Proceedings in the corruption and bribery case involving former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, resumed on Tuesday in a London court with dramatic testimony detailing an alleged trail of luxury spending in the British capital. Jurors were taken through evidence showing how the former minister was said to have patronised a high-end antiques store, where prosecutors claim extravagant purchases were made during her time in office.
According to the prosecution, items including bespoke lighting, premium furniture and decorative artworks were acquired in a single shopping trip costing as much as £140,000. The court heard that the payments were allegedly made through intermediaries, a move prosecutors said was designed to conceal the true source of the funds and link them to public office corruption in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. As the hearing unfolded, the public gallery reflected the high-profile nature of the case. Several supporters from the Ijaw community were present, having travelled from outside the United Kingdom to show solidarity with Alison-Madueke during the trial.
Despite the detailed accounts presented by prosecutors, the former minister has consistently denied all charges brought against her. She maintains that she did not engage in any corrupt practices or abuse her position while overseeing Nigeria’s lucrative petroleum industry. The trial continues as the court weighs the prosecution’s claims against the former minister’s defence, in a case that has drawn international attention due to its political and economic implications for Nigeria.
