Ex-Nigerian oil minister denies taking bribes

Ex-Nigerian oil minister denies taking bribes

A retired Nigerian oil minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, 65, has rejected claims she sought or accepted bribes in exchange for securing government contracts. During testimony at Southwark Crown Court on Monday, she emphasized her efforts to combat corruption in a nation long associated with it, dating back to its colonial era. The prosecution alleges that she was offered extravagant accommodations and high-profile expenditures in the UK, including over £2 million spent at Harrods and £4.6 million allocated for property renovations. However, Alison-Madueke insisted the costs were later covered by the state-owned Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), citing a service firm in London as an intermediary for administrative tasks due to the company’s financial instability.

Accusations and Rebuttals

Prosecutors argue that Alison-Madueke benefited from luxury residences in Buckinghamshire, Marylebone, and Regent’s Park, with renovations valued at £4.6 million. She countered by stating that the properties were used for official duties and that one was even “completely gutted” for upgrades, rendering it unusable. The court was told she and her family stayed in a Gerrards Cross home for five days during Christmas 2011 to care for her husband, who required hospital treatment. She claimed the arrangements were not her responsibility, and the property was also used for discreet meetings. Another home in St John’s Wood, where she and her mother resided, had its rent paid by Nigerian businessman Kolawole Aluko, who is not facing trial.

“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 said.

Alison-Madueke also mentioned that a chauffeur delivered £100,000 in cash to her, but clarified it was unrelated to her actions. She described her time at Shell as a challenging career path, despite her rise to the position of first senior female executive in the company’s Nigerian division. Her father, a tribal leader, had previously sued Shell for alleged apartheid practices in the Niger Delta, which she said made her uneasy about working there. She highlighted Shell’s struggles with oil spills in her hometown, stating she believed the company hadn’t adequately addressed the environmental damage.

Security Concerns and Career Milestones

The court was informed of security threats Alison-Madueke faced in Nigeria, including fears of kidnapping and the detention of family members. She also recounted her role in 2015 as the first woman to lead the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), a milestone she credited to her dedication to showcasing the president’s support for women. Meanwhile, her brother, former archbishop Doye Agama, 69, is also on trial, denying charges related to the case. The prosecution’s case hinges on five counts of accepting bribes and one of conspiring to take them, while oil executive Olatimbo Ayinde, 54, denies one bribery charge and another involving foreign officials.

“I found the job uncomfortable to put in mildly,” she said, referencing her father’s legal battle against Shell.

Alison-Madueke stressed her commitment to impartiality, adding that the financial arrangements for her stays were intended to facilitate her work. She suggested that using apartments for her family was more cost-effective than paying for high-end hotel suites, such as those at the Savoy or Dorchester, at £2,000 per night. The trial continues to assess whether these expenses were indeed tied to her influence or merely part of her professional obligations.