Diezani Alison-Madueke Denies Bribery, Corruption Charges in UK Court

Former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has vehemently denied allegations of corruption and bribery leveled against her in a UK court. Appearing at Southwark Crown Court, the 65-year-old asserted that she actively worked against the pervasive corruption plaguing Nigeria since its colonial past.

“

I can state categorically that at no point did I ask for, take or receive a bribe of any sort from these persons and did not abuse my office. I always sought to act impartially.

Prosecutors contend that Alison-Madueke received substantial benefits, including over £2 million at Harrods and significant sums for property renovations, funded by Nigerian businessmen in return for awarding government contracts. However, she countered these claims, stating that all expenses incurred during her official duties were subsequently reimbursed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC). She explained the establishment of a London-based service company to manage logistics due to the NNPC's perceived financial disorganization.

“

They paid for all my hotels, chauffeurs to allow me to perform the job that I did.

Alison-Madueke also shared her experiences in Nigeria's highly patriarchal society, detailing the serious security threats, including kidnapping risks, she and her family faced. Furthermore, she recounted her initial reservations about joining Shell, citing alleged discriminatory practices against her father and the company's inadequate response to devastating oil spills in the Niger Delta. She denied all charges, including accepting bribes and conspiracy to commit bribery.

“

I found the job uncomfortable to put it mildly.