Diezani Alison-Madueke, former Nigerian oil minister, denied taking bribes during her testimony at Southwark Crown Court in London. The 65-year-old faces five counts of accepting bribes and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery related to alleged favors granted for government contracts.
Key Takeaways
A former Nigerian oil minister is on trial in London for alleged bribery involving luxury accommodations and spending sprees. She denies all charges, asserting she never sought or received bribes.
- Diezani Alison-Madueke denies five counts of accepting bribes and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery
- Prosecutors allege lavish spending including £2.7 million at Harrods and multi-million pound home renovations
- Alison-Madueke claims expenses were reimbursed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC)
- She described Nigeria as a patriarchal society where her role made her a target for scapegoating
Prosecutors allege Alison-Madueke benefited from luxury accommodations, private jets, chauffeur-driven cars, and shopping sprees totaling £2.7 million at Harrods. They claim she received these perks while serving as Nigeria's minister of petroleum resources between 2010 and 2015. The former minister maintains her innocence, stating that all expenses were reimbursed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC).
Alison-Madueke testified that she never asked for or received bribes, emphasizing her efforts to combat corruption in Nigeria's oil sector. She described the country as patriarchal and misogynistic, noting that her prominent role made her a target for scapegoating. The trial continues with co-defendants Olatimbo Ayinde and Doye Agama also denying charges.
According to BBC, Alison-Madueke claimed she suggested cheaper accommodations in London due to the financial disarray of NNPC's structures. She mentioned that a company owned by Nigerian businessman Kolawole Aluko handled logistics and expenses, which were later reimbursed. The case highlights ongoing corruption concerns in Nigeria's oil industry.
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