Former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has expressed gratitude to God following her acquittal by a London court in a high-profile bribery case that lasted more than a decade.
The former Nigerian oil minister was on Wednesday found not guilty by Southwark Crown Court of five counts of accepting bribes and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery, bringing the lengthy legal proceedings to a close.
Speaking after the judgment during an interview with News Central, Alison-Madueke described the experience as one of the most difficult periods of her life, saying the case had deeply affected both her and her loved ones.
“I’m just thankful to God. It’s been arduous, almost 11 years. It’s been traumatic not just for me but for my family, friends, my 93-year-old mother in Port Harcourt and for my son,” she said.
Reflecting on the years spent fighting the charges, the former minister noted that she had remained in the United Kingdom throughout the legal process.
“For almost 11 years I have been here. I did my job to the best of my ability,” she stated.
Alison-Madueke also spoke about her faith during the prolonged court battle, saying she remained convinced that God would ultimately vindicate her.
“It has been a hard journey, but I tell you this, God will always do as he will. God will be God and God is not a man that he should lie; when he promises you something, he will see it through,” she said.
The former minister, who served under the administration of former President , consistently denied all allegations throughout the trial.
British prosecutors had alleged that she accepted benefits from figures within the oil and gas industry in exchange for favourable treatment. However, after reviewing the evidence presented, the court acquitted her of all charges.
The verdict marks the end of a legal saga that has drawn significant attention in both Nigeria and the United Kingdom for more than a decade.
