LONDON — A former Nigerian oil minister accused of taking bribes in exchange for influence over lucrative energy contracts lived what prosecutors described as a “life of luxury” in Britain, funded by industry figures who allegedly bankrolled “extravagant and excessive” shopping sprees at elite London retailers, a jury at Southwark Crown Court has heard.
Diezani Alison-Madueke, 65, who served as Nigeria’s minister of petroleum resources from 2010 to 2015, denies five counts of accepting bribes and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery. She is standing trial alongside oil executive Olatimbo Ayinde, 54, and her brother, former bishop Doye Agama, 69, who also deny the charges.
Opening the case, prosecutor Alexandra Healy KC told jurors that Alison-Madueke was allegedly lavished with luxury goods, high-end accommodation, chauffeured transport and flights by businessmen who “clearly believed” she would use her influence to favour them in dealings involving state-controlled oil entities, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). Healy added there was no suggestion she awarded contracts to unqualified parties, but said it was improper for a minister to accept benefits from those doing business with government-owned bodies.
Jurors heard evidence centred on spending at stores including Harrods, where prosecutors said more than £2 million was spent on items for the former minister, including — on a November 2013 visit — thousands of pounds worth of rugs, some attributed to luxury labels.
The court was told Alison-Madueke allegedly visited Harrods accompanied by Nigerian businessman Kolawole Aluko (not on trial) and a security guard, with a Harrods employee describing her as “extremely glamorous” in expensive clothing.
Prosecutors further allege Aluko paid £370,740 for items from decorative arts dealer Vincenzo Caffarella in north London — where she was known as “Sharon D” — and £117,224.33 at Mayfair china and silverware shop Thomas Goode, where staff recalled lengthy visits and purchases that were often not collected. The court heard she did not pay personally, with invoices understood to be settled by Aluko and other businessmen linked to energy firms.
Additional allegations include a £89,410 private-jet charter from Luton to Lagos, a £100,000 cash delivery to a London flat, and luxury property use in and around London, some allegedly tied to businessman Benedict Peters (named on the indictment but not on trial).
