Former Petroleum Minister Diezani Reflects on 11 Years of Trauma After Court Acquittal

Former Minister of Petroleum Resources Diezani Alison‑Madueke has responded to her acquittal by a London court on charges of alleged bribery.

The Southwark Crown Court in London, UK, acquitted the former minister of five counts of accepting bribes and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery on Wednesday.

In a statement to News Central, the former minister expressed relief at the court’s decision, noting that she, her family, and friends have endured trauma for the past 11 years.

She said she has been in the UK since the case began 11 years ago and that the ordeal has affected her, her 93‑year‑old mother in Port Harcourt, and her son.

"I’m just thankful to God; it’s been arduous, almost 11 years. It’s been traumatic not just for me but for my family, friends, my 93‑year‑old mother in Port Harcourt and for my son," she said.

"It has been a hard journey, but I tell you this, God will always do as he will. God will be God and God is not a man that he should lie; when he promises you something, he will see it through," she added.

"For almost 11 years I have been here. I did my job to the best of my ability," she concluded.