‘God Is Not Man’ – Diezani Alison-Madueke Reacts After UK Court Acquittal Ends 11-Year Ordeal.

LONDON, June 17, 2026* – Former Nigerian Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke broke her silence Wednesday after a London jury cleared her of all bribery charges, declaring _“God will always be God and God is not a man that he should lie”.

The Southwark Crown Court acquittal ended an 11-year legal battle that Alison-Madueke described as _“arduous”_ and _“traumatic not just for me but for my family, friends, my 93-year-old mother in Port Harcourt and for my son”.

Jury Delivers Not Guilty Verdict After 46 Hours.

A jury at Southwark Crown Court found Alison-Madueke, 65, not guilty on five counts of accepting bribes and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery. The verdict came after more than 46 hours of deliberation following a five-month trial that began in January 2026. dc2c3cd6cc3f

Prosecutors had alleged the former minister enjoyed _“a life of luxury”_ in London, funded by oil and gas industry figures seeking lucrative contracts in Nigeria. The charges included claims she received £100,000 in cash, over £2 million spent at Harrods, £4.6 million for property refurbishments, private jet travel, and chauffeur-driven vehicles. 3cd68fcc

Alison-Madueke denied every allegation. She told jurors she _“never sought, requested or accepted bribes and did not abuse her public office”_. Her lawyers argued the spending cited was reimbursed by the Nigerian state for official business or paid personally, and that she was known as _“Madame Due Process”_. 

Speaking to News Central after the verdict, Alison-Madueke said: _“For 11 long, gruelling years this case has hung over my head and has tormented me and my family”_. _“I’m just thankful to God, it’s been arduous, almost 11 years. It has been a hard journey, but I tell you this, God will always do as he will”_. 

She added: _“God will be God and God is not a man that he should lie; when he promises you something, he will see it through. For almost 11 years I have been here. I did my job to the best of my ability”_. 

The former minister served as Nigeria’s petroleum minister between 2010 and 2015 under then-President Goodluck Jonathan. She also briefly served as president of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. 

A pivotal moment came when a written statement from former President Goodluck Jonathan was read in court. Jonathan defended Alison-Madueke, stating it was not unusual for third parties to cover costs for ministers on official overseas duties and confirming he personally approved her use of private jets. 

Two co-defendants were also acquitted. Oil executive Olatimbo Ayinde, 54, faced bribery charges, while Alison-Madueke’s brother Doye Agama, 69, was charged with conspiracy related to payments to a church. Both denied the charges and were cleared by the jury. 

‘Blow to British Authorities

The verdicts are _“a major blow to British authorities, who began their investigation into corruption allegations against Alison-Madueke more than a decade ago”_. Campaign group Spotlight on Corruption said: _“This case has exposed just how tough it is to investigate and prosecute alleged corruption involving political elites”.

The trial examined claims involving luxury properties, shopping expenses, and private jet travel between 2011 and 2015. Alison-Madueke maintained her expenditures were officially funded, reimbursed, or personally financed. 

During testimony, she described Nigeria as _“patriarchal and misogynistic”_ and said she was told she would be _“made a scapegoat of the administration”.

With the UK case concluded, Alison-Madueke has not confirmed whether she will return to Nigeria. She told News Central she has _“been here”_ in the UK for almost 11 years since proceedings began.

The acquittal marks one of the few high-profile corruption trials involving a senior former energy official to end in full acquittal. Reuters noted the case was _“one of the most high-profile cases relating to alleged corruption in oil-rich Nigeria”.

For now, the former minister says her _“nightmare is over”_. After 46 hours of jury deliberation and 11 years of investigation, the court’s message was unanimous: not guilty on all counts.