Former Nigerian oil minister Diezani Alison-Madueke has denied accepting bribes or abusing her office, as she testified at Southwark Crown Court over allegations of luxury spending funded by businessmen seeking government contracts. Prosecutors allege that several Nigerian businessmen financed lavish benefits for Alison-Madueke, including more than £2 million spent at Harrods and about £4.6 million on refurbishing high-end properties in London and Buckinghamshire. The court heard she was granted access to expensive homes, including a £2.8 million property in Marylebone and residences overlooking Regent’s Park.
However, Alison-Madueke, 65, told the court she “categorically” never requested or received bribes. She argued that expenses incurred during official duties such as hotels, chauffeurs, and accommodation were reimbursed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC). She explained that a London-based logistics company handled arrangements due to administrative challenges within the NNPC. She also addressed specific allegations, including a Christmas 2011 stay in Buckinghamshire, saying she was not involved in organizing the visit, which was linked to her ex-husband’s medical needs. Another extended stay, she said, was for official work involving a group of aides compiling a publication highlighting government achievements on women’s issues.
Prosecutors further allege she benefited from properties funded by associates, including Nigerian businessman Kolawole Aluko, who covered rent for apartments in St John’s Wood. Alison-Madueke defended this arrangement as a cost-saving alternative to luxury hotels such as the Savoy and Dorchester. She also denied knowledge of a reported £100,000 cash delivery linked to her chauffeur, stating the money was unrelated to her.
During testimony, Alison-Madueke highlighted her career background, including becoming the first female executive in Nigeria’s operations of Shell. She spoke critically of the company’s handling of oil spills in the Niger Delta and referenced her father’s past legal dispute with the firm. She described facing security threats during her tenure, including kidnapping risks, noting the challenges of leading in a “patriarchal society.” In 2015, she made history as the first female president of OPEC. Alison-Madueke denies five counts of bribery and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery. Co-defendants Olatimbo Ayinde and Doye Agama also deny related charges. The trial is ongoing.
