Former Nigerian oil minister Diezani Alison-Madueke, on Thursday pleaded not guilty at a London court to five counts of accepting bribes and one charge of conspiracy to commit bribery.
The trial, which opened at Southwark Crown Court, centres on allegations by prosecutors that Alison-Madueke lived a life of luxury in London while in office, funded by oil and gas industry figures seeking to influence the awarding of lucrative contracts.
Prosecutors claim she was provided with access to high-end properties and received lavish gifts as part of a bribery scheme linked to Nigeria’s energy sector.
Alison-Madueke’s lawyer, Jonathan Laidlaw, rejected the allegations, telling jurors that the prosecution’s case misrepresents both the nature and purpose of the spending attributed to his client.
He said purchases were often made on her behalf because Nigerian ministers are prohibited from holding foreign bank accounts.
Laidlaw added that Alison-Madueke, 65, disputes the extent to which properties were made available for her use and the value of goods she allegedly received. He told the court that any personal expenses incurred on her behalf were fully reimbursed.
“All that was spent on her personally, in one way or another, was repaid,” Laidlaw said. He explained that personal expenses were reimbursed in Nigeria, while costs related to official duties were covered by government funds. As a result, he argued, Alison-Madueke derived no personal financial benefit.
The case has drawn significant international attention, given Alison-Madueke’s former role overseeing Nigeria’s oil industry, one of the country’s most economically vital and politically sensitive sectors.
The trial is expected to continue as prosecutors and defence lawyers present evidence and witness testimony.
