A jury at London’s Southwark Crown Court has started deliberations in the bribery trial of former Nigerian Petroleum Resources Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke, after nearly four months of proceedings. Reports say the case centers on allegations that Alison-Madueke accepted bribes and took part in a conspiracy connected to oil-related contracts during her time in office under then-President Goodluck Jonathan.
According to the accounts, Alison-Madueke has pleaded not guilty. Prosecutors accuse her of taking bribes that allegedly involved luxury gifts and other benefits, including property-related advantages. The charges are described as including multiple counts of accepting bribes and at least one count of conspiracy to commit the alleged offences.
The jury’s deliberations mark the transition from trial evidence to deliberation and a verdict. The next stage of the case depends on the jury’s assessment of the evidence and whether the prosecution meets the burden of proof on the charges.
