More than £2 million was reportedly spent at Harrods on behalf of former Nigerian oil minister Diezani Alison-Madueke, who is facing bribery charges in London. The court heard that the 65-year-old minister was allegedly given a lavish lifestyle in the UK, including private jets, multimillion-pound properties, a chauffeur-driven car, and £100,000 in cash.
Luxury Lifestyle Funded by Business Interests
Alison-Madueke, Nigeria’s petroleum resources minister from 2010 to 2015, allegedly received other benefits, such as £4.6 million spent on refurbishing properties in London and Buckinghamshire. Jurors learned that payments were made using Nigerian businessman Kolawole Aluko’s cards and those of his company, Tenka Limited.
At Harrods, Alison-Madueke had a personal shopper, typically reserved for Black Tier Rewards members who spend over £10,000 a year. She also had access to household staff in the UK, including a housekeeper, nanny, gardener, and window cleaner.
The salaries and other costs were reportedly covered by energy company owners who had contracts with the state-owned Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.
UK Court Addresses Global Corruption
Healy emphasized that while the bribery occurred in Nigeria, UK courts play a role in tackling corruption. She said: “We live in a global society. Bribery and corruption undermine proper market function. There is public interest in ensuring conduct in our country does not support corruption abroad.”
Properties and High-End Perks
Jurors viewed images of a property called The Falls in Gerrard’s Cross, Buckinghamshire, purchased in 2010 by Nigerian businessman Olajide Omokore. Alison-Madueke reportedly had exclusive use from late 2011, staying there three to four times over two years. She spent six weeks at the property writing a book about Nigeria’s president. A chef and driver, funded by Tenka Limited, assisted her, along with £300,000 in refurbishment costs.
Co-Defendants and Trial Details
Alison-Madueke faces five counts of accepting bribes and one of conspiracy to commit bribery. She appears alongside oil executive Olatimbo Ayinde, 54, and her brother, former archbishop Doye Agama, 69, who faces a conspiracy charge. Both deny the allegations. The trial at Southwark Crown Court is expected to last around 12 weeks.
Nigeria relies heavily on oil, but many citizens have not benefited from the sector. The country is also a member of OPEC, which manages global oil supply and prices.
