UK Prosecutors Allege Diezani Spent Over ₦4 Billion in a Single London Store

UK prosecutors have made fresh, explosive revelations against Nigeria’s former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, alleging that she splurged more than ₦4 billion in just one luxury department store in London during the peak of her time in office.

The claim was disclosed in court proceedings in the United Kingdom as part of ongoing efforts to recover assets allegedly acquired through the proceeds of corruption.

According to prosecutors, the staggering spending formed part of a wider pattern of extravagant luxury purchases, including high-end designer clothing, jewellery, and accessories, allegedly paid for with funds traced to questionable sources.

Investigators told the court that Diezani’s alleged shopping sprees were so extensive that they raised immediate red flags with financial institutions and law enforcement agencies monitoring suspicious transactions.

The UK authorities claim that the former minister used complex networks of bank accounts and associates to move large sums of money across borders, disguising their origin before spending them on luxury goods.

The UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) has been pursuing multiple civil forfeiture cases linked to Alison-Madueke, leading to the seizure of luxury properties, jewellery, and cash valued at tens of millions of pounds over the years.

Prosecutors insist that the latest disclosure further strengthens their case that the assets were acquired through abuse of public office.

Diezani Alison-Madueke, who served as Nigeria’s petroleum minister from 2010 to 2015 under former President Goodluck Jonathan, has consistently denied all allegations of wrongdoing, maintaining that her wealth is legitimate and lawfully earned.

Her legal team has also challenged the jurisdiction and evidence presented by foreign authorities in past proceedings.

In Nigeria, the revelations have reignited public anger and debate over corruption in the oil sector, particularly given the country’s ongoing economic challenges and currency pressures. Anti-corruption advocates say the case underscores the need for stronger accountability mechanisms and faster asset recovery processes.

UK prosecutors say investigations are ongoing, with more details expected to emerge as court proceedings continue.