Dieziani Alison-Madueke, Nigeria’s former Minister of Petroleum Resources, has firmly denied all bribery allegations as her trial continues in the United Kingdom.
The 65-year-old appeared in London’s Southwark Crown Court on the opening day of the proceedings, facing claims that she lived a “life of luxury” funded by illicit payments during her tenure as oil minister.
British prosecutors allege that between 2011 and 2015, while serving under then-President Goodluck Jonathan, Alison-Madueke received financial and material benefits from individuals seeking lucrative oil and gas contracts with Nigeria’s state-owned petroleum corporation. The court was told these benefits included cash, luxury vehicles, private jet flights, and renovations at several London properties, with associated staff costs.
The former minister is specifically accused of accepting advantages from parties linked to Atlantic Energy and SPOG Petrochemical, both of which secured contracts with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation or its subsidiaries. Prosecutors argued that, in her role, she had a duty to avoid any benefits from companies conducting business with government entities.
As the trial unfolds, Alison-Madueke’s legal team maintains her innocence, emphasizing that she did not engage in bribery or misuse her office for personal gain. The case is poised to continue over several days, with both sides presenting evidence to substantiate their claims.
