Ex-Nigerian oil minister denies taking bribes

Ex-Nigerian Oil Minister Denies Taking Bribes

Testimony in Court

Diezani Alison-Madueke, 65, stood before Southwark Crown Court on Monday to refute accusations that she accepted bribes in exchange for awarding government contracts. She claimed the lavish accommodations and expenses incurred during her time as minister were fully covered by the state-owned Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) and a logistics firm established in London. “At no point did I request or accept a bribe,” she asserted, emphasizing her commitment to impartiality.

Alleged Luxury Spending

The prosecution alleges Alison-Madueke received high-value benefits, including a £2.8 million residence in Marylebone and multi-million-pound properties near Regent’s Park. These assets, they claim, were funded by Nigerian businessmen linked to her. However, she argued that the costs were reimbursed by the NNPC, which she described as being in financial disarray. “The state company covered all my hotel stays, transportation, and other expenses,” she explained, stating that the London-based firm managed the arrangements efficiently.

Personal Accounts and Expenses

During her testimony, Alison-Madueke detailed a two-week stay in Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire, where she and 10–12 officials spent time writing a book to highlight the Nigerian president’s support for women. She also mentioned a property in St John’s Wood, where she and her mother resided, with rent paid by businessman Kolawole Aluko. She defended this as a cost-effective solution, avoiding the high expenses of hotel suites.

Security Concerns and Past Experiences

The former minister described Nigeria as a “patriarchal society,” where her position as a woman in power made her vulnerable. She admitted facing “dire threats of kidnap” and noted that family members had been detained. Additionally, she recounted her father’s legal battle against Shell, accusing the company of practicing “apartheid-like treatment” in the Niger Delta. This, she said, influenced her decision to join Shell despite her reservations.

Professional Journey and Charges

Alison-Madueke rose swiftly through Shell’s ranks, becoming the first senior female executive in its Nigerian operations. She later served as the first female head of OPEC in 2015, a role she claimed was earned through her dedication. Now, she faces five counts of accepting bribes and one of conspiring to take them. Her brother, former archbishop Doye Agama, is also on trial, denying charges related to the case.

Defense of Property Use

She contested claims that a property near Regent’s Park was used for personal gain, stating it was “completely gutted” and not functional when she visited. The court was also informed that one of her chauffeurs handed her £100,000 in cash, but she insisted this had no connection to her official duties.

Alison-Madueke’s defense hinges on the argument that all expenses were justified and reimbursed, positioning herself as a reformer in a system rife with corruption. The case continues as the court evaluates the evidence against her and other defendants.

“I always sought to act impartially,” Alison-Madueke said, underscoring her belief in integrity.

“I found the job uncomfortable to put in mildly,” she added, recalling her father’s unsuccessful legal actions against Shell.

“They paid for all my hotels, chauffeurs… to allow me to perform the job that I did,” she explained, framing the spending as necessary for her role.