Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the legal experts said that contradictions in the prosecution’s evidence had created overwhelming reasonable doubt.

They said “there is no conclusive linkage between alleged benefits and contract awards…leaving the prosecution’s case legally fragile”.

During the press conference it was also stated the lack of sufficient evidence meant “criminal liability cannot arise”.

It has emerged that charges against Diezani were dropped before the trial at Southwark Crown Court began.

Allegations of improper performance of Diezani’s role as Minister of Petroleum were dismissed due to a lack of evidence.

“The judge acknowledged that there was no evidence Diezani acted improperly and that she had always been someone of good character.”

– Daily Times, 12 May 2026

The former oil minister never directed the oil executives’ spending, the court was informed. Diezani pointed out that any spending decisions were made by the executives in isolation as she never instructed them to make any purchases and was often elsewhere when they were conducting transactions.

The former minister testified in London explaining that political fallout from the subsidy crisis led to her being unfairly targeted.

In a statement read out in court, the former Nigerian president confirmed that “any properly incurred incidental or in-kind assistance from third parties would be recorded and reimbursed where applicable”. This follows statements made by oil executives confirming Diezani’s statements that expenses were repaid to them.

The former minister testified in London explaining that political fallout from the subsidy crisis led to her being unfairly targeted.

It was explained that Diezani’s role was procedural, with technical experts vetting contracts before her final approval.

The former minister explained her role was procedural, noting that contract decisions were finalised by government officials.

Diezani told the court that she never requested or accepted bribes, explaining that her living and travel expenses were official logistics reimbursed by the Nigerian government to support her work.