British prosecutors have alleged that former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, lived a lavish lifestyle in London while in office, funded by benefits from oil industry figures seeking influence.
At London’s Southwark Crown Court, prosecutor Alexandra Healy told jurors that Alison-Madueke received luxury goods, access to high-end properties and other financial perks from individuals linked to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Alison-Madueke served as petroleum minister between 2010 and 2015 under former President Goodluck Jonathan and briefly led the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), becoming the first woman to hold both positions.
Now 65, she is facing trial on five counts of accepting bribes and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery, charges filed in 2023. She has denied all allegations.
Prosecutors said Alison-Madueke was allegedly provided with a chauffeur-driven car, private jet travel and luxury accommodation, including more than £2 million reportedly spent on her shopping at Harrods by Nigerian businessman Kolawole Aluko, who is not on trial. Aluko is also said to have supplied a £3.25 million mansion outside London and paid for household expenses.
The court heard that another businessman, Benedict Peters, allegedly paid her son’s school fees. Peters is named in the case but is not standing trial.
Alison-Madueke appeared in court alongside oil executive Olatimbo Ayinde, 54, who faces charges of bribing her between 2012 and 2014 and separately bribing former NNPC managing director Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu in 2015. Prosecutors said a substantial bribe was allegedly paid after the 2015 change of government to secure continued employment for an associate.
Healy told the jury that although the alleged offences involved Nigerian officials, the case is being heard in London due to the defendants’ strong links to the UK, adding that corruption undermines global markets and must be addressed wherever it occurs.
