Prosecutors in the United Kingdom on Thursday presented extensive documentary and digital evidence in the ongoing corruption trial of former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, as proceedings resumed at Southwark Crown Court in London.
The prosecution told the court that the evidence, gathered by the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) and the Metropolitan Police, includes transcripts of audio recordings, WhatsApp messages, emails, and written correspondence allegedly recovered from properties linked to Alison-Madueke during multiple searches.
According to prosecutors, the materials form a central part of their case and are being relied upon to support allegations of bribery and conspiracy to commit bribery, stressing that all claims remain subject to judicial determination as the trial continues.
During the hearing, the court was informed that some of the seized documents referenced alleged benefits enjoyed by individuals connected to Nigerian businessman Kola Aluko, based on claims attributed to oil executive Olatimbo Ayinde. Ayinde is known to be politically connected and described as an ally of President Bola Tinubu.
Prosecutors also referred to an alleged bitter dispute involving Ayinde and billionaire businessman Femi Otedola. The court heard that the dispute reportedly led to a letter addressed to former President Muhammadu Buhari, in which concerns were raised about Ayinde’s personal safety.
The prosecution further alleged that Dumebi Kachikwu, a politician and businessman, acted as an intermediary in certain financial dealings involving his brother, Ibe Kachikwu, a former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and former Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
The court heard claims of large financial transfers, luxury spending, and payments allegedly covering medical expenses. Among the items mentioned was the reported purchase of an expensive watch from Harrods. Prosecutors also told the court that correspondence written by Festus Keyamo, now Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, described some of the disputed payments as being related to land transactions, at the time he acted as legal counsel.
In addition, prosecutors said the evidence included records of telephone communications allegedly involving Nigeria’s current President, Bola Tinubu, and former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, as well as documents relating to meetings involving Osinbajo’s former chief of staff, Adeola Ipaye. Parts of these communications were said to have been transcribed.
Prosecutors emphasised that all the materials mentioned in open court were formally tendered as part of the prosecution’s evidentiary case to support the charges against Alison-Madueke. The defence is expected to respond as the trial progresses.
Alison-Madueke, a former President of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), is standing trial on five counts of accepting bribes and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery. She has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Earlier in the trial, jurors were told that Alison-Madueke allegedly lived an extravagant lifestyle while in the UK, including the use of a personal shopper at Harrods — a service reserved for Black Tier Rewards members who spend more than £10,000 annually. Prosecutors claimed that more than £2 million was spent on her behalf at the luxury store, allegedly using payment cards linked to Nigerian oil magnate Kolawole Aluko and his company, Tenka Limited.
The court also heard allegations that about £4.6 million was spent refurbishing properties in London and Buckinghamshire said to be connected to her use. Aluko, a petroleum and aviation magnate named in the Panama Papers, had previously been investigated over claims that he helped move millions of dollars out of Nigeria as kickbacks to Alison-Madueke while holding oil contracts with state-owned entities.
On Thursday, Alison-Madueke was seen leaving Southwark Crown Court without a walking stick, walking unaided and accompanied by a driver or bodyguard to a waiting BMW. This contrasted with her appearances earlier in the week, when she was observed using a walking stick while entering and leaving the court.
Earlier this week, prosecutors told the court that Alison-Madueke allegedly accepted £100,000 in cash while in office, alongside luxury benefits including private jet flights, chauffeur-driven vehicles, and designer goods from Louis Vuitton and Harrods, allegedly provided by individuals seeking oil and gas contracts in Nigeria.
The trial continues.
