British prosecutors have presented new evidence in the ongoing bribery trial of Nigeria’s former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, alleging that oil companies with lucrative Nigerian contracts financed her living expenses in the United Kingdom.
The disclosures were made at Southwark Crown Court in London, where Alison-Madueke is standing trial alongside oil executive Olatimbo Ayinde and her brother, Doye Agama. The trio face five counts bordering on bribery and corruption, charges they have all denied.
According to prosecutors, companies doing business with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) covered the running costs of Alison-Madueke’s London residence, including the salaries of her domestic staff. These reportedly included payments for a housekeeper, nanny, gardener and window cleaner.
The prosecution argued that the payments formed part of an informal arrangement designed to secure favourable oil contracts, even though no single contract has been directly linked to a specific benefit.
The court also heard details of an extravagant lifestyle allegedly funded by Kolawole Aluko, a Nigerian businessman with interests in oil and aviation. Aluko, who has been associated with investigations linked to the Panama Papers, was said to have paid for a range of luxury goods and services for the former minister during her time in the UK.
Prosecutors highlighted Alison-Madueke’s spending at Harrods, telling the court that she enjoyed the services of a personal shopper at the luxury department store. Evidence presented showed that Aluko and his company, Tenka Limited, paid for shopping bills exceeding £2 million.
It was further alleged that Aluko’s company cards were used to purchase high-end designer items and that Alison-Madueke qualified for Harrods’ exclusive personal shopper service, which is reserved for clients who spend at least £10,000 annually.
While acknowledging the absence of direct proof that Alison-Madueke awarded specific oil contracts in return for these benefits, prosecutors argued that the pattern of payments and luxury support pointed to serious abuse of office.
The case forms part of wider international efforts to pursue corruption cases linked to Nigeria’s oil sector. If convicted, Alison-Madueke could face severe legal and financial consequences.
The trial is expected to continue for several weeks, with the defence maintaining that the former minister did not engage in any corrupt or unlawful conduct.
