Former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has told a United Kingdom court that she did not solicit or receive bribes while in office. She gave the testimony on Monday at Southwark Crown Court, where she said all expenses incurred on her behalf in London were official and reimbursed by the Nigerian government.
Mrs Alison-Madueke explained that payments for her accommodation, travel and logistics in the United Kingdom were strictly tied to her official duties. She maintained that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company funded her activities, including hotels and transportation, through a service firm engaged to handle such arrangements.
Prosecutors allege that Nigerian businessmen financed luxury expenses for the former minister, including millions of pounds spent on shopping and property renovations in London and surrounding areas. They also claimed she had access to several high-value properties, including residences in Marylebone and near Regent’s Park. However, Mrs Alison-Madueke rejected the claims, stating that the properties were used for official purposes and logistical convenience.
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The court also heard details of her stays in the United Kingdom, including time spent with her family due to her husband’s medical condition. Mrs Alison-Madueke further denied knowledge of any illicit cash payments and highlighted the security challenges she faced while in office. She is standing trial alongside Olatimbo Ayinde and Doye Agama on charges of bribery and conspiracy, all of which they have denied.
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