Fresh details have emerged in the ongoing high-profile corruption trial of Nigeria’s former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke at Southwark Crown Court in London.
Prosecutors have painted a striking picture of alleged lavish spending linked to bribery, including claims that the former Minister splurged tens of thousands of pounds on luxury furniture and fittings.
Ms. Alison-Madueke — who also served as President of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), is accused of accepting bribes and other improper benefits during her tenure as Nigeria’s oil minister from 2010 to 2015.
Inside this courtroom, prosecutors delivered new evidence alleging that the ex-minister indulged in what they described as extravagant spending on high-end furniture and decorative items as part of a broader pattern of benefits received from business figures with interests in lucrative oil and gas contracts.
Prosecutors told the jury that on a single shopping day, approximately £170,000 — roughly N325 million — was spent on luxury chairs, lamps and designer tables at an upscale London gallery.
Other purchases followed in short succession, they said.
MUST READ: Court refuses to issue warrant of arrest against Deziani Madueke
These items are among a catalogue of alleged benefits outlined by the prosecution — ranging from cash payments, private jet flights, chauffeur-driven cars, to the use of multiple high-end UK properties and luxury goods from brands such as Harrods and Louis Vuitton.
The exact charges against her are:
- Five counts of accepting bribes, and
- One count of conspiring to commit bribery in connection with her time overseeing Nigeria’s state oil sector.
Ms. Alison-Madueke’s defence team has pushed back, arguing that documents which could support her case are unavailable, and that as a Nigerian minister she did not personally control oil contract awards — suggesting her role was largely ceremonial.
Ms. Alison-Madueke has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Legal experts say the trial — one of the most significant UK corruption cases involving a foreign official — is expected to run for several weeks.
If convicted, she could face significant prison time under UK law.
Editor: Ken Eseni
