By our reporter 13.4.2026
Former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, facing trial in London for corruption has denied allegations she collected bribes, received luxury accommodation and lavish spending during official visits to the United Kingdom.
The embattled Alison Madueke who was testifying Monday at Southwark Crown Court, said she shunned corruption during her tenure and neither asked for any bribe as she served as minister during the five years she was in office during the Goodluck Jonathan administration between 2010 and 2015.
“I can state categorically that at no point did I ask for, take or receive a bribe of any sort… and did not abuse my office,” she said, adding that she always acted impartially in the discharge of her duties.
The prosecution alleges that several Nigerian businessmen funded expenses on her behalf, including more than £2 million spent at luxury retailer Harrods and approximately £4.6 million on refurbishing properties in London and Buckinghamshire.
She submitted that all her expenses were paid by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC).
“They paid for all my hotels, chauffeurs… to allow me to perform the job that I did,” she said.
The court heard claims that the former minister had access to several high-value properties, including a £2.8 million home in Marylebone and residences overlooking Regent’s Park. Prosecutors also cited a stay at a property in Gerrards Cross during Christmas 2011, where Alison-Madueke and her family reportedly spent five days.