Former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has spoken publicly about the impact of the corruption case she faced in the United Kingdom, saying the prolonged legal battle severely affected her reputation, freedom of movement, and ability to work.
According to a report obtained by The News Chronicle on Saturday, June 20, 2026, Diezani recently secured an acquittal at Southwark Crown Court in London, where a jury cleared her of allegations of accepting bribes and conspiracy to commit bribery.
Speaking in an interview with the BBC following the verdict, the former minister described the experience as painful and emotionally draining.
“I’ve not been allowed to travel. I’ve not been allowed to work. They destroyed my reputation and my integrity,” she said.
Diezani stated that the years-long investigation and trial had a profound psychological impact on her.
“When your freedom is taken away from you, it has a very deep impact upon you psychologically,” she added.
Maintaining her innocence, the former petroleum minister said she had never committed the offences for which she was investigated.
Diezani was initially arrested in 2015 but was not formally charged until 2023. Prosecutors alleged that she received luxury gifts and access to high-value properties from businessmen involved in the oil sector.
However, she, her brother Doye Agama, and oil industry executive Olatimbo Ayinde were all acquitted by the court.
She also questioned earlier claims regarding assets allegedly linked to her, arguing that some of the properties and assets were not directly connected to her. According to Diezani, the court ruling now gives her an opportunity to examine what happened to those assets and better understand the circumstances surrounding them.
The former minister further criticised the manner in which the case was handled, calling for greater caution in politically sensitive investigations involving multiple countries.
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency said it had conducted a thorough investigation and respected the jury’s decision following the trial.
