A former building contractor has provided detailed testimony about extensive renovation works carried out on high-value London properties allegedly connected to Nigeria’s former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, as her bribery trial continued for a fifth day at Southwark Crown Court.
Tony Mulcahy, ex-director of Bear Rock Construction Ltd, told the jury that his company handled major refurbishment projects between 2011 and 2014 on several properties reportedly used by Alison-Madueke and her family.
Supported by emails, financial records, floor plans, and text messages presented in court, Mulcahy described a business relationship with Nigerian businessman Kolawole Aluko that was repeatedly disrupted by delayed or incomplete payments.
Key points from Mulcahy’s evidence include:
– Bear Rock was contracted by Aluko to oversee major renovations at 39 Chester Close North, London.
– Works included installing a residential lift due to mobility issues faced by Alison-Madueke’s mother, who was the intended occupant of part of the property.
– The top floor was designated for the minister’s son.
– Total renovation costs for the property amounted to approximately £2 million.
Mulcahy confirmed direct contact with Alison-Madueke, including in-person meetings at properties to review material samples (such as stone and fabric swatches) and text message exchanges in early 2014 regarding lighting choices. He stated he had her personal mobile number.
A significant portion of the testimony focused on chronic payment delays from Aluko, which Mulcahy said pushed Bear Rock Construction to the brink of collapse (“going under”) by December 2013.
After an unfulfilled promise of a £200,000 payment, Mulcahy said the company withheld a large Harrods delivery held in storage as leverage. The £200,000 was paid shortly afterward.
Financial strain persisted into 2014. In April, Mulcahy emailed Aluko stating that unpaid bills were “ruining us” and asked if he should contact Alison-Madueke directly. Aluko reportedly advised a formal letter, which Mulcahy hand-delivered to her residence at St Edmund’s Terrace. A £270,000 payment followed about a week later via Aluko’s company, Atlantic Energy.
Mulcahy recounted a meeting arranged by Aluko at One Hyde Park—one of London’s most exclusive addresses—while owing substantial sums. “It really annoyed me,” he told the court. “Here is a man who is owing me money, and he invites me to meet him at One Hyde Park.”
Emails shown to the jury indicated that Aluko’s company, Tenka Limited, managed expenses for the properties, including staff salaries, utilities, and maintenance. One internal email from May 2013 instructed staff to replace references to “HM” (Honourable Minister) with “Clients” in accounting records.
Mulcahy said he later attempted to resolve the debts through Donald Amamgbo, introduced as a lawyer, but the company eventually entered voluntary liquidation.
Trial Background
Diezani Alison-Madueke is standing trial alongside oil executive Olatimbo Ayinde and her brother, Doye Agama, on five counts related to alleged bribery. All three have pleaded not guilty.
Prosecuting counsel Alexandra Healy told the jury that Alison-Madueke “lived a life of luxury in London,” allegedly funded by business figures seeking influence over Nigeria’s oil sector. Prosecutors claim the bribes took the form of luxury goods, property access, renovations, shopping, and chauffeur services rather than direct cash.
The defence maintains that Alison-Madueke lacked direct authority over oil contract awards, acting only as a “rubber stamp” for decisions by other agencies. They argue that arrangements with associates were lawful and that delays in the investigation have prejudiced their case due to unavailable financial records.
Earlier evidence revealed Alison-Madueke allegedly spent around £140,000 in a single day on luxury furniture, bespoke lighting, and decorative artworks at a high-end London antiques shop, with payments allegedly made through intermediaries.
Mulcahy is expected to continue his testimony when the trial resumes.
Support from Ijaw Community
The public gallery at Southwark Crown Court has seen consistent attendance by supporters from Nigeria’s Ijaw community. The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has declared full solidarity with Alison-Madueke, referring to her as “our daughter” and expressing concern over the decade-long legal ordeal.
INC President Prof. Benjamin Okaba highlighted broader grievances in the Niger Delta, including underdevelopment despite the region’s oil wealth. He stressed that Alison-Madueke remains integral to the Ijaw nation and that the group’s support underscores the human dimension of her prolonged trial while drawing attention to structural challenges in the oil industry.
