Former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, is facing intense scrutiny in the UK after prosecutors showed she spent £140,000 on luxury furniture and decorative art in one single day.
The ongoing trial at the Southwark Crown Court in London, also involves Olatimbo Ayinde, an oil executive, and Doye Agama, Diezani’s brother.
Three of them are standing trial on a five-count charge related to accepting bribes and have pleaded not guilty.
Court proceedings showed that prosecutors presented evidence showing that Alison-Madueke made extravagant purchases at a London antiques store, allegedly using intermediaries to facilitate payments. The luxury spree reportedly included high-end furniture, bespoke lighting, and decorative art, Cables reported.
Supporters from the Ijaw community in Nigeria, who had traveled to London to witness the proceedings, filled the courtroom.
Earlier hearings revealed further allegations that Diezani accepted bribes in the form of luxury goods and access to high-end properties, all allegedly connected to industry figures seeking Nigerian oil contracts. Prosecutor Alexandra Healy told the jury that the ex-minister “enjoyed a life of luxury in London” courtesy of these benefactors.
Responding, Diezani’s lawyer, Jonathan Laidlaw, argued that his client had no real influence over the awarding of oil contracts, describing her role as merely a “rubber stamp” for official recommendations.
The trial continues, with the court closely examining the details of the alleged extravagant lifestyle and the alleged bribery network surrounding Nigeria’s oil industry.