British prosecutors have accused Diezani Alison-Madueke, Nigeria’s former minister of petroleum resources, of accepting bribes in the form of luxury goods and the use of high-end properties from industry figures seeking oil contracts.
The allegations were presented on Tuesday at the Southwark crown court in London as Diezani ’s trial continued.
She is standing trial alongside Olatimbo Ayinde, an oil executive, and her brother, Doye Agama, on a five-count charge bordering on bribery. All three defendants have pleaded not guilty.
According to Reuters, Alexandra Healy, the prosecutor, told jurors that Diezani “enjoyed a life of luxury in London” funded by individuals interested in securing oil contracts in Nigeria.
Healy said the former minister received high-value properties and luxury items from people who believed she would use her position to favour them in the award of oil contracts.
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The prosecutor added that Kolawole Aluko, a Nigerian businessman named in one of the charges but not standing trial, spent more than £2 million on luxury items for Diezani at Harrods.
The court heard that Diezani and her family frequently stayed in a mansion outside London purchased by Aluko.
Healy said the property was bought through a company for £3.25 million, with Aluko also paying for staff wages, utility bills and refurbishment costs.
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She told the court that there was no evidence Diezani awarded contracts to undeserving recipients, but said it was improper for her to accept gifts and benefits from individuals doing business with government-owned entities.
Diezani served as minister of petroleum resources between 2010 and 2015 under former President Goodluck Jonathan. She was also elected president of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in 2014.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
