Diezani spent £140,000 on luxury furniture in one day, UK court told

By Favour Ulebor, Abuja

British prosecutors have told the Southwark Crown Court in London that Nigeria’s former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, spent about £140,000 on luxury furniture and decorative art in a single day.

The prosecution said the spending happened while Alison Madueke was allegedly receiving inducements from figures in the oil industry.

Alison Madueke is standing trial alongside oil executive Olatimbo Ayinde and her brother, Doye Agama. The three defendants are facing five charges linked to the alleged acceptance of bribes. They have all pleaded not guilty.

According to prosecutors, the former minister made the purchases at a high-end antiques shop in London, where she bought bespoke lighting, premium furniture and decorative artworks.

The court was told that the items were allegedly paid for through intermediaries, not directly by Alison Madueke.

Prosecuting counsel, Alexandra Healy, told the jury that Alison Madueke “lived a life of luxury in London,” adding that this lifestyle was allegedly supported by business figures seeking influence over Nigeria’s oil sector.

She said the alleged bribes were not given as cash, but as luxury goods and access to expensive properties.

The court had earlier heard, on January 27, that the former minister allegedly received luxury items and the use of prime real estate as inducements while she was in office.

Channels Television reported that supporters from the Ijaw community in Nigeria filled the public gallery, with several travelling to London to follow the trial.

The defence has denied all allegations. On January 29, Jonathan Laidlaw, counsel to Alison Madueke, told the court that his client had no real power over the award of oil contracts during her time as minister.

He argued that Alison Madueke acted only as a “rubber stamp” for decisions made by relevant agencies and officials, insisting that she did not influence contract awards and did not accept bribes.

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