Former Nigerian Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke has pleaded not guilty to five counts of accepting bribes and one count of conspiracy at her corruption trial in London’s Southwark Crown Court.
Prosecutors allege that during her tenure, Alison-Madueke lived a lavish lifestyle in London, financed by oil and gas executives who provided her with luxury properties and gifts in exchange for influence over major contracts.
Her defence lawyer, Jonathan Laidlaw, presented a different narrative to the jury. He explained that the financial arrangements were necessary because Nigerian ministers are barred from holding foreign bank accounts. Therefore, third parties handled certain transactions on her behalf.
Laidlaw stated that Alison-Madueke contests the prosecution’s portrayal of the benefits she received, challenging both the frequency of property use and the alleged value of the items. He asserted that all personal expenses incurred for her were fully reimbursed by the former minister from Nigeria.
The defence further argued that costs related to her official duties were settled using government funds, while personal spending was repaid privately. Consequently, they maintain she gained no improper financial advantage.
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