The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and Transparency International Nigeria have expressed disappointment over the acquittal of former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, by a court in the United Kingdom, describing the outcome as a challenge to global anti-corruption efforts.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the organisations said the verdict should prompt Nigerian authorities to strengthen domestic anti-corruption institutions and improve accountability mechanisms within the country.
The former petroleum minister was recently cleared of multiple bribery-related charges after a jury found her not guilty following lengthy deliberations. The case centered on allegations that she received luxury benefits from individuals connected to the oil and gas industry in exchange for influence over government decisions and contract awards during her tenure in office.
Throughout the proceedings, Alison-Madueke denied all allegations, maintaining that she neither accepted bribes nor had direct authority over the awarding of government contracts.
Reacting to the judgment, CISLAC noted that while it respects the court’s decision, the case highlights the difficulties involved in prosecuting high-profile public officials and securing convictions in complex corruption matters.
The organisation argued that although the prosecution failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the benefits allegedly received by the former minister were linked to abuse of office, the verdict does not eliminate broader concerns about transparency and accountability within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector during the period under review.
CISLAC further stated that allegations involving public officials should ideally be investigated and resolved by Nigerian institutions rather than relying heavily on foreign jurisdictions. The group also pointed to concerns about the role international financial systems can play in enabling illicit financial flows and concealing questionable wealth.
While commending collaboration between international anti-corruption agencies and Nigerian authorities during the investigation, the organisation criticised what it described as weak domestic capacity and insufficient political commitment to pursuing similar cases within Nigeria.
To improve accountability, CISLAC called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the judiciary to diligently pursue any outstanding legal matters connected to the former minister. It also advocated stronger investigations, judicial reforms, improved asset recovery mechanisms, and tighter oversight within the energy sector.
The organisation maintained that the lessons from the case should be used to strengthen Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework, improve institutional effectiveness, and enhance public confidence in the fight against corruption.
