LONDON — At Southwark Crown Court, defence lawyers for former Nigerian petroleum minister Diezani Alison‑Madueke argued that she did not request or receive bribes from industry insiders, despite allegations of living a lavish lifestyle in the UK funded by businessmen.
Defence Position
- Barrister Jonathan Laidlaw KC told the court that money spent on Alison‑Madueke’s behalf for properties and luxury goods was reimbursed in Nigeria.
- He explained that Nigerian ministers were forbidden from holding foreign bank accounts, so associates covered her expenses abroad and were later repaid.
- “She did not request or receive any financial advantage from these individuals,” Laidlaw said.
Allegations
- Prosecutors allege Alison‑Madueke enjoyed a “life of luxury” in London, including:
- Multi‑million‑pound properties
- Chauffeur‑driven cars
- Private jet travel
- Over £2 million spent at Harrods
- She faces five counts of accepting bribes and one charge of conspiracy to commit bribery, all of which she denies.
Timeline and Challenges
- Investigation began in 2013; she was arrested in 2015 while undergoing cancer treatment in London.
- Formal charges were not brought until 2023, which the defence says created a “gross delay” and left her at a disadvantage.
- Records in her Abuja home that could have supported her defence no longer exist.
- Laidlaw argued that missing evidence and the failure to charge or extradite alleged bribers undermines fairness.
Other Defendants
- Olatimbo Ayinde (54), an oil industry executive, denies one bribery count linked to Alison‑Madueke and another involving a foreign public official.
- Doye Agama (69), Alison‑Madueke’s brother and a former bishop, denies conspiracy to commit bribery.
Broader Context
Alison‑Madueke served as Nigeria’s minister of petroleum resources from 2010 to 2015, considered the most senior cabinet role after the presidency. Her trial is one of the most high‑profile corruption cases involving a Nigerian official in recent years.
The proceedings continue, with the defence emphasizing fairness and the absence of key evidence, while prosecutors maintain she benefited from bribes disguised as luxury support.