The legal representative of former Nigerian Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke has argued in a UK court that his client was merely a “rubber stamp” with no real influence over lucrative oil and gas contracts.

The defense argument was presented during Diezani’s ongoing corruption trial in the United Kingdom, where she faces serious charges related to her tenure as Nigeria’s petroleum minister.

Her lawyer contended that despite her position as minister, Diezani lacked actual decision-making authority over the awarding of oil and gas contracts, suggesting that real power resided elsewhere in the system.

The “rubber stamp” defense attempts to portray the former minister as a figurehead who simply approved decisions made by others, rather than an active participant in alleged corrupt practices.

Diezani Alison-Madueke served as Nigeria’s Minister of Petroleum Resources under President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration and has been embroiled in multiple corruption investigations since leaving office.

She has been accused of involvement in various financial improprieties, including money laundering, bribery, and abuse of office during her tenure overseeing Nigeria’s crucial oil and gas sector.

The UK trial represents one of several legal challenges facing the former minister, who has consistently denied all allegations of wrongdoing.

Prosecutors are expected to counter the defense’s argument by presenting evidence of Diezani’s active role in ministerial decisions and her alleged benefit from corrupt transactions.

The outcome of the trial could have significant implications for efforts to recover allegedly stolen assets and hold senior Nigerian officials accountable for corruption.

The case continues in the UK court, with both sides presenting their arguments regarding the extent of Diezani’s authority and involvement in oil sector dealings.