Diezani Trial: Defence Shrinks £2.8m Shopping Claims to a Handful of Trips

The defence in former petroleum minister Diezani Alison-Madueke’s London trial has torn apart the prosecution’s narrative. Jonathan Laidlaw KC showed that most of the 230 alleged luxury purchases had no proven link to his client. A witness confirmed only five shopping trips, while passport records disproved claims of purchases on days she was abroad. Lawyers also revealed that a £350,000 furniture consignment labeled for Diezani was actually destined for other businessmen in Lagos. They questioned the reliability of key witnesses and highlighted that the prosecution admitted there was no evidence she improperly influenced any oil or gas contracts. The defence criticised the failure to extradite the alleged payers despite holding Alison-Madueke for over a decade. It argued that only a tiny fraction of benefits can be attributed to her and reminded jurors that the burden of proof lies solely with the prosecution. Closing speeches resume Thursday before the jury begins deliberations later this week. The minister continues to deny all charges.

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