British prosecutors have alleged that Nigeria’s former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, spent £140,000 on luxury furniture and decorative art in a single day while living in London.
The allegation was made on Monday as the trial of the former minister continued at the Southwark Crown Court in London. Alison-Madueke is facing a five-count charge bordering on accepting bribes and is standing trial alongside oil executive Olatimbo Ayinde and her brother, Doye Agama. All defendants have pleaded not guilty.
According to prosecutors, evidence presented before the court showed that Alison-Madueke engaged in extravagant spending at a London antiques store, purchasing high-end furniture, bespoke lighting and decorative art. The payments were allegedly made through intermediaries.
British prosecutors told the court that the luxury items were part of bribes allegedly received by the former minister from individuals with interests in Nigeria’s oil sector.
They claimed she also benefited from the use of high-value properties and other luxury perks provided by industry figures seeking oil contracts.
Alexandra Healy, a prosecutor, told the jury that Alison-Madueke “enjoyed a life of luxury in London,” which, she said, was funded by those seeking favourable treatment in Nigeria’s oil industry.
During earlier proceedings on January 27, prosecutors maintained that the alleged bribes were disguised as gifts, including luxury goods and access to premium residences.
However, Alison-Madueke’s defence team rejected the claims.
Her lawyer, Jonathan Laidlaw, told the court on January 29 that the former minister wielded no real power over the awarding of oil contracts during her time in office.
Laidlaw argued that Alison-Madueke merely acted on official recommendations, describing her role as that of a “rubber stamp,” and denied that she influenced contract decisions for personal gain.
