Ex-Nigerian oil minister denies taking bribes
Ex-Nigerian Oil Minister Denies Bribery Allegations
Diezani Alison-Madueke, a former Nigerian oil minister, has rejected claims that she accepted bribes in exchange for securing government contracts. During a hearing at Southwark Crown Court, she stated that the lavish expenses and luxury accommodations provided to her in the UK were later compensated by the state-owned Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC). Alison-Madueke, 65, emphasized her efforts to combat corruption, a persistent issue in Nigeria since its colonial era.
Accusations and Rebuttals
The prosecution alleges that Nigerian businessmen funded her extravagant spending, including over £2 million at Harrods and £4.6 million on renovating homes in London and Buckinghamshire. However, the minister argued that the cost of these services was 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,” she told the court. “I always sought to act impartially.”
Properties and Expenses
Alison-Madueke described the properties linked to her as part of her official duties. She claimed that a home in Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire, was used for a family stay during Christmas 2011, when her ex-husband required hospital care. She noted she was not involved in arranging the stay. A second visit, lasting two weeks, coincided with a book-writing project involving 10 to 12 officials, aimed at highlighting the Nigerian president’s support for women.
Regarding the alleged renovations, she stated that a Regent’s Park property was “completely gutted” and rendered unusable upon her inspection. The court had previously heard that she and her mother occupied two apartments in St John’s Wood, with rent paid by businessman Kolawole Aluko, who is not on trial. Alison-Madueke argued that this arrangement was more economical than booking high-cost hotel suites.
Professional Background
Before her political career, Alison-Madueke rose swiftly within Shell, becoming the first senior female executive in its Nigerian operations. She admitted her initial discomfort with the company, citing her father’s past legal battles against Shell for alleged “apartheid practices” in the Niger Delta. Her father, a tribal leader, had unsuccessfully challenged Shell’s environmental policies in the region.
In 2015, she made history by being elected the first woman to lead the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), a group that determines global oil supply. Despite her success, she faced security threats, claiming Nigeria’s patriarchal society targeted her as a “woman at the helm,” with family members reportedly seized in the process.
Legal Proceedings
Alison-Madueke is contesting five counts of accepting bribes and one of conspiracy to commit bribery. Her brother, former archbishop Doye Agama, 69, is also on trial, denying charges related to the case. Meanwhile, oil industry executive Olatimbo Ayinde, 54, faces one bribery count and another involving foreign public officials.
She also mentioned not being aware that one of her chauffeurs delivered £100,000 in cash, asserting the funds were unrelated to her actions. The court continues to explore these claims as the trial progresses.
