The Human and Environmental Development Agenda, HEDA, says the acquittal of former Petroleum Resources Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke by a United Kingdom court will not stop corruption investigations and asset-recovery proceedings against her in Nigeria.

HEDA chairman Olanrewaju Suraju said the June 17 ruling by the Southwark Crown Court should be respected, but stressed that it only addressed the specific bribery charges brought before the UK court.

The group said the verdict does not determine the outcome of separate allegations and legal proceedings under Nigerian law.

HEDA urged Nigerian authorities to continue pursuing any viable cases against the former minister where there is credible evidence, while respecting due process and the rule of law.

The organisation also noted that criminal prosecution and asset recovery are separate legal processes, meaning the failure of a criminal case does not automatically determine the status of assets involved in other proceedings.

HEDA called on the EFCC and other relevant agencies to clarify the status of investigations and asset-recovery cases involving Alison-Madueke, while demanding greater transparency over recovered and forfeited assets.