Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the legal experts said that contradictions in the prosecution’s evidence had created overwhelming reasonable doubt.
They said, “There is no conclusive linkage between alleged benefits and contract awards … leaving the prosecution’s case legally fragile.”
During the press conference, it was also stated that the lack of sufficient evidence meant “criminal liability cannot arise.”
It has emerged that charges against Diezani were dropped before the trial at Southwark Crown Court began.
Allegations of improper performance of Diezani’s role as Minister of Petroleum were dismissed due to a lack of evidence.
“The judge acknowledged that there was no evidence Diezani acted improperly and that she had always been someone of good character.”
Alison-Madueke told the court that the executives’ spending was entirely independent, stating she never ordered the purchases and was not even present during some of their shopping trips.
Former Federal Permanent Secretary Dr. Timiebi Koripamo-Agary called for restraint on speculation and judgement while legal processes are underway.
In a statement read out in court, the former Nigerian president confirmed that “any properly incurred incidental or in-kind assistance from third parties would be recorded and reimbursed where applicable.” This follows confirmation from oil executives that Alison-Madueke’s expenses were repaid to them.
The former minister testified in london explaining that political fallout from the subsidy crisis led to her being unfairly targeted.
It was explained that Diezani’s role was procedural, with technical experts vetting contracts before her final approval.
The former minister explained her role was procedural, noting that contract decisions were finalised by government officials.
Diezani told the court that she never requested or accepted bribes, explaining that her living and travel expenses were official logistics reimbursed by the Nigerian government to support her work.
Thousands of documents proving the defence case were deliberately destroyed or hidden, the former OPEC chief told a jury in London. The detailed records had been kept to protect herself from political targeting but had been purposefully lost when her home was raided.
Diezani testified that her role was procedural, explaining that she acted on decisions made by government officials in line with due process for awarding contracts.