British prosecutors have told the Southwark Crown Court in London that Diezani Alison-Madueke, Nigeria’s former minister of petroleum resources, spent £140,000 on luxury furniture and decorative art in one day while allegedly receiving inducements from oil industry figures.
Alison-Madueke is on trial alongside oil executive Olatimbo Ayinde and her brother, Doye Agama, on five counts relating to the alleged acceptance of bribes. All three defendants have pleaded not guilty.
Prosecutors said the former minister made the purchases at a high-end antiques store in London, acquiring bespoke lighting, premium furniture and decorative artworks. The items were allegedly paid for through intermediaries, rather than directly by Alison-Madueke.
According to the prosecution, the spending formed part of a broader pattern in which the former minister allegedly enjoyed a lavish lifestyle funded by individuals seeking influence over Nigeria’s oil sector.
Alexandra Healy, prosecuting, told the jury that Alison-Madueke “lived a life of luxury in London,” which, she said, was facilitated by business figures interested in securing oil contracts in Nigeria. She added that the alleged bribes were provided in the form of expensive goods and access to high-value properties, rather than cash payments.
