UK Prosecutors Allege Alison-Madueke Living ‘Life of Luxury’ From Bribes

British prosecutors on Tuesday told a London court that former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, lived a “life of luxury” funded by bribes allegedly received while in office.

Alison-Madueke, 65, appeared at the Southwark Crown Court in London on the opening day of her trial, where she is facing multiple counts of bribery linked to her time as Nigeria’s petroleum minister between 2011 and 2015 under former President Goodluck Jonathan.

According to prosecutors, the former minister abused her powerful position in the oil sector to solicit and receive substantial bribes in exchange for awarding lucrative oil contracts and influencing key government decisions.

The prosecution alleged that the proceeds of the bribes were used to finance an extravagant lifestyle, including luxury properties, designer goods, and other high-end personal expenses.

Addressing the court, prosecutors said Alison-Madueke “used her office to enrich herself” and moved illicit funds through complex financial arrangements designed to conceal their origin.

They added that the case was the result of years of investigation involving UK authorities and international partners.

Alison-Madueke, who made history as the first woman to serve as Nigeria’s petroleum minister and later became the first female president of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), has consistently denied wrongdoing.

Her legal team told the court that she would contest all the charges, describing the allegations as unfounded.

The trial is expected to feature extensive financial evidence and testimony relating to Nigeria’s oil sector during her tenure. It marks one of the most high-profile corruption cases involving a former Nigerian government official to be tried in the United Kingdom.

Proceedings are expected to continue in the coming weeks as the prosecution begins to call witnesses and present documentary evidence.