Ex-Nigerian Oil Minister Denies Corruption Allegations
Diezani Alison-Madueke, a 65-year-old former Nigerian oil minister, has refuted claims she accepted bribes in exchange for awarding government contracts. During a hearing at Southwark Crown Court, she stated that the extravagant accommodations and expenses incurred during her time in the UK were fully covered by the state-owned Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), not personal gain.
Accusations of Luxury Spending
The prosecution alleges that Alison-Madueke was provided with high-value residences and luxurious expenditures, including over £2 million at Harrods and £4.6 million in home renovations. She explained that these costs were later reimbursed by the NNPC, with a London-based firm managing the logistics due to the company’s financial instability.
“I can state categorically that at no point did I ask for, take or receive a bribe of any sort from these persons and did not abuse my office,” Alison-Madueke said in court. “I always sought to act impartially.”
Christmas Stay and Book Project
During a five-day visit to Buckinghamshire in 2011, Alison-Madueke and her family stayed in a property while her ex-husband received medical treatment. She emphasized that she was not involved in the arrangements for the stay. A second, extended trip saw her and up to 12 officials collaborating on a book celebrating the Nigerian president’s support for women’s initiatives.
Properties and Their Purposes
Alison-Madueke described one home near Regent’s Park as used for discreet official meetings, while another property, allegedly linked to her, was reportedly in disrepair and not functional during her inspection. The court also noted that she and her mother resided in apartments in St John’s Wood, with rent covered by Nigerian businessman Kolawole Aluko, who is not on trial.
Shell Career and Family Background
Previously, Alison-Madueke rose through the ranks at Shell, becoming the first senior female executive in its Nigerian operations. Despite her career advancement, she admitted the job felt uncomfortable, citing her father’s past conflict with the company over environmental practices in the Niger Delta. “I found the job uncomfortable to put in mildly,” she said, noting her father had fought legal battles against Shell’s “apartheid-like” treatment of local communities.
Security Concerns and Legal Charges
Alison-Madueke highlighted the dangers of her position in Nigeria, a society she described as “very patriarchal,” where a woman in leadership was seen as a threat. She mentioned facing “dire threats of kidnap” and that family members had been seized. Meanwhile, she and Olatimbo Ayinde, a 54-year-old oil executive, face charges related to bribery. Ayinde denies one count of accepting bribes and another of influencing a foreign official.
Brother’s Involvement
Her brother, former archbishop Doye Agama, 69, also denies charges in the case, though his specific allegations were not detailed in the court summary.
