Dizani Alison Madueke, Nigeria’s former Minister of Petroleum Resources from 2010 to 2015, is facing serious bribery charges in a London trial at Southwark Crown Court. Prosecutors allege that over £2 million was spent on her behalf at Harrods, using funds linked to Nigerian businessman Kolawole Aluko. Allegations include gifts of luxury living arrangements, including multi-million-pound properties and substantial cash payments.
Madueke is accused of accepting bribes from entities seeking lucrative contracts with Nigeria’s state-run oil sector, specifically targeting contracts with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation. The trial revealed her lifestyle in the UK—complete with staff and high-end shopping privileges.
The court heard that she spent around £4.6 million on renovations for properties and received significant rental payments for flats in London. Co-defendant Olatimbo Ayinde also faces bribery charges linked to Madueke, as does her brother, former Archbishop Doye Agama, who is participating via video link for medical reasons. All defendants deny the charges, and the trial is expected to last about 12 weeks. The case underscores the persistent issues of corruption within Nigeria’s oil industry despite its global economic importance.
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