By Joke Kujenya
FORMER NIGERIAN Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke faces trial in London over allegations of bribery and lavish spending funded by oil industry figures.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that British prosecutors told Southwark Crown Court that the 65-year-old spent £140,000 in a single day on high-end furniture, bespoke lighting, and decorative art at a London antiques store.
The court heard that Alison-Madueke, who served as OPEC president from 2014 to 2015, is accused of receiving £100,000 in cash, chauffeur-driven cars, private jet flights, and luxury goods from Harrods and Louis Vuitton.
Her co-defendants, brother Doye Agama and oil executive Olatimbo Ayinde, face the same five-count bribery charges. All three pleaded not guilty.
Alison-Madueke’s defence team claims the trial is unfair, arguing that key documents have been withheld by both the UK and Nigerian governments and also maintaining that her expenses were legitimate and reimbursed by Nigeria.
The trial continues at Southwark Crown Court, highlighting scrutiny over accountability in the global energy sector, JKNewsMedia.com reports.
