Former Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke told a UK court that her travel, lodging and logistics in Britain were funded by Nigeria’s state oil company and not by private individuals.
Testifying at Southwark Crown Court, she said all arrangements made on her behalf were linked to official duties and later reimbursed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company. She firmly denied asking for or receiving bribes at any time while in office.
Prosecutors allege that businessmen paid for expensive shopping and property-related costs in London and Buckinghamshire and that she had access to upscale residences in prime areas. Alison-Madueke rejected this account, describing the properties and services as part of official logistics designed to help her carry out her responsibilities.
She explained that a London-based firm handled hotels, transport and related needs because of administrative challenges, with the expenses subsequently refunded by the national oil company.
The court also heard about her stays at a residence in Gerrards Cross during Christmas 2011 and another visit lasting about two weeks, which she said combined official work with family medical concerns. She addressed questions about properties near Regent’s Park and Marylebone, saying some were used for private official meetings while another was not habitable when she saw it.
On an apartment in St John’s Wood, she said the option was more economical than staying in luxury hotels charging thousands of pounds per night. She also denied any knowledge of an alleged cash delivery reportedly made by a driver.
Alison-Madueke told the court she operated under serious security threats while in office and spoke about pressures she faced as a woman in public service. She recalled compiling a publication highlighting government support for women during her tenure.
The former minister, who became the first woman to head the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries in 2015, is facing multiple bribery and conspiracy charges, which she denies. Two other defendants in the case have also pleaded not guilty as the trial continues.
