Acquital: I was denied my freedom unjustly — Dizeani
By Imisioluwa Afunmiso
Former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Allison-Madueke, has declared that she was unjustly denied her freedom for 11 years.
Dizeani in a statement on Wednesday was reacting to the judgment delivered at Southwark Crown Court acquitting her of bribery charges brought against her.
Speaking, Dizeani said the 11 year legal battle was marked by intense scrutiny, condemnation and unjust vilification.
She noted that the prolonged ordeal had weighed heavily on both her and her family, leaving deep emotional and personal scars.
“For eleven arduous years, this matter has weighed heavily upon me and my family. Today, a decade of unrelenting and unjust vilification, condemnation, and scrutiny has finally concluded,” she said.
However expressing gratitude to God for what she described as complete vindication, noting that faith had sustained her through the difficult years.
“I give thanks to Almighty God for His faithfulness and for the complete vindication I have received,” she stated.
The former minister also appreciated her legal team for their commitment, while thanking family and close friends for their unwavering support throughout the process.
“I am grateful to my legal counsel for their diligence, and to my family and friends for their steadfast support and encouragement throughout this period,” she added.
Allison-Madueke described her current state as one of profound relief, saying she is finally able to move forward after years of uncertainty.
“I am profoundly relieved. My name has been cleared, and this ordeal has come to an end,” she said.
She further noted that she would, at a later time, speak more extensively about the challenges of the past decade and outline her future plans.
“This, however, is not the final chapter. In due course, I shall address this difficult period in greater detail and share my intentions for the future.” noting that her priority is reclaiming the freedom and peace she believes were denied her for many years.
“For now, I intend to embrace the freedom that has been unjustly denied me for many years,” she said.
The acquittal marks a significant development in one of the most high-profile corruption-related cases involving a former Nigerian public official in recent years.