UK Court Told Nigeria’s Former Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke Spent N325Million On Furniture, Lamps In One Day

The court heard testimony from Monica, a director at the high-end Vincenzo Cafferrella furniture gallery, who described a series of purchases allegedly made by Alison-Madueke.

Proceedings at Southwark Crown Court turned to allegations of extravagant spending on Monday as prosecutors outlined evidence against former OPEC president and former Nigerian petroleum minister Diezani Alison-Madueke, who is standing trial alongside her brother, former bishop Doye Agama, and Duchess Oil executive Ayinde Olatimbo Bukola.

The court heard testimony from Monica, a director at the high-end Vincenzo Cafferrella furniture gallery, who described a series of purchases allegedly made by Alison-Madueke.

Prosecutor Ms Sarah Leary detailed transactions including a single day in which approximately £170,000 (N325 million) was spent on luxury chairs lamps and tables, followed by further large purchases over a short period.

The defence did not dispute the existence or value of the items listed, which included chairs, tables, lamps and other furnishings, but has maintained that the origins and intent of the spending will be addressed as the trial progresses.

Outside the courtroom, the arrival of family members drew attention from onlookers and media, with carefully timed entrances creating a notable public display.

Observers described a highly choreographed atmosphere as the defendants and their relatives entered the building.

Prosecutors allege that the spending formed part of a broader pattern of misconduct, claims that are contested by the defence. The court was reminded that all defendants deny wrongdoing.

For many Nigerians following the case, the proceedings carry particular weight. The funds at the centre of the allegations are said by prosecutors to be linked to revenues from Nigeria’s oil sector, a point that has fuelled public interest and scrutiny.

The trial continues this week, with further witnesses expected to give evidence.

Alison-Madueke is accused of accepting “financial or other advantages” from individuals linked to the Atlantic Energy and SPOG Petrochemical groups.

Both companies allegedly secured contracts with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), now known as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) or its subsidiaries.

Prosecutors also claim the former minister received £100,000 ($137,000) in cash, chauffeur-driven cars, a private jet flight to Nigeria, as well as refurbishment work and staff costs at several London properties.

Other counts allege she received school fees for her son, luxury goods from high-end stores such as Harrods and Louis Vuitton, and additional private jet flights.

Alison-Madueke, who served as OPEC president between 2014 and 2015, has been involved in several legal cases across different jurisdictions, including the United States.

She has been on bail in Britain since her arrest in October 2015 and was formally charged in 2023 with accepting bribes, allegations she has denied.

Her brother, Agama, and Ayinde, are also facing bribery charges linked to the case. All three defendants had British addresses at the time of the alleged offences, according to the prosecution.