Former Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan, has defended the use of private jets by former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, in a statement presented before the Southwark Crown Court in the United Kingdom.

According to reports by the BBC, the statement was read during proceedings on Tuesday as part of the ongoing trial involving Alison-Madueke.

In his submission, Jonathan stated that it was not unusual for third parties to make payments on behalf of government officials during official overseas assignments. He noted that any properly incurred incidental expenses or in-kind assistance would typically be documented and reimbursed where necessary.

The former president further confirmed that he had approved Alison-Madueke’s use of private jets for certain foreign trips during her tenure.

Alison-Madueke, who served as petroleum minister from 2010 to 2015, is currently standing trial alongside Olatimbo Ayinde and Doye Agama. The defendants are facing a five-count charge bordering on bribery but have all pleaded not guilty.

Earlier in the proceedings, prosecutors alleged that the former minister received luxury items and access to high-end properties from individuals seeking favourable decisions in oil contract allocations. They argued that such benefits were offered in exchange for influence within the petroleum sector.

However, defence counsel, Jonathan Laidlaw, maintained that his client did not wield decisive influence over the award of oil contracts during her time in office.

Meanwhile, Nigerian businessman Igho Sanomi and Ghanaian businessman Kevin Okyere have both denied allegations of bribery. In statements presented before the court, they asserted that payments made on behalf of the former minister were subsequently reimbursed.

Okyere disclosed that he paid approximately £3,900 for items purchased by Alison-Madueke in 2014, adding that the amount was later refunded in cash. Similarly, Sanomi stated that purchases made through his companies on behalf of the former minister were reimbursed, insisting that any contracts secured were obtained through fair and competitive processes.