British prosecutors have told a London court that former Nigerian petroleum minister Diezani Alison-Madueke lavished more than £2m (N4b) at Harrods, allegedly using funds provided by oil executives who benefited from lucrative contracts with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
The allegations were outlined on Wednesday at Southwark Crown Court, where Alison-Madueke is standing trial on five counts relating to the acceptance of bribes in the form of luxury goods and the use of high-end properties.
She has pleaded not guilty to all charges, including conspiracy to commit bribery.
Prosecutors said founders of energy companies awarded major oil contracts also paid the running costs of her UK residence, including salaries for a housekeeper, nanny, gardener and window cleaner.
Jurors were told the former minister, who once served as president of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), maintained a lavish lifestyle in the UK, including the use of a personal shopper at Harrods.
The service, prosecutors said, is reserved for Black Tier Rewards members who spend more than £10,000 (N20m) annually.
They alleged that more than £2m (N4b) was spent on her behalf at the Brompton Road store, with purchases made using cards linked to Kolawole Aluko and the debit card of his company, Tenka Limited.
“She was provided with a life of luxury in the United Kingdom,” the prosecutor said, adding that Alison-Madueke allegedly enjoyed multimillion-pound properties, a chauffeur-driven car, private jet travel and £100,000 (N200m) in cash.
The court also heard that about £4.6m (N9.2b) was spent refurbishing properties in London and Buckinghamshire allegedly linked to her use.
“This case is about bribery in relation to the oil and gas industry in Nigeria between 2011 and 2015,” said Alexandra Healy KC.
“Those interested in the award and retention of lucrative oil and gas contracts provided significant financial and other advantages to Alison-Madueke.
“There is a strong public interest in ensuring that conduct in this country does not further corruption in another country,” she added.
Jurors were shown images of a Buckinghamshire property known as The Falls, bought in 2010 by Nigerian businessman Olajide Omokore, owner of Atlantic Energy.
Prosecutors said Alison-Madueke allegedly had exclusive use of the property from late 2011, with refurbishment costs of about £300,000 (N600m) paid by Tenka.
The court was also told that about £500,000 (N1bn) was paid in rent for two central London flats occupied by Alison-Madueke and her mother, with company records allegedly showing that Tenka settled the bills.
She is standing trial alongside oil executive Olatimbo Ayinde, while her brother, Doye Agama, is charged with conspiracy to commit bribery.
All defendants have denied the charges.
The trial, expected to last about 12 weeks, continues.
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