British prosecutors have accused Diezani Alison-Madueke, Nigeria’s former minister of petroleum resources, of living a lavish London lifestyle funded by industry figures seeking influence over oil contracts.
The allegations were outlined on Tuesday at the Southwark Crown Court in London, as Alison-Madueke’s long-running corruption trial continued.
According to prosecutors, the former minister accepted bribes in the form of luxury goods and access to high-end properties from businessmen with interests in Nigeria’s oil sector. Alison-Madueke is standing trial alongside Olatimbo Ayinde, an oil executive, and her brother, Doye Agama, on five counts relating to bribery. All three defendants have pleaded not guilty.
Addressing the jury, prosecutor Alexandra Healy said Alison-Madueke “enjoyed a life of luxury in London” allegedly paid for by individuals who believed she could use her powerful position to favour them in oil deals.
Healy told the court that Alison-Madueke was given access to expensive properties and luxury items by businessmen hoping to benefit from her influence as petroleum minister. One of them, Kolawole Aluko — named in one of the charges but not currently on trial — was said to have spent more than £2 million on luxury goods for her at Harrods.
The court also heard that Alison-Madueke and her family regularly stayed in a mansion outside London bought by Aluko. Prosecutors said the property was purchased through a company for £3.25 million, with Aluko allegedly covering refurbishment costs, staff wages and household bills.
However, Healy acknowledged that there was no evidence Alison-Madueke directly awarded oil contracts to unqualified parties. Instead, the prosecution argues that it was improper for a serving minister to accept gifts and benefits from individuals doing business with government-owned entities.
Alison-Madueke served as Nigeria’s minister of petroleum resources between 2010 and 2015 under former President Goodluck Jonathan. In 2014, she also made history as the first woman to be elected president of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
The trial continues.
