Alison‑Madueke says the UK ruined her reputation and integrity.

Diezani Alison‑Madueke, Nigeria’s former Minister of Petroleum Resources, said that a failed prosecution by UK authorities had damaged her reputation and caused her trauma.

She made the remarks during a Friday interview with the BBC, arguing that the 13‑year investigation conducted by the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) could have been managed differently.

Her comments followed her acquittal on Wednesday at Southwark Crown Court on bribery charges.

“I’ve not been allowed to travel. I’ve not been allowed to work. They destroyed my reputation and my integrity,” she said.

After the trial, the court ruled her not guilty of five counts of accepting bribes and conspiracy to commit bribery.

Alison‑Madueke held the position of Nigeria’s oil minister from 2010 to 2015 and was the first woman to serve as president of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

She was first detained in 2015, but formal charges were not filed until 2023.

Prosecutors alleged that she accepted kickbacks from oil magnates involved in government contracts, including £2 million worth of goods from Harrods, chauffeur‑driven cars, and the use of properties in London and Buckinghamshire.