ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The jury in the high-profile corruption trial involving former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has commenced deliberations after nearly four months of proceedings at the Southwark Crown Court in London.
Alison-Madueke, who served as Nigeria’s Minister of Petroleum Resources between 2010 and 2015 under former President Goodluck Jonathan, is facing five counts bordering on alleged bribery and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery.
The 65-year-old former minister has, however, pleaded not guilty to all charges brought against her by prosecutors.
During the trial, prosecutors accused Alison-Madueke of living an extravagant lifestyle in London, alleging that she enjoyed luxury apartments and expensive shopping trips allegedly funded by oil industry figures seeking favourable treatment in securing lucrative oil and gas contracts.
The prosecution further claimed that the benefits she allegedly received formed part of corrupt arrangements tied to her former position as one of Nigeria’s most influential public officials.
But her defence team pushed back against the allegations, insisting that Alison-Madueke merely acted within the framework of official recommendations and did not personally influence contract decisions.
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While testifying before the court last month, the former minister denied ever requesting or accepting any form of bribe.
“At no time did I ask, take, or seek a bribe or bribes of any sort,” she told the jury during her defence.
Alison-Madueke, who also briefly served as President of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC, is standing trial alongside oil executive, Olatimbo Ayinde.
Ayinde, 54, is facing one count of bribery linked to Alison-Madueke and another separate charge involving the alleged bribery of a foreign public official.
Also joined in the case is Alison-Madueke’s brother, Doye Agama, 69, who is accused of conspiracy to commit bribery in connection with activities linked to his church.
Both Ayinde and Agama have equally denied all allegations filed against them.
Following the close of arguments and evidence presentation in the trial which began in late January, the jury was directed shortly before 12:30 p.m. on Monday to begin considering its verdict on the eight charges filed against the three defendants.