Diezani Alison-Madueke: Former Nigerian oil minister denies corruption allegations in UK court case
The corruption trial of Nigeria’s former oil minister Diezani Alison-Madueke opened to a firm denial in a London courtroom, where she rejected claims that she traded her office for luxury perks and financial favors.
The 65-year-old, who once held one of the most powerful positions in Nigeria’s energy sector, is on trial over claims she lived rent-free in high-end U.K. properties and indulged in extravagant spending funded by companies seeking lucrative government contracts. Prosecutors say those firms not only covered the cost of multimillion-pound homes but also paid to refurbish them for her use.
The case, being heard at Southwark Crown Court, also features allegations of luxury travel and high-end shopping. According to the prosecution, Alison-Madueke benefited from private jet trips, a chauffeur-driven car and shopping excursions, including about 2 million pounds spent at Harrods. She is further accused of receiving 100,000 pounds in cash during her tenure as Nigeria’s minister of petroleum resources between April 2010 and May 2015.
Taking the witness stand on Monday, Alison-Madueke reportedly rejected the claims outright. “I did not abuse my office during that period,” she told the court, as she fights five counts of accepting bribes and one charge of conspiracy to commit bribery.
Her co-defendants have also denied wrongdoing. Businessman Olatimbo Ayinde, 54, faces two bribery charges, while her brother, former archbishop Doye Agama, 69, is accused of conspiracy to commit bribery.
Alison-Madueke maintained that she never solicited or accepted illicit payments. “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,” she said in her testimony.
During her time in office, she oversaw the Nigerian National Petroleum Corp. along with key subsidiaries, including the Nigerian Petroleum Development Co. and the Pipelines Product Marketing Co. She told the court that official bodies handled the logistics and finances of her work-related travel, adding that any services arranged on her behalf were later reimbursed.
Alison-Madueke, who made history as the first female president of OPEC, had once promised to reform Nigeria’s oil industry. However, her tenure later drew scrutiny, with authorities accusing her and associates of siphoning millions of dollars from public funds.
Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency has previously obtained court orders to seize properties, vehicles and jewelry believed to be linked to the alleged misconduct. Investigators say some of those assets were traced to the United States and the United Kingdom.
Since leaving office, Alison-Madueke has largely remained in the U.K., where the case against her is now unfolding.
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