Diezani Alison-Madueke, Nigeria’s former minister of petroleum resources, is facing allegations that she used bribes from oil executives to fund a lavish lifestyle in the UK. Court documents claim she spent millions on luxury homes and high-end shopping, sometimes exceeding the space available to store her purchases.

Prosecutors told Southwark Crown Court that Alison-Madueke, who served as oil minister from 2010 to 2015, stayed in multiple properties across London and Buckinghamshire, including homes near Regent’s Park and a £2.8 million Marylebone residence.

Many of these properties were reportedly bought or renovated by energy industry figures seeking government contracts. Renovations alone were said to cost up to £4.6 million.

During her time in the UK, Alison-Madueke allegedly had access to a private jet, chauffeur-driven cars, and staff including housekeepers, gardeners, and nannies.

She is also accused of spending over £2 million at Harrods, £370,000 at an antiques dealer, and more than £117,000 at a Mayfair store specialising in fine china and silverware. Witnesses told the court that she often shopped with a large entourage and never personally paid for items.

One former store employee recalled her saying: “I don’t even know why I’m buying this, I haven’t got the room for it,” highlighting the extravagant nature of the spending. Some of the purchases were later recovered by UK authorities from a storage unit linked to Alison-Madueke.

The court also heard recordings from 2014 in which Alison-Madueke discussed the alleged arrangements and disputed claims about the total value of gifts she received.

Alison-Madueke has pleaded not guilty to five counts of accepting bribes and one charge of conspiracy to commit bribery. Co-defendants, including Nigerian businessman Olatimbo Ayinde and her brother, former archbishop Doye Agama, also deny wrongdoing.

Prosecutors allege the lavish benefits were intended to influence government decisions involving Nigeria’s oil sector. The trial is ongoing.