A London court has heard that more than £2 million was allegedly spent at luxury department store Harrods on behalf of former Nigerian Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke, who is facing accusations of accepting bribes from business figures seeking lucrative government contracts.
Alison-Madueke, 65, served as Nigeria’s Minister of Petroleum Resources between 2010 and 2015 under former President Goodluck Jonathan. She denies five counts of accepting bribes and one charge of conspiracy to commit bribery.
At Southwark Crown Court, jurors were told that Alison-Madueke allegedly enjoyed a “life of luxury” in the UK, including access to multi-million-pound properties, chauffeur-driven cars, private jet travel, and £100,000 in cash. Prosecutors said £4.6 million was spent refurbishing properties in London and Buckinghamshire for her use.
Court documents reveal that more than £2 million was spent at Harrods using payment cards linked to Nigerian businessman Kolawole Aluko and his company, Tenka Limited. Alison-Madueke is said to have had her own personal shopper at the store—a service reserved for Harrods Rewards Black Tier members who spend over £10,000 annually.
Jurors also heard that she lived in the UK for extended periods, supported by domestic staff including a housekeeper, nanny, gardener, and window cleaner, with salaries and running costs allegedly covered by owners of energy companies seeking contracts with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
“This case is about bribery in relation to the oil and gas industry in Nigeria between 2011 and 2015,” said Alexandra Healy KC, prosecuting. “During that time, those seeking lucrative oil and gas contracts with the NNPC or its subsidiaries provided significant financial or other advantages to Alison-Madueke.”
Healy acknowledged the unusual nature of the trial being held in the UK but emphasized the global importance of tackling corruption. “It might seem unusual to deal here in the UK with bribery relating to the Nigerian oil industry. But bribery and corruption undermine the proper functioning of global markets. There is a public interest in ensuring conduct in our country does not facilitate corruption abroad.”
The court was shown images of a Buckinghamshire property, The Falls in Gerrard’s Cross, purchased in 2010 by Nigerian businessman Olajide Omokore, owner of Atlantic Energy. Prosecutors said Alison-Madueke had exclusive use of the property from late 2011, staying there several times over two years, including six weeks spent writing a book about Nigeria’s president.
The house, which includes a private cinema, was allegedly staffed with a chef and driver, with the driver reportedly referring to her as “HM” — short for Honourable Minister. Tenka Limited is said to have paid £300,000 for refurbishment and associated costs.
Between May 2011 and January 2014, £500,000 in rent was also allegedly paid for two flats in central London occupied by Alison-Madueke and her mother, again reportedly covered by Tenka Limited.
Alison-Madueke is standing trial alongside oil executive Olatimbo Ayinde, 54, who faces counts of bribery relating both to her and another foreign public official.
Her brother, former Archbishop Doye Agama, 69, is also charged with conspiracy to commit bribery and is attending proceedings via video link for medical reasons. Both men deny the charges.
The trial, expected to last around 12 weeks, continues as prosecutors outline allegations connected to Nigeria’s oil sector—a critical pillar of the country’s economy, whose vast wealth has often failed to translate into broad-based benefits for the population.
