Diezani Closes Defence at London Trial, Denies Bribery Allegations

The trial of former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, at London's Southwark Crown Court has reached a critical juncture with the closure of her defense. Throughout the proceedings, Alison-Madueke has vehemently denied all accusations leveled against her, including bribery, engaging in secret meetings, and accepting improper benefits from oil sector figures.

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I was not the logistics person for any of these trips.

Her defense strategy hinges on a consistent denial of wrongdoing. Alison-Madueke maintains that she neither initiated nor requested meetings for illicit purposes. Furthermore, she asserts that the complex arrangements under scrutiny were managed by state institutions or external third parties, rather than by her directly. A central pillar of her defense is the assertion that no direct evidence links her to personal financial gain from the transactions being investigated.

During her testimony, Alison-Madueke stated she was unaware of numerous financial dealings presented by the prosecution and did not manage personal or third-party accounts referenced. The defense also highlighted the absence of testimony from former President Goodluck Jonathan, who declined to give evidence via video link and could not be compelled to attend, as a significant gap in the prosecution's evidential chain.

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She told the court she did not request a meeting with Aluko in the UK.

Alison-Madueke was questioned extensively on transcripts, travel records, and recorded conversations with business associates, particularly concerning interactions around 2014 and 2015. She denied requesting a meeting with Kola Aluko in the UK, explaining she was already in the country for other engagements and Aluko's team had sought to meet hers. She reiterated that logistical arrangements were handled by institutions like the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), not by her personally. She also noted that her recollection of certain events may be affected by cancer treatment she was undergoing during parts of the period under review, a point the defense used to contextualize any perceived memory inconsistencies.

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She rejected the suggestion that the visit was arranged to facilitate any improper meeting.

Regarding allegations of receiving luxury gifts and benefits, Alison-Madueke acknowledged references in conversations but strongly refuted that these constituted bribes or inducements. She denied claims involving high-value items like handbags, furniture, yachts, or properties, insisting she was not the recipient of such benefits.

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She acknowledged references in conversations but strongly denied that they amounted to bribes or inducements.