I never took a bribe, Diezani tells UK court

Former Nigerian Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke took the stand at Southwark Crown Court in London on Monday, flatly denying allegations that she accepted bribes in exchange for awarding government contracts during her time in office.

“I can state categorically that at no point did I ask for, take or receive a bribe of any sort from these persons and did not abuse my office,” the 65-year-old told the court. “I always sought to act impartially.”

Prosecutors allege that several Nigerian businessmen bankrolled a lavish lifestyle on her behalf, including more than £2 million spent at Harrods, approximately £4.6 million used to refurbish properties in London and Buckinghamshire, and access to high-value homes including a £2.8 million residence in Marylebone.

Alison-Madueke, however, maintained that expenses incurred during official duties were subsequently reimbursed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company, and that a London-based service company handled logistics — covering hotels, chauffeurs and other costs — to enable her discharge her official responsibilities.

On the use of various properties cited by prosecutors, she said a flat overlooking Regent’s Park served as a venue for discreet official meetings, while another property was undergoing extensive renovations and was uninhabitable at the time of her visits. She added that apartments in St John’s Wood where she and her mother stayed were a more economical alternative to hotel rooms costing up to £2,000 per night at establishments such as the Savoy and Dorchester.

She also denied any knowledge of a £100,000 cash delivery allegedly made by one of her chauffeurs, insisting the money had no connection to her.

Beyond the financial allegations, Alison-Madueke spoke of personal security threats she faced as a woman in a senior public office in Nigeria, describing the country as “very patriarchal” and saying she was “under dire threats of kidnap” with family members having been seized.

Altogether, she denied five counts of accepting bribes and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery. Also on trial are oil industry executive Olatimbo Ayinde, who denies bribery and bribing a foreign public official, and her brother, former archbishop Doye Agama, who denies conspiracy to commit bribery.

The trial continues.