Former Oil Minister Cleared After 13-Year Battle

After a grueling 13-year legal battle, former Nigerian oil minister Diezani Alison-Madueke was acquitted of five bribery charges, calling the ordeal “painful and traumatic” and accusing UK authorities of destroying her reputation. Arrested in 2015 and charged in 2023, she denied accepting kickbacks from oil tycoons, arguing critical evidence—including reimbursement receipts—was seized by Nigerian intelligence and never returned. Despite mounting pressure and psychological strain, she maintained her innocence, even as former President Jonathan backed her, noting it was common for third parties to cover official travel expenses. Alison-Madueke blamed multiple parties, including Nigerian investigators, for the case’s failures, suggesting she was targeted as “low-hanging fruit.” While the UK’s National Crime Agency acknowledged the verdict, U.S. authorities had previously seized over $50 million tied to the accused tycoons, which Alison-Madueke claimed she was never charged over. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/9667d889cf0ca8a6