In a London court, Diezani Alison-Madueke, the former Nigerian oil minister, has denied allegations of accepting bribes in exchange for government contracts. Testifying at Southwark Crown Court, she faced accusations of enjoying luxurious benefits, including free stays in high-end homes and extravagant shopping trips, while serving as Nigeria's minister of petroleum resources from April 2010 to May 2015.
Prosecutors claim that Alison-Madueke benefited from lavish gifts, including private jets, a chauffeur-driven vehicle, and shopping excursions where she allegedly spent £2 million at Harrods, a renowned department store in London. They also assert that she received £100,000 in cash during her tenure.
Alison-Madueke firmly stated, “I did not abuse my office during that period,” as she denied five counts of bribery and a conspiracy charge. Alongside her, Olatimbo Ayinde, a Nigerian oil company owner, also faces bribery charges, while Alison-Madueke's brother, former archbishop Doye Agama, is accused of conspiracy.
The former minister oversaw the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and its subsidiaries, which are central to the allegations. Prosecutors allege that her extravagant spending included significant amounts at various luxury retailers in London.
In her defense, Alison-Madueke maintained that all logistics and financial arrangements for her official trips were managed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, asserting that any services provided were properly reimbursed.
