Diezani’s UK acquittal does not end Nigeria corruption probes — HEDA

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda has said the acquittal of former Petroleum Resources Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke by a United Kingdom court does not bring an end to corruption investigations or asset-recovery proceedings involving her in Nigeria.

HEDA Chairman Olanrewaju Suraju said the June 17 verdict at Southwark Crown Court should be respected but stressed that the decision related to specific criminal charges considered under UK law.

According to the organisation, the judgment should not be interpreted either as proof of wrongdoing or as a blanket determination of every allegation, investigation or asset-recovery proceeding involving the former minister.

HEDA argued that Nigerian authorities should continue pursuing viable cases where credible evidence exists, while ensuring that due process is followed.

Alison-Madueke was acquitted by a UK jury in June of six charges, including five counts of accepting bribes and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery.

She had denied the allegations throughout the proceedings.

The UK prosecution had alleged that Alison-Madueke received benefits from individuals in the oil and gas industry while serving as Nigeria’s petroleum minister between 2010 and 2015.

However, the jury returned not-guilty verdicts after deliberations.

HEDA maintained that the outcome of the UK criminal trial should be distinguished from separate investigations and asset-recovery proceedings that may be pursued in Nigeria or other jurisdictions.

The organisation called for any continuing cases to be based on credible evidence and handled in accordance with the law.