The ex-oil minister of Nigeria has refused to admit her alleged bribe-taking in a case that is currently under trial in the United Kingdom.
Speaking at Southwark Crown Court, London, Alison-Madueke has categorically dismissed accusations that she accepted a bribe.
“I Did Not Take a Bribe,” She Insisted
She further asserted that any money spent on official trips to London by her was reimbursed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC).
A London-based company was hired to assist with logistical issues that arose in managing her official trips.
“I have never taken a bribe, and I never took a bribe. I would like to put on record that I always acted with integrity during my tenure,” she maintained.
Luxury Spending Allegations
The prosecutors claim that she received support from various Nigerian business executives to fund luxurious expenses such as:
- Spending over £2 million at Harrods, a high-end luxury store.
- Spending of about £4.6 million to renovate properties in London and Buckinghamshire.
- Use of luxury residences such as houses in Marylebone and around Regent’s Park.
The court was told that she and her family spent Christmas at an expensive house in Buckinghamshire in 2011.
Nonetheless, Alison-Madueke refuted allegations that she organized these accommodations herself and argued that there were valid reasons for traveling to such places as her ex-husband’s health.
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Defense Response to Accusations
The former minister claimed that some of the buildings listed by the court were not appropriate for use or had nothing to do with her. She argued that one building was being renovated and was “completely gutted.”
Regarding of the Diezani Alison-Madueke UK trial bribery allegations receiving £100,000 cash delivery, she told the court she knew nothing about it, and it was not related to her.
As for accommodation arrangements, she explained that it was cheaper to rent apartments compared to staying in expensive hotels such as the Savoy or Dorchester, where she could spend £2,000 for an overnight stay in suites.
Career Background and Ascent to Power
Alison-Madueke had a flourishing career in the private sector before joining the government, serving as an executive at Shell Oil Company and becoming the first woman to occupy such a position within Shell’s Nigerian division.
In spite of her success, the witness testified that she had some doubts about joining Shell because the company had mistreated her father in the past and was negligent in addressing environmental concerns in the Niger Delta region.
Alison-Madueke was subsequently appointed as Nigeria’s oil minister, and in 2015, she broke another record by becoming the first woman to chair the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
Background Information and Security Issues
In her testimony, Alison-Madueke raised issues that she has experienced as a woman trying to lead in such a patriarchal society as Nigeria.
She revealed in court that she had been experiencing grave security concerns where she and her family were targets of kidnappers.
Charges against Alison-Madueke and Others on Trial
Alison-Madueke stands charged with five cases of bribery and one case of conspiracy to bribe.
Others on trial include:
- Olatimbo Ayinde: accused of bribery
- Doye Agama: her brother, accused of conspiracy to bribe
The trial will continue and will attract considerable international attention.
