Ex-petroleum minister denies corruption charges, claims reforms made her a target of powerful interests and political scapegoating

 Former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has told a London court that she faced serious threats to her life and family while in office, which she attributes to her attempts to challenge entrenched interests in Nigeria’s oil sector.

Testifying in her ongoing trial in the United Kingdom, Diezani said her push for reforms and efforts to address irregularities in the industry placed her at odds with powerful figures, turning her into a target.

She alleged that the backlash went beyond political pressure, exposing her to significant security risks, including intimidation and reported incidents affecting members of her family.

Diezani firmly denied all allegations of bribery and corruption levelled against her, insisting she neither solicited nor accepted any form of inducement during her tenure. Her defence team argued that she has been unfairly portrayed and politically targeted, suggesting she was used as a scapegoat within a male-dominated system.

The high-profile trial continues in London, with prosecutors accusing the former minister of benefiting from luxury properties, extravagant shopping sprees, and other gifts in exchange for influence.

The case has once again brought Nigeria’s oil sector under scrutiny, reigniting debates around corruption, accountability, and the influence of powerful networks within the industry.