Former petroleum minister Alison-Madueke opens defence in UK court docket, denies bribery claims

Former Minister of Petroleum, Diezani Alison-Madueke has opened her defence at Southwark Crown Court docket in London, denying allegations of bribery.

Alison-Madueke who’s dealing with six counts below the UK Bribery Act, instructed the court docket she by no means abused her workplace or solicited bribes.

“I didn’t abuse my workplace in any respect. I didn’t ask, search or solicit bribes,” she mentioned whereas showing on the court docket within the early hours of the day.

Alison-Madueke rejected claims that she obtained {financial} benefits from oil businessmen in alternate for favours.

She mentioned any advantages linked to her had been both reimbursed or misrepresented, stressing that she had restricted authority over the award of oil contracts.

“The minister is only a rubber stamp,” she mentioned, noting that key selections had been made by committees and the Nigerian Nationwide Petroleum Company.

Alison-Madueke mentioned her position was restricted to formal approval, however she nevertheless, admitted to utilizing London properties and accepting journey preparations funded by associates.

She mentioned such bills had been both reimbursed or dealt with by means of official channels.

Alison-Madueke denied information of an alleged £100,000 money supply to her London residence, including that she solely grew to become conscious of the declare throughout trial disclosures.

The previous minister additionally cited cultural practices to elucidate among the preparations, revealing that assist from associates and gift-giving are widespread inside Nigeria’s political and social system.

Alison-Madueke added that weak {financial} controls within the NNPC’s London workplace contributed to the usage of third-party preparations.