By Rita Amaechi

National News – Former Petroleum Resources Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has spoken publicly following her acquittal by a London court on bribery-related charges, describing the nearly 11-year legal battle as traumatic and emotionally draining for her family.

The former minister was cleared by the Southwark Crown Court in London of all charges brought against her, including five counts of accepting bribes and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery. The judgment ended a prolonged legal process that began more than a decade ago.

Reacting to the verdict during an interview with News Central, Alison-Madueke expressed gratitude to God and relief that the case had finally been resolved.

She said the lengthy proceedings had taken a significant toll not only on her but also on her relatives and close associates.

According to her, the trial period was particularly difficult for her elderly mother in Port Harcourt and her son, who endured years of uncertainty as the case unfolded.

She noted that she had remained in the United Kingdom throughout the duration of the legal proceedings.

Reflecting on the outcome, Alison-Madueke maintained that she carried out her duties as minister to the best of her ability and attributed her acquittal to divine intervention.

“God will always be God,” she said, adding that her faith sustained her through the challenges of the past 11 years.