The jury in the bribery trial of former Nigerian Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke began deliberations Monday, with a verdict expected to follow.
Alison-Madueke, 65, is standing trial in the UK alongside oil executive Olatimbo Ayinde and her brother Doye Agama on five counts of accepting bribes. All three have pleaded not guilty.
British prosecutors allege Alison-Madueke received luxury goods and high-end properties from industry figures in exchange for using her influence to favour them in oil contracts during her time as minister from 2010 to 2015.
Closing arguments were heard last Tuesday. Defence counsel Jonathan Laidlaw argued that UK prosecutors failed to charge the alleged bribe givers, relied on questionable evidence, and could not produce key material.
Olokola deep seaport: Dangote engages Ogun/Ondo host communities ahead project takeoff
He also noted that UK National Crime Agency officials were not present during a 2015 raid on Alison-Madueke’s Abuja residence.
Lead prosecutor Alexandra Healy maintained the case against the former minister. Alison-Madueke and her legal team have denied all allegations.
Stay ahead with the latest updates! Join The ConclaveNG on WhatsApp and Telegram for real-time news alerts, breaking stories, and exclusive content delivered straight to your phone. Don’t miss a headline — subscribe now!
