Nigeria’s former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has accused UK authorities of damaging her reputation and limiting her freedom after she was cleared of all bribery charges in London.
Alison-Madueke was acquitted at Southwark Crown Court on June 17 of five counts of accepting bribes and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery, following a trial that came after a years-long investigation by the UK’s National Crime Agency.
Speaking in a BBC interview after the verdict, the former minister said the prolonged case had taken a serious personal and professional toll on her.
“They destroyed my reputation and my integrity. I’ve not been allowed to travel. I’ve not been allowed to work. When your freedom is taken away from you, it has a very deep impact upon you psychologically.”
She maintained that she had always believed she would be cleared, insisting that she never committed the offences alleged against her.
“I knew that I had never done anything nefarious and I had never done any of the heinous things I was being accused of doing.”
Alison-Madueke served as Nigeria’s Minister of Petroleum Resources from 2010 to 2015. She also became the first woman to lead Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, serving as OPEC president from 2014 to 2015.
Her acquittal ends the UK criminal trial, though reports indicate she may still face separate legal and asset-recovery matters in other jurisdictions.
Reactions
Supporting comments
“Thirteen years is a long time to carry such allegations. If the court found her not guilty, people should respect the verdict.”
“A person’s reputation can be damaged beyond repair before a case even reaches trial. This is why investigations must be handled carefully.”
“Whether people like her or not, being acquitted means the prosecution did not prove its case.”
“Nobody should celebrate someone’s suffering simply because they are a politician.”
Opposing comments
“Acquittal does not automatically answer every question Nigerians have about the oil sector during that period.”
“The court cleared the charges before it, but Nigerians still deserve transparency about public funds and oil contracts.”
“Many people are focused on the verdict, but the larger issue is whether accountability was ever achieved.”
“Nigeria has seen too many cases where allegations disappear without proper explanations.”
Neutral comments
“The UK court has delivered its verdict; the next question is whether there are any separate cases still pending.”
“This case shows how difficult it can be to prosecute complex international corruption allegations.”
“Both sides will have strong opinions, but the legal outcome should be reported accurately.”
“A not-guilty verdict is not the same thing as a detailed public audit of every allegation ever made.”
Funny/Pidgin comments
“After 13 years, na only court case dey older than some people’s relationships.”
“Naija people don bring calculator: ‘Abeg, make una still explain the money matter.’”
“UK don close their file, but Nigerians don open another WhatsApp group for investigation.”
“Court don talk finish, but social media jury never even start deliberation.”
“This one na case wey get season 1 to season 13. Nollywood producers, over to you.”
Published by Ejoh Caleb
