Nigeria’s former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, on Monday returned to a London court as UK prosecutors continued laying out their case in a long-running bribery and corruption trial.
The 65-year-old former minister is accused by British authorities of abusing her office by receiving cash and luxury benefits in exchange for influencing oil and gas contracts. Alison-Madueke has, however, denied all allegations and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
During proceedings, jurors heard testimony from witnesses including a luxury furniture supplier and a former housekeeper. Prosecutors said their evidence was intended to show how high-value purchases, property use, and personal services were allegedly arranged through third parties rather than paid for directly by the former minister.
UK prosecutors alleged that the offences occurred between 2011 and 2015, when Alison-Madueke was in charge of Nigeria’s petroleum sector while also maintaining properties in the United Kingdom.
According to the UK National Crime Agency (NCA), the alleged bribes were received in Britain and were linked to individuals connected to Atlantic Energy and SPOG Petrochemical. The companies reportedly secured lucrative contracts with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) or related entities during that period.
The prosecution claims Alison-Madueke benefited from about ÂŁ100,000 in cash, chauffeur-driven vehicles, private jet flights to Nigeria, and extensive renovation and staffing costs for several London properties.
Additional allegations include the payment of her son’s school fees, the purchase of luxury items from high-end retailers such as Harrods and Louis Vuitton, and further private jet travel.
Alison-Madueke, who also served as President of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) between 2014 and 2015, has faced multiple legal challenges in different countries, including the United States.
She has been on bail in the United Kingdom since her arrest in October 2015 and was formally charged with bribery offences in 2023. She continues to deny all accusations as the trial proceeds.