Former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has denied allegations of bribery and abuse of office while testifying before a court in the United Kingdom.
Appearing at Southwark Crown Court on Monday, the 65-year-old told the court she neither solicited nor received any bribes in exchange for awarding government contracts, insisting she acted impartially during her tenure.
“I can state categorically that at no point did I ask for, take or receive a bribe of any sort from these persons and did not abuse my office. I always sought to act impartially,” she said.
Prosecutors alleged that several Nigerian businessmen funded lavish expenses on her behalf, including more than £2m spent at Harrods and about £4.6m used to refurbish properties in London and Buckinghamshire.
They also claimed she had access to multiple high-value properties, including a £2.8m home in Marylebone and other luxury residences.
In her defence, Alison-Madueke said expenses incurred during official duties were reimbursed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company, noting that a London-based service firm handled logistics.
She also denied knowledge of an alleged £100,000 cash delivery linked to one of her chauffeurs, insisting the money was not connected to her.
The former minister denied all five counts of accepting bribes and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery, while the trial continues.
