Nigeria’s former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has been accused of spending £140,000 on luxury furniture and decorative art in a single day.
Alison-Madueke’s alleged extravagant spending was revealed at the Southwark Crown Court in London, United Kingdom (UK), on Monday.
Alongside Olatimbo Ayinde, an oil executive, and Doye Agama, her brother, the former minister is facing a five-count charge bordering on accepting bribes. They have all pleaded not guilty.
Evidence on how the former minister engaged in extravagant spending at an antiques store in London was presented by British prosecutors.
The prosecutors informed the court that Alison-Madueke spent £140,000 in a single day on high-end furniture, bespoke lighting and decorative art; all paid for via intermediaries.
One of the prosecutors, Alexandra Healy, had told the jurors on January 27 that the former minister “enjoyed a life of luxury in London”, which was provided by those interested in oil contracts in Nigeria.
