British prosecutors have alleged that Diezani Alison-Madueke, Nigeria’s former minister of petroleum resources, spent £140,000 on luxury furniture and decorative artworks in a single day.
Alison-Madueke is standing trial alongside Olatimbo Ayinde, an oil executive, and Doye Agama, her brother, on five counts bordering on accepting bribes. All three have pleaded not guilty.
According to Channels Television, proceedings continued on Monday at the Southwark Crown Court in London, United Kingdom (UK).
Prosecutors presented evidence detailing how the former minister allegedly engaged in lavish spending at a London antiques store.
The court was told that she spent £140,000 in one day on high-end furniture, custom-made lighting and decorative art, with payments allegedly made through intermediaries.
Channels Television also reported that the courtroom gallery was filled with supporters from the Ijaw community in Nigeria, many of whom travelled to London to observe the trial.
Previous Court Hearing
During an earlier hearing on January 27, prosecutors told the court that the former minister allegedly received bribes in the form of luxury items and access to high-value properties from industry players.
Alexandra Healy, a prosecutor, informed the jury that the former minister “enjoyed a life of luxury in London”, allegedly funded by individuals seeking oil contracts in Nigeria.
At a subsequent hearing on January 29, Jonathan Laidlaw, counsel to Alison-Madueke, argued that his client had no significant influence over the award of oil contracts during her time in office.
Laidlaw maintained that Alison-Madueke merely served as a “rubber stamp” for official recommendations.