A former Nigerian petroleum minister took the witness stand in a London courtroom Monday, firmly rejecting accusations that she accepted millions in bribes in exchange for awarding government oil contracts.
Diezani Alison-Madueke, 65, faces allegations that energy companies seeking Nigerian government deals provided her with free access to expensive UK residences worth millions of pounds, complete with renovations and furnishings.
According to prosecutors, the benefits extended far beyond housing. They claim she received private jet transportation, chauffeur services, and extravagant shopping excursions, including a staggering 2 million pounds ($2.7 million) shopping spree at the prestigious Harrods department store in London. Authorities also allege she pocketed 100,000 pounds in direct cash payments during her tenure leading Nigeria’s petroleum ministry from April 2010 through May 2015.
Speaking at Southwark Crown Court, Alison-Madueke firmly stated, “I did not abuse my office during that period.” She faces five separate bribery charges plus one conspiracy count.
Two other defendants are also standing trial. Olatimbo Ayinde, 54, who owns Nigerian oil enterprises, contests two bribery charges. Alison-Madueke’s brother, former archbishop Doye Agama, 69, denies conspiracy charges.
“I can state categorically at no time did I ask for, take, or seek a bribe or bribes of any sort from any of these persons,” Alison-Madueke declared during her testimony.
During her ministerial role, Alison-Madueke supervised Nigeria’s state oil corporation and its affiliated companies, including the Nigerian Petroleum Development Co. and Pipelines Product Marketing Co.
Prosecutors detail additional alleged spending sprees throughout London, claiming she used company funds for purchases totaling hundreds of thousands of pounds at high-end antique dealers and luxury home goods stores in the upscale Mayfair district.
In her defense, Alison-Madueke explained that Nigeria’s National Petroleum Company managed all travel logistics and financial arrangements for her official trips. She maintained that any services provided to her were properly reimbursed through official channels.
