Summary
Ex-Nigerian oil minister Diezani Alison-Madueke's legal team argued in a London court that she did not take bribes from industry insiders. The defense stated that Alison-Madueke reimbursed costs paid on her behalf because she could not maintain foreign bank accounts as a Nigerian minister. The trial centers on accusations of bribery and conspiracy to commit bribery, with Alison-Madueke firmly denying the charges.
Key Facts
- Diezani Alison-Madueke was Nigeria's oil minister from 2010 to 2015.
- She has been accused of taking bribes, but her defense says she reimbursed money spent on her.
- Nigerian ministers are not allowed to have bank accounts outside Nigeria.
- Her defense claims these charges were delayed significantly, with her first arrest in 2015, yet charges only brought in 2023.
- The court heard that those accused of giving bribes have not been charged or extradited.
- Alison-Madueke's brother and a businessman are also on trial for related charges.
- The defense argues the absence of certain records and materials places Alison-Madueke at a disadvantage in her trial.
