Former Nigerian Oil Minister's Lavish Spending Revealed in UK Bribery Trial
A London court has heard startling allegations about the extravagant lifestyle enjoyed by former Nigerian oil minister Diezani Alison-Madueke, with prosecutors revealing that more than £2 million (approximately N3.8 billion) was spent at the luxury department store Harrods on her behalf.
Details of Alleged Bribery Scheme Emerge
During opening proceedings at Southwark Crown Court, prosecutors outlined what they described as a comprehensive bribery arrangement that provided Alison-Madueke with a life of luxury in the United Kingdom. The 65-year-old former minister, who served as Nigeria's petroleum resources minister from 2010 to 2015, faces five counts of accepting bribes and one charge of conspiracy to commit bribery, all of which she denies.
According to the prosecution, the Harrods spending formed just one part of an elaborate system of benefits allegedly provided in exchange for influence over lucrative oil and gas contracts with Nigeria's state-owned petroleum entities. The court heard that payment cards belonging to Nigerian businessman Kolawole Aluko and his company Tenka Limited were used for the substantial Harrods expenditures.
Comprehensive Lifestyle Benefits Alleged
Prosecutors presented jurors with a detailed picture of the benefits allegedly provided to the former minister. Beyond the Harrods spending, the arrangement reportedly included:
- Access to multimillion-pound properties in prime locations
- Exclusive use of a Buckinghamshire property known as The Falls, purchased by Nigerian businessman Olajide Omokore
- A chauffeur-driven car for personal transportation
- Private jet travel arrangements
- £100,000 in cash payments
- £500,000 in rent for two central London flats occupied by Alison-Madueke and her mother
- £4.6 million spent refurbishing properties said to have been used by the former minister
The court heard that Alison-Madueke had a personal shopper at Harrods, a service reserved for the store's elite Rewards Black Tier members who spend more than £10,000 annually. Prosecutors emphasized that these benefits allegedly came from individuals and companies seeking to secure or retain valuable contracts with Nigeria's National Petroleum Corporation and its subsidiaries.
Prosecution's Opening Statement
Alexandra Healy KC, leading the prosecution, told the court that the case centers on bribery within Nigeria's oil and gas industry between 2011 and 2015. She stated that companies interested in contracts offered significant financial advantages to Alison-Madueke during this period.
"This case is about bribery in relation to the oil and gas industry in Nigeria during the period 2011 to 2015," Healy told jurors. "We live in a global society. Bribery and corruption undermine the proper functioning of the global market."
Properties and Personal Use Details
Jurors were shown images of The Falls property in Buckinghamshire, which Alison-Madueke allegedly had exclusive use of from late 2011. The property features a cinema room, and the former minister reportedly stayed there several times, including spending weeks writing a book at the location.
Prosecutors presented records showing that Tenka Limited covered the costs of the London flats occupied by Alison-Madueke and her mother between 2011 and 2014. The refurbishment expenses for properties in London and Buckinghamshire were also detailed as part of the alleged benefits package.
Co-Defendants and Trial Duration
Alison-Madueke is standing trial alongside oil executive Olatimbo Ayinde, who denies bribery charges, and her brother, former archbishop Doye Agama, who faces conspiracy to commit bribery charges. The trial is expected to last approximately twelve weeks as prosecutors present their case against the defendants.
The revelations come against the backdrop of Nigeria's status as a major oil producer and OPEC member, with prosecutors noting the country's wider population has long struggled to benefit from its substantial energy wealth. The case highlights ongoing international efforts to address corruption in the global oil industry and the challenges of prosecuting high-profile figures across international jurisdictions.
