Table of Contents
Nigeria’s former petroleum minister and the first female president of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Diezani Alison-Madueke, is facing fresh scrutiny in a London court over allegations of bribery and lavish spending funded by energy industry figures.
Jurors at Southwark Crown Court heard that more than £2 million ($2.75 million) was spent at Harrods on Alison-Madueke’s behalf. Prosecutors revealed that cards linked to Nigerian businessman Kolawole Aluko and his company, Tenka Limited, made the payments. Alison-Madueke reportedly had her own personal shopper at the store, a service reserved for Harrods Rewards Black Tier members who spend over £10,000 ($13,800) annually.
Alison-Madueke received luxury perks abroad
The court was told that during her time in the United Kingdom, Alison-Madueke lived in properties with full-time staff, including a housekeeper, nanny, gardener, and window cleaner. The costs, prosecutors said, were covered by the owners of companies with lucrative contracts with Nigeria’s state-owned Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
“This case concerns bribery related to the oil and gas industry in Nigeria between 2011 and 2015,” said Alexandra Healy KC, prosecuting. “Individuals seeking contracts with NNPC or its subsidiaries provided significant financial advantages to Alison-Madueke. Corruption in one country can affect markets globally, and there is public interest in ensuring such conduct is addressed in the UK.”
Evidence included photos of The Falls, a Buckinghamshire property bought by Nigerian businessman Olajide Omokore’s Atlantic Energy in 2010. Prosecutors said Alison-Madueke had exclusive use, staying there multiple times over two years. A chef and driver, paid by Tenka Limited, assisted her, while the company also covered £300,000 ($413,670) in renovations. Between May 2011 and January 2014, £500,000 ($689,450) went toward rent for two London flats occupied by her and her mother.
Nigeria trials linked to $1.6 billion
Alison-Madueke, 65, was formally charged with bribery offenses in the UK in August 2023 following an investigation by the National Crime Agency (NCA). Prosecutors say she benefited from cash payments exceeding £100,000 ($137,900), private jet travel, and luxury vacations.
In Nigeria, Omokore and co-defendants are facing trial over the alleged diversion of roughly $1.6 billion in petroleum revenues. Omokore has denied purchasing properties or vehicles for Alison-Madueke, calling their relationship professional. The assets in question include Lagos penthouses and estates in high-value neighborhoods.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recovered $153 million and 80 properties worth $80 million linked to Alison-Madueke in 2021. A 2017 EFCC report traced $487.5 million to her, though less than six percent of the funds have been forfeited.
