Ex-Nigerian oil minister denies taking bribes
Ex-Nigerian oil minister denies taking bribes
Former official claims luxury accommodations and spending were reimbursed by state-owned company
Diezani Alison-Madueke, a 65-year-old former Nigerian oil minister, has refuted accusations that she accepted bribes in exchange for influencing government contracts. During testimony at Southwark Crown Court on Monday, she emphasized her efforts to combat corruption in Nigeria, a nation with a long history of such practices since its colonial era.
“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,” Alison-Madueke asserted.
Several Nigerian businessmen are alleged to have funded her lavish expenditures, including over £2 million spent at Harrods and £4.6 million on home renovations in London and Buckinghamshire. However, the ex-minister argued that these costs were later covered by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), stating that a London-based service firm managed the logistics due to the NNPC’s financial instability.
She explained that the state-owned company reimbursed expenses for her stays, transportation, and other services, enabling her to perform her duties effectively. The prosecution claims she benefited from renovations valued at £4.6 million on properties in Regent’s Park and Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire. Alison-Madueke countered that one of the homes was “completely gutted” and unusable when she viewed it, while another was used for discreet meetings.
Family and Financial Arrangements
The court also learned that Alison-Madueke and her mother resided in St John’s Wood apartments, with rent paid by businessman Kolawole Aluko. She argued this arrangement was more cost-effective than continuing to book expensive hotel suites, such as those at the Savoy or Dorchester, for £2,000 per night.
“I took it upon myself to compile that book to highlight the president’s support for women,” she said, referring to a two-week visit in 2011 where she and officials penned a tribute.
Alison-Madueke further mentioned that she was unaware her chauffeur delivered £100,000 in cash to her, claiming the funds were unrelated to her actions. She also described her experience at Shell, where she rose quickly despite personal discomfort due to the company’s treatment of her father, a former senior employee.
Historical Context and Professional Challenges
She recounted how her father, a tribal leader, had previously sued Shell for “apartheid practices” in the Niger Delta. Alison-Madueke expressed doubts about Shell’s efforts to address environmental damage in the region during her tenure. Additionally, she noted that Nigeria’s patriarchal society posed security risks, stating she faced “dire threats of kidnap” and that family members were seized.
In 2015, Alison-Madueke made history by becoming the first woman to lead the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), a key forum for oil-exporting nations. The case against her includes five counts of accepting bribes and one of conspiring to do so. Meanwhile, oil executive Olatimbo Ayinde denies one bribery charge and another involving foreign officials. Her brother, former archbishop Doye Agama, also faces accusations but has not yet been formally charged.
