Former Nigerian Oil Minister’s lavish UK lifestyle funded by alleged bribes, court hears
A London court has heard that more than £2 million was spent at Harrods alone on behalf of Diezani Alison-Madueke, Nigeria’s former petroleum minister, as part of a “life of luxury” allegedly funded by oil industry bribes.
The Southwark Crown Court trial, expected to last 12 weeks, details a suite of benefits provided to Alison-Madueke between 2011 and 2015.
These reportedly included multimillion-pound properties, private jet travel, a chauffeur, and £4.6m for property refurbishments.
Prosecutors allege these perks were financed by businessmen seeking lucrative contracts from the state-owned Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.
The funds were funneled through companies owned by Nigerian businessmen Kolawole Aluko and Olajide Omokore, the court was told. Alison-Madueke denies five counts of bribery.
The case highlights the global reach of anti-corruption efforts, set against the stark contrast of Nigeria’s oil-rich economy failing to broadly benefit its population.
