British prosecutors have told a London court that former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, spent more than £2 million — estimated at over N4 billion — at luxury department store Harrods, allegedly using funds supplied by oil executives seeking lucrative contracts from Nigeria’s state oil company.
During proceedings at Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday, prosecutors said energy company founders who benefited from major Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) deals also covered the running costs of Alison-Madueke’s UK residence, including salaries for domestic staff.
The court heard that payments were allegedly made for a housekeeper, nanny, gardener and window cleaner, forming part of what prosecutors described as a broader pattern of inducements offered in exchange for favourable treatment in oil and gas contracts.
Alison-Madueke, who previously served as president of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), is facing five charges related to the acceptance of bribes in the form of luxury goods and access to high-end properties owned by oil industry figures. She has pleaded not guilty to all counts, including conspiracy to commit bribery.
Jurors were told that the former minister maintained an extravagant lifestyle in the United Kingdom, including the use of a personal shopper at Harrods — a privilege reserved for Black Tier Rewards members who spend at least £10,000 annually.
According to prosecutors, more than £2 million was spent on Alison-Madueke’s behalf at the Brompton Road store, with several transactions allegedly made using payment cards linked to businessman Kolawole Aluko and the debit card of his company, Tenka Limited.
“She was provided with a life of luxury in the United Kingdom,” the prosecutor told the court, adding that Alison-Madueke allegedly enjoyed access to multimillion-pound properties, chauffeur-driven vehicles, private jet travel and up to £100,000 in cash.
The court also heard that approximately £4.6 million was spent refurbishing properties in London and Buckinghamshire allegedly connected to her use.
Aluko, a petroleum and aviation magnate named in the Panama Papers, had previously been investigated over claims that he helped move millions of dollars out of Nigeria as kickbacks to Alison-Madueke. Prosecutors said he held contracts with state-owned oil entities while actively pursuing additional deals.
“This case is about bribery in relation to the oil and gas industry in Nigeria between 2011 and 2015,” said Alexandra Healy KC, leading the prosecution.
“Those interested in the award and retention of lucrative oil and gas contracts provided significant financial and other advantages to Alison-Madueke.
“There is a strong public interest in ensuring that conduct in this country does not further corruption in another country,” she added.
Jurors were shown images of a Buckinghamshire mansion known as The Falls, purchased in 2010 by Nigerian businessman Olajide Omokore, owner of Atlantic Energy. Prosecutors claimed that from late 2011, Alison-Madueke had exclusive use of the property, which features a cinema room. She reportedly stayed there several times and spent around six weeks writing a book on the premises.
The cost of refurbishing the property — estimated at £300,000 — was allegedly paid by Tenka Limited.
Prosecutors further alleged that between May 2011 and January 2014, about £500,000 in rent was paid for two central London flats occupied by Alison-Madueke and her mother, with company records indicating Tenka covered the bills.
Alison-Madueke is standing trial alongside oil executive Olatimbo Ayinde, 54, who faces one charge of bribery linked to her and another relating to bribing a foreign public official.
Her brother, Doye Agama, 69, a former archbishop, is charged with conspiracy to commit bribery and is attending proceedings via video link due to medical reasons.
All three defendants have denied the allegations. The trial is expected to last approximately 12 weeks and is ongoing.
