Former Minister of Petroleum Resources Diezani Alison-Madueke has begun her defence in a London court against allegations of bribery and corruption, insisting she is innocent of all charges.
Alison-Madueke, 65, who served as petroleum minister from 2010 to 2015 under then-President Goodluck Jonathan, took the witness stand for the first time and told jurors she “did not abuse my office at all” and “did not ask, seek or solicit bribes.”
“I can state categorically at no time did I ask for, take, or seek a bribe or bribes of any sort from any of these persons,” she said.
She added that she “always sought to act impartially” in her role.
Alison-Madueke faces five counts of accepting bribes and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery under the UK Bribery Act.
Prosecutors allege she received financial advantages, including multimillion-pound properties in London, a £2 million ($2.7 million) Harrods shopping spree, private jets, a chauffeur-driven car and £100,000 ($135,000) in cash, from oil industry figures who stood to benefit from government contracts.
The former minister, who has lived in the United Kingdom since leaving office, faces multiple counts of bribery and money laundering. Prosecutors claim she received luxury gifts, cash and properties in return for awarding oil licences and contracts.
The trial, which has drawn significant international attention, is expected to last several weeks. Alison-Madueke remains on bail pending the conclusion of proceedings.
