Former Nigerian Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke appeared in a London court as prosecutors continued to present evidence in her high-profile corruption and bribery case, which carries international ramifications.
The Crown alleges that Alison-Madueke received cash, luxury goods, and other benefits in exchange for influencing oil and gas contracts during her tenure as Nigeria’s oil minister between 2011 and 2015. She has denied all charges.
On Monday, jurors heard testimony from a luxury furniture retailer and a former housekeeper, detailing how lavish purchases and property-related expenses were allegedly routed through intermediaries.
The 65-year-old faces multiple bribery charges stemming from a prolonged investigation led by the UK National Crime Agency (NCA), which handles serious and organised international crime.
Prosecutors claim Alison-Madueke accepted financial advantages from individuals connected to Atlantic Energy and SPOG Petrochemical, companies that secured contracts with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) or its subsidiaries.
Alleged benefits include £100,000 in cash, chauffeur-driven cars, private jet flights, refurbishment of several London properties, staff costs, and payment of her son’s school fees.
She is also accused of receiving high-end goods from stores such as Harrods and Louis Vuitton.
Alison-Madueke, who served as OPEC President from 2014 to 2015, has faced legal proceedings in multiple countries, including the United States.
She has been on bail in the UK since her first arrest in October 2015 and formally pleaded not guilty to the bribery charges when charged in 2023.
The trial continues as the court examines further evidence of alleged misconduct and luxury spending linked to her time in office.
