Prosecutors in the ongoing UK corruption trial of former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, have presented a wide range of documentary and digital materials before Southwark Crown Court as part of their case.
At Thursday’s resumed hearing, the prosecution said the evidence includes audio transcript records, WhatsApp chats, emails, and other correspondence allegedly obtained during searches by the National Crime Agency and the Metropolitan Police at locations connected to the defendant.
According to prosecutors, the materials form part of the evidentiary record and the allegations arising from them remain subject to the court’s final determination.
During proceedings, reference was made to statements attributed to oil executive Olatimbo Ayinde, alleging that certain individuals linked to businessman Kola Aluko benefited through their association with him. Ayinde is described as an ally of President Bola Tinubu.
The court also heard about an alleged dispute involving Ayinde and businessman Femi Otedola, including mention of a reported letter to former President Muhammadu Buhari raising concerns about personal safety threats.
Prosecutors further alleged that Dumebi Kachikwu, a politician and businessman, acted as an intermediary in financial dealings connected to his brother, Ibe Kachikwu, a former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and former head of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation. The court was told of alleged large fund transfers, luxury purchases — including an expensive watch said to have been bought at Harrods — and payments reportedly covering medical bills.
It was also stated that correspondence written by Festus Keyamo, now Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, in his role as legal counsel at the time, described some of the transactions as payments tied to land matters.
Additionally, prosecutors referenced materials said to include phone communications involving current President Bola Tinubu and former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, along with records of meetings connected to Osinbajo’s former chief of staff, Adeola Ipaye, parts of which were reportedly transcribed.
The prosecution stressed that all referenced items are being submitted strictly as part of its evidence supporting the charges before the court, with the defence expected to respond as the trial progresses.
Alison-Madueke, who once served as President of OPEC, is facing five counts of accepting bribes and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery. She has entered not guilty pleas to all charges.
Jurors previously heard claims that she maintained a high-spending lifestyle in the UK, including access to Harrods’ personal shopping service reserved for top-tier customers. Prosecutors alleged that more than £2 million was spent at the store on her behalf using cards connected to businessman Kolawole Aluko and his company, Tenka Limited.
The court was also told that about £4.6 million was allegedly used to refurbish properties in London and Buckinghamshire said to be linked to her use.
Aluko — an oil and aviation businessman named in the Panama Papers — had earlier been investigated over claims that he helped transfer large sums from Nigeria as kickbacks, while also holding and seeking contracts with state oil entities.
Court observers noted that the former minister was seen leaving court this week without a walking aid on some days, although she had used one during earlier appearances. She was accompanied by security personnel as she departed the court premises.
Earlier in the week, prosecutors alleged that Alison-Madueke received £100,000 in cash while in office, along with other benefits such as private jet travel, chauffeur services, and luxury items from high-end brands, allegedly provided by industry figures seeking oil and gas contracts.
The trial is continuing.
