British prosecutors have accused Diezani Alison-Madueke, Nigeria’s former minister of petroleum resources, of accepting bribes in the form of luxury goods and access to high-end properties from industry figures. On Tuesday, prosecutors appeared before the Southwark Crown Court in London to continue Alison-Madueke’s trial. The former minister, alongside oil executive, Olatimbo Ayinde and her brother Doye Agama, are facing a five-count charge related to accepting bribes. All three have pleaded not guilty. Alexandra Healy, the lead prosecutor, told the jury that Alison-Madueke “enjoyed a life of luxury in London,” which was funded by individuals seeking to secure oil contracts in Nigeria. Healy stated that the former minister was given luxury properties and high-end goods by those who hoped she would use her influence to favor them in securing oil deals. Healy pointed out that Nigerian businessman Kolawole Aluko, who is named in one of the charges but is not standing trial, spent over £2 million on luxury items for Alison-Madueke at Harrods, a renowned UK department store. The prosecutor also revealed that Alison-Madueke and her family frequently stayed in a mansion purchased by Aluko outside London. The property, bought through a company for £3.25 million, was maintained with Aluko covering bills, staff wages, and refurbishments. Although there is no direct evidence showing that the former minister awarded contracts in exchange for the bribes, Healy argued that it was inappropriate for Alison-Madueke to accept such lavish gifts from individuals doing business with government-owned entities. Alison-Madueke served as Nigeria’s minister of petroleum resources from 2010 to 2015 during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. She also held the position of president of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in 2014.
