Jury Begins Deliberation in Diezani Alison-Madueke Bribery Trial

Jurors at Southwark Crown Court have begun deliberations in the bribery trial involving former Nigerian oil minister Diezani Alison-Madueke. The jury is expected to decide her fate after months of court proceedings in London.

Prosecutors told the court that Alison-Madueke is facing five counts of accepting bribes and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery linked to her time as petroleum minister between 2010 and 2015. She has denied all allegations brought against her.

According to the prosecution, the former minister allegedly received luxury benefits from individuals in the oil and gas industry seeking access to lucrative contracts. The court heard claims involving expensive London properties and shopping trips funded by business associates.

Her defence team argued that major decisions within the ministry were not made by her alone, insisting that actions taken during her tenure followed official recommendations and procedures. During her testimony last month, Alison-Madueke told the court she never requested or accepted bribes.

She is being tried alongside oil executive Olatimbo Ayinde and her brother Doye Agama, who are also facing related charges. Both men have denied the allegations as jurors continue deliberations on the case involving all three defendants.