Diezani Breaks Silence After UK Court Acquittal, Says 13-Year Probe Ruined Her Reputation
Former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has spoken publicly following her acquittal in a London court, accusing British prosecutors of causing lasting damage to her reputation, career, and personal life through a lengthy investigation that spanned more than a decade.
Global Mirror News gathered that in an interview with the BBC, Alison-Madueke described the 13-year investigation by the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) as a deeply distressing experience, saying the prolonged legal battle restricted her freedom, prevented her from working, and left a significant psychological toll.
According to the Former Minister, the years under investigation effectively placed her life on hold.
“They destroyed my reputation and my integrity. I’ve not been allowed to travel. I’ve not been allowed to work,” she said, adding that the loss of freedom had a profound emotional impact on her wellbeing.
Alison-Madueke, who made history as Nigeria’s first female Minister of Petroleum Resources and the first woman to serve as President of Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, argued that investigators failed to fully understand the political realities surrounding her tenure in office.
She suggested that her prominence and position made her an easy target, claiming she was unfairly singled out by authorities despite her efforts to reform aspects of Nigeria’s oil sector.
The former Minister also raised concerns about evidence she believes could have supported her defence. She alleged that documents and receipts seized from her Abuja residence in 2015 disappeared after being taken by security operatives.
According to her, the records would have demonstrated that certain payments made on her behalf by oil industry figures were later reimbursed.
Alison-Madueke further pointed to a written statement submitted by former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, who told the court that it was not uncommon for third parties to cover expenses for ministers undertaking official duties abroad.
The former Minister maintained that she had consistently denied wrongdoing and insisted she was innocent of the corruption allegations brought against her.
Her trial stemmed from charges filed by UK authorities in 2023, alleging that she accepted luxury gifts and access to high-end properties from oil executives in exchange for influencing the award of lucrative oil and gas contracts during her time in office.
Responding to questions about responsibility for the case, Alison-Madueke said accountability was shared among multiple institutions and called on Nigerian authorities to review the procedures used in handling such investigations.
She was acquitted alongside oil executive Olatimbo Ayinde and her brother, Doye Agama, who were also cleared of the allegations.
Despite the court victory, Alison-Madueke continues to face scrutiny over separate allegations in other jurisdictions. In 2023, the United States Department of Justice announced the recovery of approximately $53 million in assets linked to oil businessmen allegedly involved in the case, claiming the former minister used her influence to steer contracts to certain companies.
She rejected the allegations, arguing that she was never formally charged in the United States and therefore had no opportunity to challenge the claims in court.
“The contracts were subjected to the exact due process that they were supposed to go through,” she stated.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has also previously reported the recovery of about $153 million and more than 80 properties allegedly linked to the former minister. Alison-Madueke, however, maintained that the assets forfeited were not directly traced to her and said she intends to review the details of those cases now that her legal restrictions have eased.
Looking ahead, the former minister signalled plans to speak more openly about the events of the past decade and outline her future plans following the end of the high-profile legal battle.
Her acquittal marks a significant turning point in one of the most closely watched corruption cases involving a former Nigerian public official, though questions surrounding related investigations and asset recovery proceedings remain unresolved.
