Ex-Nigerian Oil Minister Denies Bribery Allegations in UK Court

Diezani Alison-Madueke, former Nigerian oil minister, has denied allegations of accepting bribes and abusing her office during ongoing proceedings at Southwark Crown Court in London.

She stated categorically that she did not ask for, take, or receive any bribes and asserted that she had tried to combat corruption in Nigeria.

Alison-Madueke explained that expenses incurred on her behalf while performing official duties were reimbursed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC).

The prosecution alleges that Nigerian businessmen funded lavish spending sprees, including over £2 million at a luxury department store and £4.6 million on refurbishing homes in London and Buckinghamshire, in exchange for government contracts.

Alison-Madueke said a service company was set up in London to manage logistics due to the complex financial structure of the NNPC.

She also described how she and her extended family stayed at a Buckinghamshire home over Christmas 2011 because her ex-husband required hospital treatment and could not fly back to Nigeria, a stay she said she was not involved in arranging.

She mentioned spending two weeks with officials writing a book praising the Nigerian president's support for women.

The prosecution cited properties in Marylebone and overlooking Regent's Park as locations where Alison-Madueke allegedly benefited from renovations and luxury stays.

This case is significant as it involves high-profile corruption allegations with international implications, highlighting ongoing concerns about governance and transparency in Nigeria's oil sector.

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