Diezani Alison-Madueke appeared before the London court to answer several counts of bribery connected to her period as petroleum minister under former President Goodluck Jonathan. Prosecutors told the court that the case focuses on decisions allegedly taken between 2011 and 2015 while she held office.
The prosecution claimed that she received bribes in return for using her position to influence oil and gas contracts. According to British authorities, the benefits she allegedly received allowed her to maintain an extravagant lifestyle funded by individuals seeking access to lucrative deals with Nigeria’s state-owned oil company.
The court heard that the alleged benefits were linked to individuals associated with Atlantic Energy and SPOG Petrochemical groups. These companies were said to have secured contracts with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and its subsidiaries during the period under review.
Prosecutors listed the alleged inducements to include cash payments of about £100,000, luxury shopping expenses, private jet flights, chauffeur-driven vehicles, property-related costs in London, and school fees for her son.
The case also drew attention to earlier actions in Nigeria, where courts seized properties connected to Alison-Madueke in 2017. In addition, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission still has unresolved cases involving her.
British authorities said investigations suggested an abuse of public office and the acceptance of financial benefits tied to the award of high-value oil contracts. The trial judge, Justice Justine Thornton, informed the court that proceedings are expected to run until April 24.
Two other defendants, Doye Agama and Olatimbo Ayinde, are also standing trial on related bribery charges connected to the same case.
CLICK THE LINK TO READ FULL LIST
- Advertisement -
Comments are closed.