Former Nigerian Oil Minister Denies Bribery Charges in London Trial
Diezani Alison-Madueke, the former Petroleum Resources Minister of Nigeria, has denied accepting bribes during her testimony at Southwark Crown Court in London. She faces five counts of bribery and one charge of conspiracy to commit bribery. Prosecutors allege that between April 2010 and May 2015, she received lavish benefits from energy firms seeking government contracts, including free stays in luxury UK homes, private jet travel, and significant shopping sprees totaling millions of pounds at stores like Harrods. Additionally, she is accused of receiving £100,000 in cash. Alison-Madueke categorically stated that she never asked for or accepted bribes, asserting that she did not abuse her office. She claimed that all logistics and financial dealings related to her work trips were handled by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corp and subsequently reimbursed. Co-defendants Olatimbo Ayinde, an oil company owner, and Doye Agama, her brother and a former archbishop, also deny respective charges of bribery and conspiracy. The trial highlights allegations of corruption involving high-level Nigerian officials and international business interests.
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Former Nigerian Oil Minister Denies Bribery Charges in London Trial
Diezani Alison-Madueke, the former Petroleum Resources Minister of Nigeria, has denied accepting bribes during her testimony at Southwark Crown Court in London. She faces five counts of bribery and one charge of conspiracy to commit bribery. Prosecutors allege that between April 2010 and May 2015, she received lavish benefits from energy firms seeking government contracts, including free stays in luxury UK homes, private jet travel, and significant shopping sprees totaling millions of pounds at stores like Harrods. Additionally, she is accused of receiving £100,000 in cash. Alison-Madueke categorically stated that she never asked for or accepted bribes, asserting that she did not abuse her office. She claimed that all logistics and financial dealings related to her work trips were handled by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corp and subsequently reimbursed. Co-defendants Olatimbo Ayinde, an oil company owner, and Doye Agama, her brother and a former archbishop, also deny respective charges of bribery and conspiracy. The trial highlights allegations of corruption involving high-level Nigerian officials and international business interests.
AP News