Former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources Diezani Alison-Madueke has denied all bribery allegations against her while testifying before a UK court, insisting she never abused her office or accepted illicit benefits.
Former Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke has firmly rejected allegations of corruption during her ongoing trial at the Southwark Crown Court.
Testifying on Monday, the 65-year-old told the court that she maintained integrity throughout her time in public service and never accepted any form of bribe.
“I can state categorically that at no point did I ask for, take or receive a bribe of any sort… and did not abuse my office,” she said.
Prosecutors allege that several Nigerian businessmen funded her lifestyle during official trips to the United Kingdom, including over £2 million reportedly spent at luxury retailer Harrods, as well as about £4.6 million used for refurbishing properties in London and Buckinghamshire.
However, Alison-Madueke insisted that all expenses incurred during her official engagements were reimbursed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC). She explained that a logistics service company had been set up in London to manage travel, accommodation, and other arrangements due to operational inefficiencies at the time.
“They paid for all my hotels, chauffeurs… to allow me to perform the job that I did,” she told the court.
The court also heard claims that she had access to several high-value properties, including a £2.8 million residence in Marylebone and homes overlooking Regent’s Park. Prosecutors referenced a stay in Gerrards Cross during Christmas 2011, where she and her family allegedly spent several days.
Responding to the claims, Alison-Madueke denied arranging the stay, explaining that it was necessary due to her husband’s medical condition, which prevented immediate travel back to Nigeria. She added that another visit involved officials working on a publication related to government initiatives on women’s empowerment.
She further addressed allegations concerning other properties, stating that one was used strictly for official meetings, while another was under renovation and not habitable at the time.
On claims that rent for apartments in St John’s Wood was paid by businessman Kolawole Aluko, she said the arrangement was recommended as a cost-saving alternative to expensive hotels such as the Savoy and the Dorchester.
Alison-Madueke also denied any knowledge of an alleged £100,000 cash delivery involving one of her chauffeurs, insisting it had no connection to her.
During her testimony, she reflected on her career, including her rise at Shell, where she became the first female senior executive in its Nigerian operations. She also criticised the company’s handling of oil spills in the Niger Delta and spoke about personal challenges, including security threats during her time in office.
In 2015, she made history as the first female president of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
She is currently facing five counts of accepting bribes and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery, all of which she denies.
Also standing trial is oil executive Olatimbo Ayinde, who has denied charges related to bribery and bribing a foreign public official.
The trial continues as the court examines evidence and testimonies from both sides
