Corruption Trial Of Ex-Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke Resumes In London

Proceedings resumed on Monday at Southwark Crown Court in London in the corruption and bribery trial of former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke.

Prosecutors told the court that jurors were presented with evidence detailing what they described as an extravagant spending pattern during Alison-Madueke’s time in office. According to the prosecution, as much as £140,000 was allegedly spent in a single day at a luxury antiques store in London on high-end furniture, bespoke lighting, and decorative art, with payments said to have been made through intermediaries.

The courtroom gallery was filled with supporters from the Ijaw community who reportedly travelled to London to observe the proceedings. Alison-Madueke has pleaded not guilty to all charges, which relate to alleged misconduct while overseeing Nigeria’s oil and gas sector between 2011 and 2015.

Prosecutors allege that the former minister received cash and luxury benefits in exchange for exerting influence over oil and gas contracts awarded by Nigeria’s state-owned petroleum corporation. They further claimed she enjoyed a “life of luxury” funded by individuals seeking lucrative energy deals.

In her defence, Alison-Madueke’s lawyer, Jonathan Laidlaw, denied the bribery allegations, arguing that critical evidence that could have proven her innocence was unavailable due to what he described as a “gross delay” in bringing the charges. He told the jury that his client had been unable to return to Nigeria to prepare her defence, noting that British authorities had retained her passport since her arrest in 2015.

Laidlaw also stated that Nigerian ministers are prohibited from holding foreign bank accounts, adding that records which could have shown reimbursements for accommodation and purchases had since disappeared.

Alison-Madueke, the first woman to serve as President of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) between 2014 and 2015, is accused of receiving financial and other benefits from individuals linked to Atlantic Energy and SPOG Petrochemical groups. These companies allegedly secured contracts with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and its subsidiaries.

The prosecution further alleged that the former minister received £100,000 in cash, chauffeur-driven cars, private jet flights, property refurbishment costs in London, school fees for her son, and luxury items from high-end stores including Harrods and Louis Vuitton.

Alison-Madueke, who has been on bail in the United Kingdom since her arrest in October 2015, was formally charged in 2023. Two other defendants, Doye Agama and Olatimbo Ayinde, are also standing trial on related bribery charges.

The case is expected to have significant implications for accountability within the global energy industry.