Nigerian ex-oil minister rejects bribery claims in UK trial

Former Nigerian petroleum minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has denied all bribery allegations as she opened her defence at Southwark Crown Court in the United Kingdom.

Testifying before a London jury on Monday, Alison-Madueke rejected claims that she abused her office or accepted financial benefits from oil businessmen in exchange for favourable treatment, telling the court she did not solicit or receive bribes. “I did not abuse my office at all. I did not ask, seek or solicit bribes,” she said under questioning by her counsel.

The former minister faces six counts under the UK Bribery Act, with prosecutors alleging she received financial advantages linked to oil sector dealings.

In her testimony, Alison-Madueke argued that she had limited influence over the award of oil contracts, describing her role as largely procedural.

“The minister is just a rubber stamp,” she said, adding that key decisions were taken by committees and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.

She acknowledged using properties in London and accepting travel arrangements, including private flights, funded by associates, but maintained that such expenses were either reimbursed or managed through official channels.

Alison-Madueke also denied knowledge of a reported £100,000 cash delivery to her London residence, stating she became aware of the allegation during trial proceedings.

Her defence further pointed to what she described as cultural practices around support and gift-giving, as well as weak financial controls within the NNPC’s London office.

The trial is ongoing.

SOURCE: Reuters