British prosecutors told a London court on Wednesday that former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, spent more than £2 million (N4 billion) at Harrods, allegedly with funds provided by oil executives who benefited from lucrative contracts with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.
The prosecution claimed that founders of energy firms who received significant NNPC contracts also financed the upkeep of Alison-Madueke’s residence in the UK and paid her household staff’s salaries.
The court was informed that the payments covered salaries for a housekeeper, nanny, gardener, and window cleaner at the ex-minister’s home.
Prosecutors claim that the benefits were part of a broader scheme of incentives supposedly provided in return for preferential treatment on oil and gas contracts.
Alison-Madueke, a previous president of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, is being tried at Southwark Crown Court on five charges involving the acceptance of bribes in the shape of luxury items and the utilization of upscale properties owned by figures in the oil industry. She has denied all accusations, including conspiracy to commit bribery.
Jurors heard that the ex-minister led an extravagant lifestyle in the UK, including employing a personal shopper at Harrods, a service exclusive to Black Tier Rewards members who spend over £10,000 each year.
Prosecutors claimed that more than £2m was expended for Alison-Madueke at the Brompton Road store, with multiple purchases made using payment cards associated with Kolawole Aluko and the debit card of his business, Tenka Limited.
“She was provided with a life of luxury in the United Kingdom,” the prosecutor said, adding that Alison-Madueke allegedly enjoyed the use of multimillion-pound properties, a chauffeur-driven car, private jet travel, and £100,000 in cash.
The court was informed that approximately £4.6m was used to renovate properties in London and Buckinghamshire purportedly associated with her usage.
Aluko, a tycoon in the petroleum and aviation sectors identified in the Panama Papers, was formerly scrutinized for purportedly assisting in transferring millions of dollars from Nigeria as bribes to Alison-Madueke. Prosecutors indicated that he maintained contracts with state-run oil companies while pursuing additional agreements.
“This case is about bribery in relation to the oil and gas industry in Nigeria between 2011 and 2015,” said Alexandra Healy KC, prosecuting.
“Those interested in the award and retention of lucrative oil and gas contracts provided significant financial and other advantages to Diezani.
“There is a strong public interest in ensuring that conduct in this country does not further corruption in another country,” she added.
Jurors viewed images of a Buckinghamshire estate called The Falls, purchased in 2010 by Nigerian entrepreneur Olajide Omokore, who owns Atlantic Energy.
The court was informed that since late 2011, Alison-Madueke reportedly had sole access to the property, which featured a cinema room, staying there multiple times and dedicating approximately six weeks to writing a book. The expenses, which included approximately £300,000 for renovations, were reportedly covered by Tenka Limited.
Prosecutors also asserted that from May 2011 to January 2014, roughly £500,000 was spent on rent for two central London apartments inhabited by Diezani and her mother, with company documents reportedly indicating that Tenka covered the expenses.
Alison-Madueke is being tried with oil executive Olatimbo Ayinde, 54, who is charged with one count of bribery involving her and another for bribing a foreign public official.
Her sibling, Doye Agama, 69, a past archbishop, faces charges of conspiracy to commit bribery and is participating in the trial via video link for health reasons.
The three defendants have all refuted the accusations. The trial, anticipated to run for approximately 12 weeks, is ongoing.
