Ex-NGO Oil Minister Splurged N3bn at High-End Retailer, UK Court Told
Alleged Luxury Lifestyle of a Former Nigerian Oil Minister
A London court has been presented with evidence suggesting that over £2 million was allegedly spent at Harrods, a prestigious department store, on behalf of a former Nigerian oil minister. The case involves Diezani Alison-Madueke, who is currently standing trial for alleged bribery related to oil and gas contracts.
Prosecutors have stated that the former minister was provided with a luxurious lifestyle in the United Kingdom. This included access to high-value properties, private travel, and substantial cash payments in exchange for influence over oil contracts. Alison-Madueke, who served as Nigeria’s minister of petroleum resources from 2010 to 2015, denies all charges of bribery and conspiracy.
The prosecution outlined details of the alleged benefits during opening proceedings at Southwark Crown Court. According to the court, more than £2 million was spent at Harrods using payment cards linked to Nigerian businessman Kolawole Aluko and the debit card of his company, Tenka Limited. Prosecutors revealed that Alison-Madueke had a personal shopper at the store, a privilege typically reserved for Harrods Rewards Black Tier members who spend over £10,000 annually.
A Life of Luxury
The court heard that £4.6 million was spent on refurbishing properties in London and Buckinghamshire, which were reportedly used by the former minister. These properties included a house known as The Falls in Buckinghamshire, purchased in 2010 by Nigerian businessman Olajide Omokore. From late 2011, Alison-Madueke was alleged to have had exclusive use of the house, which features a cinema room. She reportedly stayed there multiple times and spent weeks writing a book.
Additionally, £500,000 was paid in rent for two central London flats occupied by Alison-Madueke and her mother between 2011 and 2014. Prosecutors claimed that records showed these costs were covered by Tenka Limited.
The Broader Context
Prosecutors emphasized that the alleged benefits were provided by individuals and companies seeking to secure or retain lucrative contracts with Nigeria’s state-owned oil entities. Alexandra Healy KC, leading the prosecution, stated:
“This case is about bribery in relation to the oil and gas industry in Nigeria during the period 2011 to 2015.”
She further noted that companies interested in contracts with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and its subsidiaries offered significant financial advantages to Alison-Madueke. Healy added:
“We live in a global society. Bribery and corruption undermine the proper functioning of the global market.”
Alison-Madueke is not alone in the trial. She is being tried alongside oil executive Olatimbo Ayinde, who also denies bribery charges, and her brother, former archbishop Doye Agama, who is accused of conspiracy to commit bribery.
Challenges in Prosecution
Nigeria, a major oil producer and member of Opec, has long struggled to ensure that its population benefits from its energy wealth. The case against Alison-Madueke highlights the complexities of prosecuting high-profile individuals involved in corruption.
Earlier reports indicated that legal and extra-legal hurdles remain a significant challenge in the extradition of the ex-minister for trial. A senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Wahab Shittu, highlighted these challenges in discussions about the federal government's efforts to bring Alison-Madueke back to Nigeria for prosecution.
The trial, expected to last about 12 weeks, continues to unfold, shedding light on the intricate web of allegations surrounding one of Nigeria’s most prominent figures in the oil sector.
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