A court in the United Kingdom has acquitted former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, of all bribery charges brought against her by British authorities.

The verdict was delivered on Wednesday by the Southwark Crown Court in London after jurors reportedly spent more than 46 hours deliberating on the case.

The former minister had faced six counts of bribery-related offences but was found not guilty on all charges.

During the trial, a written statement from former President Goodluck Jonathan was presented before the court. In the statement, Jonathan said it was not uncommon for third parties to cover expenses for ministers undertaking official assignments abroad.

He also told the court that he had authorised Alison-Madueke’s use of private aircraft for certain international engagements during his administration.

The trial began in January 2026 following charges filed by UK authorities in August 2023 over allegations that the former minister received benefits linked to the award of lucrative oil and gas contracts.

The UK's National Crime Agency had alleged that Alison-Madueke accepted inducements worth about £100,000 in exchange for influencing contract awards during her tenure in office.

She was tried alongside oil executive Olatimbo Ayinde and her brother, Doye Agama. All defendants denied the allegations.

Throughout the proceedings, prosecutors alleged that the former minister benefited from luxury items, high-value properties and other privileges allegedly provided by individuals seeking favourable treatment in Nigeria’s oil sector.

The prosecution further claimed that businessman Kolawole Aluko spent substantial sums on luxury purchases for Alison-Madueke and facilitated her access to upscale properties in the United Kingdom.

However, the defence argued that the former minister did not possess sole authority over the award of oil contracts. Her legal team maintained that approvals passed through several regulatory and government agencies before reaching her office.

The defence also told the court that operational control of the oil industry largely rested with the leadership of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, while the petroleum ministry primarily exercised supervisory functions.

Following months of legal proceedings, the jury returned verdicts acquitting Alison-Madueke of all charges.