Proceedings at the Southwark Crown Court in London reached a significant stage on Tuesday as the defence in the trial of former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, formally closed its case following her final testimony denying all allegations of wrongdoing.
The former minister is facing multiple allegations including bribery, improper financial benefits, and abuse of office linked to oil sector transactions during her tenure.
However, she consistently rejected all accusations throughout her testimony, insisting she neither requested nor initiated any improper dealings.
Alison-Madueke told the court she had no personal knowledge of several financial transactions presented by the prosecution and maintained that official arrangements such as travel and logistics were handled by state institutions, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), rather than by her directly.
“I was not the logistics person for any of these trips,” she said, adding that she had no control over or involvement in personal or third-party accounts referenced in the case.
She also denied receiving luxury gifts, including handbags, furniture, yachts, or properties, arguing that references made in conversations were misinterpreted or taken out of context.
During cross-examination, she addressed recorded conversations and travel documents linked to business associates including Jide Omokore and Kola Aluko, insisting that she did not organise meetings for improper purposes and that some engagements occurred while she was already in the United Kingdom for official duties.
The defence further argued that there was no direct evidence of personal financial gain, stating that much of the prosecution’s case relied on interpretation of communications rather than concrete proof of misconduct.
Alison-Madueke also told the court that she was undergoing cancer treatment during parts of the period under review, saying her health condition affected her memory of certain events.
The court was informed that former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan declined to give evidence via video link, a development the defence described as a gap in the evidential chain.
READ ALSO: Diezani Alison-Madueke Appears In London Court Ahead Of Bribery Trial
The prosecution, however, maintained that recorded conversations and financial records pointed to awareness of wrongdoing, a claim the defendant rejected.
She insisted that some of her past statements were misunderstood, explaining that certain remarks were colloquial or advisory in nature and not admissions of guilt.
“I did not have consciousness of wrongdoing,” she told the court.
In related testimony, witness Tony Mulcahy concluded evidence concerning disputed ownership of luxury goods and financial transactions linked to associates of the former minister, including Kola Aluko and Jide Omokore.
Mulcahy acknowledged financial disputes in the dealings but stated that Alison-Madueke was not directly involved in misleading him and had cooperated when issues arose.
The trial continues as the court prepares to evaluate both prosecution arguments and the now-closed defence case in the high-profile corruption proceedings.