Ex-Nigerian oil minister denies taking bribes
Ex-Nigerian Oil Minister Denies Corruption Allegations
Diezani Alison-Madueke, a former Nigerian oil minister, has denied accusations that she accepted bribes in exchange for securing government contracts. During a hearing at Southwark Crown Court on Monday, she claimed that the extravagant expenses incurred during her time in the UK were fully reimbursed by the state-owned Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC).
Accusations and Rebuttals
The prosecution alleges that Alison-Madueke received luxurious accommodations and significant financial support, including over £2 million spent at Harrods and £4.6 million on property renovations in London and Buckinghamshire. She countered by stating that these costs were part of official duties and later repaid by the NNPC. “At no point did I solicit or receive a bribe from these individuals, nor did I misuse my position,” she asserted in court.
“I always sought to act impartially,” Alison-Madueke said, explaining that a London-based service company was set up to manage logistical needs because the NNPC’s financial systems were in disarray. “They covered all my expenses, including hotels and chauffeurs, to ensure I could perform my responsibilities effectively.”
Family Involvement and Context
Alison-Madueke’s family, including her mother, reportedly stayed in St John’s Wood apartments funded by Nigerian businessman Kolawole Aluko. She argued that this arrangement was more cost-efficient than paying for high-end hotel suites, such as those at the Savoy or Dorchester, which cost £2,000 per night. She also noted that one of her chauffeurs delivered £100,000 in cash during her tenure, but claimed the money was unrelated to her actions.
Professional Background
Before her political career, Alison-Madueke rose through the ranks at Shell, becoming the first senior female executive in its Nigerian operations. However, she expressed discomfort with the company due to its treatment of her father, who was a tribal leader and had previously sued Shell over alleged “apartheid practices” in the Niger Delta. She criticized the company for failing to adequately address environmental damage caused by oil spills in the region.
Legal Proceedings and Additional Charges
The court is also examining claims that Alison-Madueke used properties for “discrete” meetings, describing one as “completely gutted” and unusable when she first saw it. Meanwhile, her brother, former archbishop Doye Agama, and industry executive Olatimbo Ayinde are also facing charges. Ayinde denies one count of bribery and another of bribing a foreign public official, while Alison-Madueke contests five counts of accepting bribes and a conspiracy charge.
Security Concerns
Alison-Madueke highlighted the challenges of being a woman in a “patriarchal society,” noting she faced “dire threats of kidnap” and that family members were seized during her time in office. She emphasized the risks of holding a prominent position in Nigeria, where her gender made her a target for intimidation.
Historical Context
In 2015, Alison-Madueke became the first female head of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), a role she took pride in despite her earlier reservations about Shell’s practices. The trial continues to explore whether her actions in the UK were part of a corrupt scheme or simply a matter of professional necessity.