Prosecutors at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday presented what they described as a substantial body of documentary and digital evidence in the ongoing UK corruption trial of former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke.
At the resumed hearing, the prosecution told the court that materials tendered included transcripts of audio recordings, WhatsApp messages, emails and other correspondence allegedly recovered during searches carried out by the UK National Crime Agency (NCA) and the Metropolitan Police at properties linked to the former minister.
During the proceedings, prosecutors outlined a series of allegations said to arise from the seized materials, stressing that all claims form part of the prosecution’s case and remain subject to judicial determination by the court.
Among the matters referenced in open court were claims attributed to oil executive Olatimbo Ayinde, suggesting that individuals connected to businessman Kola Aluko benefited from their association with him.
The court also heard references to an alleged acrimonious dispute involving Ms Ayinde and Nigerian businessman Femi Otedola, including a letter reportedly addressed to former President Muhammadu Buhari in which concerns about threats to her safety were said to have been raised.
Prosecutors further alleged that politician and businessman Dumebi Kachikwu acted as an intermediary in certain financial transactions connected to his brother, Ibe Kachikwu, a former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and former Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
The court heard claims of significant monetary transfers and luxury expenditures, including the alleged purchase of a high-value wristwatch from Harrods and payments said to have covered medical expenses.
It was also stated that correspondence written by lawyer and current Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, in his capacity as legal counsel, characterised some of the payments as relating to land transactions.
READ ALSO: Bribery charges: Alison-Madueke appears in London Court
In addition, prosecutors referred to materials said to contain telephone communications involving Nigeria’s current President, Bola Tinubu, and former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, as well as records of meetings involving Osinbajo’s former chief of staff, Adeola Ipaye.
Parts of these materials were said to have been transcribed and included in the evidentiary record.
The prosecution emphasised that all documents and digital records cited were being tendered strictly in support of the charges before the court. The trial is expected to continue, with the defence set to respond as proceedings advance.
Alison-Madueke, a former President of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), is standing trial on five counts of accepting bribes and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery. She has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Earlier in the trial, jurors were told that the former minister allegedly lived an extravagant lifestyle in the United Kingdom, including using a personal shopper service at Harrods, which is reserved for Black Tier Rewards members who spend more than £10,000 annually.
Prosecutors alleged that more than £2 million was spent on her behalf at the luxury department store, with several purchases allegedly made using payment cards linked to Nigerian oil magnate Kolawole Aluko and the debit card of his company, Tenka Limited.
The court also heard allegations that about £4.6 million was spent refurbishing properties in London and Buckinghamshire allegedly linked to Alison-Madueke’s use.
Aluko, a petroleum and aviation magnate named in the Panama Papers, was previously investigated over allegations that he helped move millions of dollars out of Nigeria as kickbacks to Alison-Madueke. Prosecutors said he held contracts with state-owned oil entities while pursuing additional deals.
Meanwhile, attention has also focused on Alison-Madueke’s court appearances. She was filmed leaving Southwark Crown Court on Thursday without the use of a walking stick, accompanied by a driver or bodyguard, as she made her way to a waiting BMW.
Similar footage emerged on Wednesday showing her walking briskly and unaided, contrasting with earlier appearances on Monday and Tuesday when she was seen using a walking stick. No official clarification has been provided in court regarding the use of the aid.
On Tuesday, prosecutors told the court that Alison-Madueke allegedly accepted £100,000 in cash while in office, in addition to what they described as lavish benefits.
Prosecutor Alexandra Healy said the former minister received cash, private jet flights, chauffeur-driven cars and luxury goods from brands such as Louis Vuitton and Harrods from industry figures seeking oil and gas contracts in Nigeria.