Former Nigerian Oil Minister Denies Bribery Charges in UK Trial

Former Nigerian oil minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, 65, has robustly denied allegations of bribery and corruption during her tenure, telling Southwark Crown Court that she actively sought to combat a pervasive culture of corruption within Nigeria. Ms Alison-Madueke is accused of accepting luxury accommodation and extravagant spending sprees in the UK in exchange for granting government oil contracts.

Prosecutors allege that Nigerian businessmen financed over £2m in purchases at Harrods and £4.6m for property renovations in London and Buckinghamshire on her behalf. However, Ms Alison-Madueke testified that any services provided to her during official duties were subsequently reimbursed by the state-owned Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC). She stated, “I can state categorically that at no point did I ask for, take or receive a bribe of any sort from these persons and did not abuse my office.”

She explained that a London-based service company managed logistics due to the NNPC's disorganised financial structure, covering hotel and chauffeur costs to enable her to perform her duties. Ms Alison-Madueke clarified that various properties she is accused of utilising were for official, 'discrete' meetings or were uninhabitable due to extensive renovations.

The trial continues, with Ms Alison-Madueke denying five counts of accepting bribes and one charge of conspiracy to commit bribery. Two co-defendants, oil executive Olatimbo Ayinde and her brother, former archbishop Doye Agama, have also pleaded not guilty to related charges.