Members of the United Kingdom chapter of the Take It Back Movement (TIB UK) have reacted to the testimony of former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, during her ongoing corruption trial in London.
Alison-Madueke appeared on Monday before the Southwark Crown Court, where she is facing allegations linked to millions of pounds in illicit benefits connected to Nigeria’s oil sector.
In an official statement released on April 13, 2026, TIB UK described the trial as a critical moment in the pursuit of justice over what it called the looting of Nigeria’s oil wealth.
The TIB Chapter accused the former minister of attempting to portray herself as a victim during her testimony. According to the statement, the only real victims are millions of Nigerians who continue to suffer from poor access to essential services despite the country’s vast petroleum resources, “TIB reminds the world that the true victims are Nigerians who have been denied healthcare, education, and electricity while the nation’s oil wealth was allegedly diverted into luxury spending abroad,” the statement said.
During the court proceedings, Alison-Madueke reportedly argued that she was being “scapegoated” by a political system she described as patriarchal and misogynistic. However, TIB UK dismissed the claim, stating that corruption should not be framed in terms of gender, “Corruption has no gender. Whether the looter is a man or a woman, the crime is against the Nigerian people,” the statement reads.
The former minister also told the court that certain reimbursement documents relating to her official expenses have disappeared. She further defended spending linked to properties in London and Gerrards Cross, reportedly valued at about £4.6 million, claiming they were intended to serve as discreet official offices.
She also addressed allegations concerning approximately £2 million spent on luxury shopping, describing the expenditures as logistical costs connected to her official role.
Prosecutors allege that Alison-Madueke benefited from more than £11.5 million in bribes, including the use of private jets, chauffeur-driven vehicles and large cash payments. The case is being investigated by the National Crime Agency (NCA).
Reacting to the proceedings, TIB UK said the case highlights the long-standing failure of Nigeria’s domestic institutions to effectively prosecute members of the political elite accused of corruption, “For too long, Nigeria’s ruling class has relied on delays and legal manoeuvres in local courts to evade accountability,” the statement added.
TIB UK also called for the full forfeiture of any assets proven to have been acquired through corruption. It demanded that all recovered funds be returned transparently to Nigeria and used for projects that directly benefit the public.
The chapter specifically referenced allegations that £1.2 million connected to the case was received by Alison-Madueke’s brother, Doye Agama, urging authorities to ensure that any illicit funds are recovered.
Activists from TIB UK said they will continue to monitor the proceedings and maintain their presence outside the court until the conclusion of the trial.
The verdict in the case is expected on April 24, 2026, and campaigners say its outcome could mark a significant moment in the broader struggle against corruption and impunity in Nigeria.
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