DIEZANI BREAKS SILENCE AFTER LONDON COURT ACQUITTAL, SAYS 11-YEAR LEGAL BATTLE WAS TRAUMATIC

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

Former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has reacted to her acquittal by a London court after all bribery charges brought against her were dismissed.

The Southwark Crown Court in London, United Kingdom, on Wednesday cleared the former minister of all six charges against her, including five counts of accepting bribes and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery.

Speaking shortly after the judgment in an interview with News Central, Alison-Madueke described the outcome as the end of a long and emotionally difficult journey that lasted more than a decade.

She said the legal battle had taken a significant toll not only on her but also on members of her family and close associates.

According to her, she has remained in the United Kingdom throughout the duration of the proceedings, which began about 11 years ago.

“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.

Expressing gratitude after the verdict, Alison-Madueke said she relied on faith throughout the process and remained convinced that the truth would prevail.

“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 stated.

Reflecting on her time in office, the former minister maintained that she carried out her responsibilities diligently.

“For almost 11 years I have been here. I did my job to the best of my ability,” she added.

The acquittal brings to a close one of the most high-profile international corruption cases involving a former Nigerian public official.