Ex-Nigerian Oil Minister Alison-Madueke Faces Verdict as Jury Deliberates

A jury in London has begun deliberations in the high-profile bribery trial of former Nigerian Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke, marking a critical stage in a case that has drawn international attention over alleged corruption in Africa’s oil sector.

The proceedings are taking place at Southwark Crown Court, where Alison-Madueke faces multiple charges of bribery and conspiracy relating to her time in office between 2010 and 2015 under former President Goodluck Jonathan. She has denied all allegations.

Prosecutors allege that the former minister accepted lavish benefits; including luxury accommodation, shopping sprees, private jets, and cash payments, from oil industry figures seeking influence over lucrative oil and gas contracts in Nigeria. Alison-Madueke, however, maintains that she never solicited or received bribes and acted within official government procedures.

Also on trial are oil executive Olatimbo Ayinde and Alison-Madueke’s brother, Doyé Agama, both of whom also deny involvement in bribery-related offences. The prosecution argues the trio participated in a wider scheme to influence contract awards in the oil sector.

During the trial, which began earlier this year, Alison-Madueke told the court that she “at no time” asked for or accepted any bribe, insisting that decisions taken during her tenure were based on official recommendations.

The jury has now been tasked with considering evidence presented over several months, including testimony from witnesses, financial records, and arguments from both the prosecution and defence. A verdict is expected after deliberations conclude.

The case remains one of the most significant corruption trials involving a former senior Nigerian government official in recent years, with implications for Nigeria’s long-standing battle against graft in its oil industry.