Diezani Alison-Madueke, a woman once at the pinnacle of power in Nigeria's oil industry, has today walked free from Southwark Crown Court in London, acquitted of bribery charges that had hung over her for 13 years. The verdict marks a major blow to the UK's National Crime Agency (NCA), which had spent decades investigating one of Africa's most prominent politicians.
As Nigeria's oil minister between 2010 and 2015, Mrs Alison-Madueke made history as the first female president of Opec in 2014. Now, following a trial that raised uncomfortable questions about the fairness of the British justice system, she has been cleared on five counts of accepting bribes and one charge of conspiracy to commit bribery.
The defence had highlighted concerns over the missing documents from Nigeria that could have proven Mrs Alison-Madueke's innocence. They also pointed out the lengthy delay in bringing the case to court – a period during which she was unable to work or travel, despite being 'kept prisoner' in the UK. Mrs Alison-Madueke's brother, Doye Agama, 69, an archbishop, and oil executive Olatimbo Ayinde, 54, were also cleared of charges.
The prosecution had argued that Mrs Alison-Madueke allowed wealthy oil executives to fund her lavish lifestyle in return for lucrative government contracts. However, the defence pointed out that no evidence was presented linking her to any such contracts, or showing that she directly benefited from bribes. Throughout the trial, Mrs Alison-Madueke maintained her innocence, stating categorically that she never requested, accepted, or sought a bribe.
The acquittal has raised questions about why the Nigerian government failed to pursue its own prosecution of Mrs Alison-Madueke, and why the NCA did not seek the extradition of six oil men alleged to have paid bribes to her. As the trial concluded, concerns remain that justice may not have been done – but for now, Diezani Alison-Madueke is a free woman.