Jury Begins Deliberations In Diezani Bribery Trial

The jury in the trial of former Nigeria’s Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has begun deliberations at Southwark Crown Court in London following the conclusion of hearings that lasted nearly four months.

Alison-Madueke, who served under former President Goodluck Jonathan between 2010 and 2015, has pleaded not guilty to five counts of bribery and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery.

Prosecutors allege that the 65-year-old former minister benefited from a lavish lifestyle in London, including the use of luxury properties and shopping privileges allegedly provided by oil industry players seeking access to lucrative contracts in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

Her defence team, however, insists she did not engage in any corrupt dealings, arguing that she merely acted as a “rubber stamp” for official processes and did not personally solicit or receive bribes.

While giving evidence last month, Alison-Madueke told the court: “At no time did I ask, take, or seek a bribe or bribes of any sort.”

She is being tried alongside oil executive Olatimbo Ayinde, 54, who faces charges of bribery linked to the former minister, as well as bribery of a foreign public official.

Also standing trial is her brother, Doye Agama, 69, who is accused of conspiracy to commit bribery in connection with alleged dealings involving Agama’s church. All defendants have denied the allegations.

After proceedings that began in late January, the jury was discharged on Monday shortly before 12:30 p.m. to begin considering its verdict on the eight charges facing the three defendants.