Diezani Alison-Madueke pleads not guilty to bribery charges in London

Former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has pleaded not guilty to bribery charges at a court in London, marking a major development in long-running corruption cases linked to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

Prosecutors allege that Alison-Madueke received illicit payments between 2011 and 2015 while in office, in exchange for exerting influence over the award of oil and gas contracts.

The UK authorities claim the alleged proceeds of bribery were used to finance an extravagant lifestyle, including luxury properties and high-end goods.

At the hearing, Alison-Madueke, who served as petroleum minister under former President Goodluck Jonathan, denied all allegations brought against her.

The charges form part of wider investigations by UK law enforcement agencies into suspected corruption involving politically exposed persons and international financial flows.

The case is expected to continue in the coming months, with prosecutors outlining evidence they say links the former minister to unlawful payments connected to Nigeria’s energy industry.

Alison-Madueke has consistently maintained her innocence in previous legal proceedings related to corruption allegations.

The trial is being closely watched in Nigeria and abroad, given its potential implications for ongoing asset recovery efforts and international cooperation in anti-corruption enforcement.