London Trial Lifts Lid On Alleged Oil Bribery Scandal Involving Ex-Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke

Prosecutors in the United Kingdom have alleged that Nigeria’s former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, lived a lavish London lifestyle allegedly funded by bribes from oil industry figures seeking favourable access to Nigeria’s oil sector.
On Tuesday, prosecutors appeared before the Southwark Crown Court in London as Alison-Madueke’s trial continued. The former minister is standing trial alongside oil executive Olatimbo Ayinde and her brother, Doye Agama, on a five-count charge bordering on the acceptance of bribes. All three defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Addressing the jury, lead prosecutor Alexandra Healy alleged that Alison-Madueke “enjoyed a life of luxury in London,” financed by individuals hoping to secure lucrative oil contracts in Nigeria. According to the prosecution, the former minister received luxury goods and access to high-end properties from business figures who expected her to deploy her influence in their favour.
Healy told the court that Nigerian businessman Kolawole Aluko—named in one of the charges but not currently on trial—spent more than £2 million on luxury items for Alison-Madueke at Harrods, the iconic UK department store. The court also heard that Alison-Madueke and her family frequently stayed in a mansion outside London purchased by Aluko through a company for £3.25 million.
The prosecution further alleged that Aluko covered the costs of maintaining the property, including staff wages, utility bills, and extensive refurbishments, effectively placing the residence at the disposal of the former minister and her family.
While acknowledging that there is no direct evidence showing that Alison-Madueke awarded oil contracts in explicit exchange for the alleged bribes, Healy argued that it was “wholly inappropriate” for a serving minister to accept such extravagant gifts from individuals with active business interests in government-owned oil entities.
Alison-Madueke served as Nigeria’s Minister of Petroleum Resources from 2010 to 2015 under the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan and also made history as President of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in 2014.
The trial continues.