NEWS
Southwark Crown Court Trial: Judge Dismisses Key Charges Against Former Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke as Jury Prepares for Deliberations
— Describes Diezani as a Person of Good Character
As the high-profile corruption trial involving former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, approaches its final stage at Southwark Crown Court, fresh revelations from the courtroom have exposed major setbacks in the prosecution’s case ahead of jury deliberations.
During her legal directions to the jury on Monday, Justice Justine Thornton disclosed that several charges initially brought against Alison-Madueke had already been dismissed before the trial officially commenced. According to the judge, there was no evidence showing that the former minister improperly performed her official duties while serving in Nigeria’s petroleum sector.
The court heard that allegations relating to the improper award of oil contracts had been rejected at an early stage, with some counts removed before jurors were even sworn in. The ruling has now become one of the most significant developments in the lengthy trial, casting fresh attention on the strength of the prosecution’s arguments.
The case against Alison-Madueke has centered largely on accusations that she accepted financial benefits and luxury advantages from oil businessmen during her time in office. However, the judge emphasized that there had been no finding that she manipulated oil contract processes or acted unlawfully in awarding contracts.
The prosecution itself had earlier acknowledged in its opening submissions that there was no evidence suggesting the former minister granted contracts to undeserving companies. That concession, combined with the judge’s latest clarification, has intensified scrutiny over the core allegations being pursued before the jury.
In another major moment during the proceedings, Justice Thornton directed jurors to carefully consider the good character of both Alison-Madueke and her co-defendant and brother, Doye Agama.
The judge informed the court that Alison-Madueke has no prior criminal convictions and that unchallenged testimony regarding her good character had been presented before the court. Similar directions were issued in favour of Agama, who also has no criminal record and was supported by positive character references from church leaders.
Justice Thornton explained to jurors that although good character does not automatically amount to a defence, it remains an important factor that must be weighed in favour of the defendants. She further instructed that individuals with good character are generally considered less likely to commit criminal offences and more likely to provide truthful evidence.
Legal observers say the directions could play a crucial role in the final outcome of the trial, especially as jurors assess whether Alison-Madueke knowingly engaged in corrupt conduct despite her longstanding public profile and previously unblemished record.
Meanwhile, the prosecution, led by Alexandra Healy KC, continued its closing submissions by arguing that the former minister enjoyed a lavish lifestyle allegedly financed by businessmen seeking access to oil contracts and influence.
Healy challenged Alison-Madueke’s defence that purchases and expenses had been reimbursed, stressing that despite investigations spanning more than a decade, no documentary evidence of repayments had been produced before the court.
On Count 8 of the indictment, the prosecution also rejected the whistleblower claims made by co-defendant Olatimbo Ayinde, arguing that the request for reimbursement only surfaced after the defendant failed to achieve certain objectives.
The judge further instructed jurors to disregard Nigerian political realities, customs, and public commentary while evaluating the case. Jurors were also warned against being influenced by media reports or broader political narratives surrounding the trial.
With closing arguments nearing completion, the jury is expected to begin deliberations later this week. Alison-Madueke has consistently maintained her innocence and denied all allegations brought against her throughout the proceedings.