Former Nigerian oil minister Diezani Alison-Madueke has denied asking for or receiving bribes as she testified at Southwark Crown Court in the United Kingdom.
Alison-Madueke, 65, told the court on Monday that she had “tried to push back on corruption” during her time in office and insisted she did not abuse her position.
“I can state categorically that at no point did I ask for, take or receive a bribe of any sort,” she said, adding that she always acted impartially.
Prosecutors allege that several Nigerian businessmen funded luxury expenses on her behalf, including more than £2 million spent at Harrods and about £4.6 million on refurbishing properties in London and Buckinghamshire.
However, Alison-Madueke told the court that such expenses incurred during official duties were reimbursed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company, explaining that a service company was set up in London to manage logistics.
She also denied involvement in arrangements for stays at luxury properties, including a residence in Buckinghamshire where she spent time with family in 2011 due to her ex-husband’s medical condition.
The prosecution further alleges she benefited from access to high-value properties, including homes in Marylebone and near Regent’s Park, as well as extensive renovations.
Addressing another claim, Alison-Madueke told the court she was unaware that a chauffeur had allegedly delivered £100,000 in cash to her, insisting the money had nothing to do with her.
She also spoke about her career progression at Shell, where she became the first senior female executive in its Nigerian operations, and later her appointment as the first female president of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries in 2015.
Alison-Madueke denies five counts of accepting bribes and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery.
Also on trial is oil executive Olatimbo Ayinde, who denies bribery charges, while her brother, Doye Agama, has pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery.
The trial is ongoing.
