Former Minister of Petroleum Resources Diezani Alison-Madueke today appeared before a London court on charges concerning bribery during her time as minister.
These bribes reportedly took the form of cash, luxury goods, private jet flights, and the use of high-end properties in the United Kingdom.
Diezani Alison-Madueke served as Nigeria’s Minister for Petroleum Resources from 2010 to 2015 during the presidency of Goodluck Jonathan.
During her appearance at Westminster Magistrates Court, she provided her name, date of birth, and address. Although she did not formally enter a plea, her attorney, Mark Bowen, informed the court that she would plead not guilty.
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Prosecutor Andy Young outlined allegations that she had accepted various benefits, both in cash and kind, from individuals seeking or already receiving lucrative oil contracts, collectively valued in the billions of dollars.These benefits included a £100,000 ($121,620) cash delivery, payment of private school fees for her son, and the utilization and refurbishment of multiple luxurious properties in London and the English countryside.
Additional perks encompassed the use of a Range Rover vehicle, payment of chauffeur-driven car expenses, furniture purchases, and shopping at renowned London retailers such as Harrods and Vincenzo Caffarella, an establishment specializing in Italian decorative arts and antiques.
District Judge Michael Snow granted Alison-Madueke bail under certain conditions, including an overnight curfew from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m., the mandatory wearing of an electronic tag, and a £70,000 surety to be paid before leaving the court premises.
Her next court appearance is scheduled for October 30 at Southwark Crown Court, which handles serious criminal cases.
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