbo Ayinde, who is charged with bribery-related offences, and her brother, Doye Agama, who faces a charge of conspiracy to commit bribery.
Both defendants have also pleaded not guilty.
The jury is considering a total of eight charges across the three defendants.
A verdict is expected after deliberations conclude.
Comments
Add a comment