Former Minister of Petroleum, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has returned to a London court as prosecutors continue to present evidence in a high-profile corruption and bribery trial with global ramifications.
The Crown alleges that Alison-Madueke accepted cash payments and luxury benefits in exchange for exerting influence over oil and gas contracts, allegations she has firmly denied.
On Monday, jurors heard evidence from a luxury furniture retailer and a former housekeeper, as prosecutors outlined how expensive purchases and the use of prime London properties allegedly passed through intermediaries.
The 65-year-old faces multiple counts of bribery following a long-running investigation. Prosecutors said the alleged offences took place between 2011 and 2015, when she served as Nigeria’s oil minister while maintaining a residence in the United Kingdom.
The UK National Crime Agency (NCA) accused her of receiving the alleged bribes in Britain. According to the prosecution, the benefits came from individuals connected to Atlantic Energy and SPOG Petrochemical groups.
Both companies reportedly secured contracts with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) or its subsidiaries during her tenure.
Prosecutors further alleged that Alison-Madueke received £100,000 in cash, access to chauffeur-driven vehicles, a private jet flight to Nigeria, and renovation work and staffing expenses at several London properties.
Additional charges claim she accepted payment of her son’s school fees, luxury goods from retailers such as Harrods and Louis Vuitton, as well as 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 several legal actions internationally, including cases in the United States.
She has remained on bail in the UK since her arrest in October 2015 and was formally charged with accepting bribes in 2023, allegations she continues to deny.