Diezani Denies Bribery Claims, Tells London Court: ‘I Did Not Abuse My Office’

Diezani Alison-Madueke, a former Nigerian petroleum minister, has begun her defence at Southwark Crown Court in London, vehemently denying all six counts brought against her under the UK Bribery Act. The 65-year-old former Shell executive insists she neither solicited nor received bribes, rejecting allegations of abusing her office or accepting improper financial advantages.

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I did not abuse my office at all. I did not ask, seek or solicit bribes. I always acted in good faith and sought to ensure fairness and balance in decision-making.

Alison-Madueke is accused of accepting financial benefits from oil businessmen in exchange for favorable treatment in awarding oil contracts. However, during her testimony, she portrayed herself as a reform-minded minister who operated within a system where gift-giving and informal logistical support were common. She asserted that she acted in good faith and sought fairness in decision-making, denying any wrongdoing.

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The minister’s role is policy. Operational decisions are handled by the NNPC. The minister only signs off after recommendations have been made. The minister is not involved in the decision-making process.

She acknowledged using properties and having flight arrangements funded by associates, but insisted these expenses were either reimbursed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) or were private logistical arrangements for which she bore no responsibility. Alison-Madueke emphasized that the minister's role was primarily policy-oriented, with operational decisions and contract approvals handled by the NNPC, and that her signature was largely a formality. She also highlighted the importance of understanding Nigerian political and social culture, particularly regarding hospitality and gift-giving within professional and social networks.

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We tend to operate as each other’s keepers. Assistance is expected and extended within professional and social networks. It is not unusual in Nigeria for people in public office to be supported by associates.