Former Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke has accused British law enforcement authorities of damaging her reputation and integrity after a London court cleared her of all bribery charges following a trial that lasted several months.
Speaking after the verdict at Southwark Crown Court, Alison-Madueke said the case had subjected her and her family to years of public scrutiny and suffering.
“For eleven arduous years, this matter has weighed heavily upon me and my family,” she said.
“Today, a decade of unrelenting and unjust vilification, condemnation, and scrutiny has finally concluded.”
The former minister, who served under former President Goodluck Jonathan between 2010 and 2015, was acquitted of six bribery-related charges brought by the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency.
Prosecutors had alleged that she received luxury gifts, private jet travel and other benefits from oil executives seeking influence in Nigeria’s petroleum sector.
Alison-Madueke consistently denied the allegations.
Reacting to the judgment, she said: “I am profoundly relieved.
"My name has been cleared, and this ordeal has come to an end.” She added that the case had effectively stripped her of her freedom and damaged her standing in public life.
The verdict marks a significant setback for UK investigators who spent more than a decade pursuing the case.
Alison-Madueke described the ruling as “complete vindication” and thanked her lawyers, family and friends for their support.
“This, however, is not the final chapter,” she said.
“In due course, I shall address this difficult period in greater detail and share my intentions for the future.”
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