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Oil executives reject bribery claims in court
Two prominent oil industry figures have denied allegations of paying bribes to former Nigerian oil minister Diezani Alison-Madueke, statements read in a UK court revealed on Tuesday.
Statements presented in Southwark Crown Court
Kevin Okyere, a Ghanaian businessman and CEO of multiple oil and gas companies, told National Crime Agency (NCA) investigators in 2016 that he had covered a £3,900 purchase for Alison-Madueke at Peter Jones in London after encountering her at the checkout in 2014. He stated the amount was later reimbursed in cash at his office in Abuja. Okyere described the bribery allegations as "completely untrue."
Nigerian oil tycoon Igho Sanomi, in a 2017 statement to the NCA, said he had purchased items for Alison-Madueke in London due to foreign currency exchange difficulties in Nigeria. He emphasized that all expenses were reimbursed and that his companies secured contracts through fair competition, without improper influence from the former minister.
Former president's statement read in court
A written statement from former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, who appointed Alison-Madueke as oil minister in 2010, was also presented. Jonathan said it was not unusual for third parties to cover expenses for ministers on official trips abroad, adding that such costs were typically recorded and reimbursed. He confirmed approving her use of private jets for some foreign travel.
Alison-Madueke's testimony and defense
Alison-Madueke, 65, concluded nearly 11 days of testimony on Tuesday. She denied five counts of accepting bribes and one charge of conspiracy to commit bribery. The former minister stated that any expenses covered by third parties were later repaid and that she never influenced contracts or showed favoritism to oil executives.
"At no time did I do anything to influence or show favour to anyone," she told the court.
During cross-examination, prosecutor Alexandra Healy KC questioned her about numerous high-value purchases, including Gucci handbags and furniture, allegedly made on her behalf. Alison-Madueke denied that a £170,000 spending spree at a London antiques shop in 2013 was for furnishing a Nigerian property, insisting most items were not for her personal use.
Legal challenges and co-defendants
Alison-Madueke claimed she had been unable to return to Nigeria since her 2015 arrest in London, citing seized documents and lack of cooperation from Nigerian authorities due to political opposition. She also stated she had been held at UK taxpayers' expense for the past decade.
Her brother, former archbishop Doye Agama, 69, is also on trial but will not give evidence. He denies conspiracy to commit bribery. Additionally, oil executive Olatimbo Ayinde, 54, faces charges of bribery related to Alison-Madueke and a separate count of bribing a foreign public official. None of the defendants have been formally charged in this case, and the trial is ongoing.
