Former Nigerian petroleum minister Diezani Alison-Madueke has been acquitted by a London court after a jury found her not guilty of all bribery-related charges brought against her.
The verdict brings an end to a high-profile case that lasted more than a decade and attracted international attention over allegations linked to Nigeria’s oil industry. Alison-Madueke, who served as petroleum minister from 2010 to 2015 under former President Goodluck Jonathan and briefly became the first female president of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), had faced six charges, including accepting bribes and conspiracy to commit bribery.
UK prosecutors alleged that she received luxury benefits from individuals seeking influence over oil-related contracts, including expensive accommodation, private travel, and other high-value gifts. Alison-Madueke consistently denied the allegations, insisting she never solicited or accepted bribes and arguing that she was unfairly targeted.
Following the verdict, Alison-Madueke described the case as an 11-year ordeal that damaged her reputation and affected her family. In a statement, she said the acquittal marked the end of what she called years of public condemnation and scrutiny.
The ruling also cleared other defendants connected to the case, including oil executive Olatimbo Ayinde and Alison-Madueke’s brother, Doye Agama, who faced related allegations.
The acquittal has sparked reactions in Nigeria, with supporters of the former minister welcoming the decision as vindication, while anti-corruption advocates noted that the case highlights the challenges of prosecuting complex corruption cases involving political figures and international jurisdictions.
Alison-Madueke’s legal battles have been closely followed since investigations began over alleged misconduct during her time overseeing Nigeria’s oil sector. Her case became one of the most prominent corruption trials involving a former Nigerian official abroad.
