Former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, on Monday told a United Kingdom court that her lifestyle while in office was funded through official channels and not proceeds of bribery.
Testifying before Southwark Crown Court, the ex-minister denied allegations that she solicited or received illicit payments, insisting that all expenses incurred on her behalf in London were tied to her official duties and reimbursed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company.
“I can state categorically that at no point did I ask for, take or receive a bribe of any sort… I always sought to act impartially,” she told the court.
Her defence came amid prosecution claims that Nigerian businessmen bankrolled a lavish lifestyle for her, including over £2m spent at luxury retailer Harrods and about £4.6m allegedly used to refurbish properties in London and Buckinghamshire.
Prosecutors further alleged that Alison-Madueke had access to multiple high-value properties in the UK, including residences in Marylebone and apartments overlooking Regent’s Park.
However, the former minister rejected the claims, maintaining that the arrangements were part of official logistics to support her duties abroad. She said a London-based firm was engaged to handle her travel, accommodation and transportation due to administrative inefficiencies.
“They paid for all my hotels, chauffeurs… to allow me to perform the job that I did,” she added.
Alison-Madueke also explained her stays at a property in Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire, stating that one of the visits coincided with her husband’s medical needs, which prevented his return to Nigeria.
She said another stay was work-related, involving the compilation of a publication highlighting the Nigerian president’s support for women.
Addressing allegations surrounding other properties, she said a residence near Regent’s Park was used for discreet official meetings, while another linked to her was uninhabitable at the time she saw it.
The court also heard claims that rent for apartments in St John’s Wood, where she stayed with her mother, was paid by Nigerian businessman Kolawole Aluko.
Alison-Madueke, however, argued that the arrangement was a cost-saving measure compared to high-end hotels such as The Savoy Hotel and The Dorchester Hotel, which she said cost about £2,000 per night.
She further denied any knowledge of an alleged £100,000 cash delivery reportedly made by one of her chauffeurs, stating that the money had “nothing to do with” her.
Reflecting on her time in office, the former minister described Nigeria as a “very patriarchal society,” adding that she faced serious security threats, including alleged kidnap incidents involving members of her family.
Alison-Madueke, who became the first female president of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries in 2015, is standing trial on five counts of accepting bribes and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery.
She is being tried alongside oil executive Olatimbo Ayinde and her brother, Doye Agama, who are also facing related charges. All the defendants have pleaded not guilty.
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
