Diezani Alison-Madueke accuses UK authorities of destroying her reputation after acquittal

Alison-Madueke, who was acquitted by a jury at Southwark Crown Court in London, stated in a BBC interview that the 13-year investigation and prosecution by the UK's National Crime Agency was "painful and traumatic." She served as Nigeria's petroleum minister from 2010 to 2015 and was the first female president of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. Alison-Madueke claimed the case prevented her from traveling and working, and took a significant psychological toll.

She was first arrested in 2015 but not charged until 2023. Prosecutors had alleged she received benefits from oil businessmen. Alison-Madueke suggested that documents supporting her defense, including receipts for reimbursed payments, went missing from her Abuja residence in 2015, taken by Nigerian intelligence forces.

She criticized both Nigerian and British authorities for their handling of the case, advocating for greater caution in politically sensitive matters and suggesting she may have been targeted due to her position in a "misogynistic society." A National Crime Agency spokesperson stated that their investigation was "long-running, in-depth and complex," regularly reviewed, and conducted impartially, with a comprehensive file presented to the Crown Prosecution Service. Alison-Madueke also addressed previous asset