Former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has been found not guilty of all bribery charges brought against her in the United Kingdom (UK).
The verdict was delivered on Wednesday by a jury at Southwark Crown Court in London after a lengthy trial that lasted about 12 weeks. The jury reached a unanimous decision following 46 hours of deliberations.
Alison-Madueke, who served during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan from 2010 to 2015, had denied every allegation throughout the trial.
Prosecutors accused her of receiving benefits from individuals connected to the oil and gas industry in return for favourable treatment regarding business interests and contracts in Nigeria.
According to the case presented in Court, the former Minister allegedly enjoyed expensive benefits while living in London. The prosecution claimed these benefits were funded by people with interests in the oil and gas sector.
The Court heard allegations that she received £100,000 in cash, more than £2 million spent on luxury purchases at Harrods, £4.6 million used for renovations on properties, private jet trips, chauffeur services and payments for household staff working at luxury homes in London and Buckinghamshire.
Prosecutors argued that these benefits were linked to her position as Petroleum Minister and were allegedly provided in exchange for influence.
However, while giving evidence, Alison-Madueke rejected the accusations and maintained that she never accepted any bribe or misused her office.
Her lawyers also challenged the allegations, arguing that the case was influenced by politics and that financial dealings connected to her had been wrongly interpreted by investigators.
The proceedings were overseen by Justice Justine Thornton and focused on allegations said to have taken place between 2011 and 2015.
If convicted under British anti-bribery laws, Alison-Madueke could have faced up to 10 years in prison as well as an unlimited financial penalty.
The former Minister was not the only person on trial. Oil executive Olatimbo Ayinde and her brother, Doye Agama, also faced charges linked to the case.
Ayinde was accused of bribery offences involving Alison-Madueke and an alleged case of bribing a foreign public official. Agama was charged with conspiracy to commit bribery over payments allegedly connected to his church.
Both men denied all accusations during the trial.
At the end of the proceedings, the jury cleared Ayinde and Agama of all charges alongside Alison-Madueke.