Jury Begins Deliberations for Verdict in Diezani’s Bribery Trial

The jury in the alleged bribery trial of Diezani Alison-Madueke, former minister of petroleum resources in Nigeria, on Monday, commenced deliberations in the case.

After deliberations, the jury will deliver a final verdict, according to Reuters.

The ex-minister is standing trial alongside Olatimbo Ayinde, an oil executive; and Doye Agama, her brother; on a five-count charge bordering on acceptance of bribes.

They have all pleaded not guilty to the charges.

British prosecutors had accused Alison-Madueke of accepting bribes in the form of luxury goods from industry figures.

The prosecutors had said Alison-Madueke was given high-end properties by people who believed that she would use her influence to favour them in oil contracts.

The former minister and her counsel had denied all the allegations.

During proceedings last Tuesday, Jonathan Laidlaw, the defendant’s counsel, and Alexandra Healy, the lead prosecutor, rendered their closing arguments.

Laidlaw accused UK prosecutors of failing to prosecute the alleged bribe givers, relying on questionable evidence, and inability to provide some evidence necessary for the case.

The lead counsel argued that while Alison-Madueke was charged, the wealthy oil businessmen alleged to have paid bribes to her were never charged.

Laidlaw said officials of the UK’s National Crime Agency were absent during the raid on the Abuja residence of the former minister in October 2015. DL/Thecable