The prosecution alleged that the lavish spending was funded by oil executives who had secured lucrative contracts with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (then-Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation), according to The PUNCH.
British prosecutors have told a London court that former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, spent over £2 million (around N4 billion) at the luxury department store Harrods.
The prosecution alleged that the lavish spending was funded by oil executives who had secured lucrative contracts with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (then-Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation), according to The PUNCH.
The prosecution disclosed that founders of energy companies awarded major NNPC contracts also paid the running costs of Alison-Madueke’s residence in the United Kingdom and covered the salaries of her domestic staff.
The court heard that the payments included wages for a housekeeper, nanny, gardener and window cleaner at the former minister’s UK property.
Prosecutors said the alleged benefits were part of a wider pattern of inducements offered to Alison-Madueke in exchange for favourable treatment in the award and retention of oil and gas contracts.
Alison-Madueke, a former President of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), is currently standing trial at Southwark Crown Court on five counts of accepting bribes and an additional count of conspiracy to commit bribery.
She has pleaded not guilty to all charges, including conspiracy to commit bribery.
Jurors were told that the former minister lived an extravagant lifestyle in the United Kingdom, including using a personal shopper at Harrods, a service reserved for Black Tier Rewards members who spend more than £10,000 annually.
Prosecutors further alleged that more than £2 million was spent on Alison-Madueke’s behalf at the Brompton Road store, with several purchases made using payment cards linked to Nigerian oil magnate Kolawole Aluko and the debit card of his company, Tenka Limited.
“She was provided with a life of luxury in the United Kingdom,” the prosecutor said, adding that Alison-Madueke allegedly enjoyed the use of multimillion-pound properties, a chauffeur-driven car, private jet travel and £100,000 in cash.
The court was also told that about £4.6m was spent refurbishing properties in London and Buckinghamshire allegedly linked to her use.
Aluko, a petroleum and aviation magnate named in the Panama Papers, was previously investigated over allegations that he helped move millions of dollars out of Nigeria as kickbacks to Alison-Madueke. Prosecutors said he also held contracts with state-owned oil entities while seeking new ones.
“This case is about bribery in relation to the oil and gas industry in Nigeria between 2011 and 2015,” said Alexandra Healy KC, prosecuting.
“Those interested in the award and retention of lucrative oil and gas contracts provided significant financial and other advantages to Alison-Madueke.
“There is a strong public interest in ensuring that conduct in this country does not further corruption in another country,” she added.
Alison-Madueke was videoed leaving Southwark Crown Court in London on Wednesday, walking briskly and unaided, unlike previous court appearances where she had been seen using a walking stick.
On Monday and Tuesday, Alison-Madueke was observed arriving at and leaving the court with a walking stick.
SaharaReporters had questioned the use of the aid, noting that it was unclear whether it was medically necessary or merely a support prop, as no official clarification was provided in court.
The exclusive video, obtained by SaharaReporters, shows Alison-Madueke, 65, accompanied by a bodyguard or driver who carried her bag to a waiting BMW.
On Tuesday, prosecutors told Southwark Crown Court that the former Nigerian Petroleum Minister accepted £100,000 in cash while in office, in addition to lavish benefits.
Prosecutor Alexandra Healy said Alison-Madueke received cash, private jet flights, chauffeur-driven cars, and luxury goods from Louis Vuitton and Harrods from industry figures seeking oil and gas contracts in Nigeria.