Diezani accused of lavish spending at London luxury store
British prosecutors have told a London court that former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, spent more than £2 million at Harrods, allegedly using funds from oil executives who benefited from Nigerian oil contracts. The court heard that these executives also covered the costs of her UK residence and domestic staff. Diezani Alison-Madueke is standing trial at Southwark Crown Court on multiple bribery-related charges, which she denies. The prosecution claims these alleged benefits were part of a broader scheme of inducements for favorable oil and gas contracts.
What we know
- Diezani Alison-Madueke allegedly spent over £2 million at Harrods, with purchases made using payment cards linked to oil industry figures.
- Prosecutors said oil executives paid for her UK residence, domestic staff, and the refurbishment of properties in London and Buckinghamshire.
- The court was told that she enjoyed exclusive use of a Buckinghamshire property owned by Olajide Omokore, with costs covered by Tenka Limited.
- Between May 2011 and January 2014, about £500,000 was paid in rent for two London flats occupied by Alison-Madueke and her mother, allegedly by Tenka Limited.
- Alison-Madueke, oil executive Olatimbo Ayinde, and her brother Doye Agama are all on trial and have denied the charges.
