During the proceedings, prosecutors outlined a number of allegations said to arise from the seized materials, emphasising that these matters form part of the prosecution’s case and remain subject to judicial determination.
At the resumed hearing of the UK corruption trial involving former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, prosecutors on Thursday presented a substantial body of documentary and digital evidence before Southwark Crown Court.
The prosecution told the court that the materials included transcripts of audio recordings, WhatsApp communications, emails, and other correspondence allegedly recovered during searches conducted by the National Crime Agency and the Metropolitan Police at properties linked to Alison-Madueke.
Prosecutors outlined a number of allegations arising from the seized materials, stressing that these claims are part of the case but remain subject to judicial determination.
Among the matters raised in open court were claims attributed to oil executive Olatimbo Ayinde, suggesting that individuals associated with businessman Kola Aluko benefited from their connections to him. Ayinde is known to be an ally of President Bola Tinubu.
The court also heard references to an alleged acrimonious dispute between Ayinde and businessman Femi Otedola, including a letter reportedly addressed to former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, in which concerns about threats to her safety were raised.
Prosecutors further alleged that politician and businessman Dumebi Kachikwu acted as an intermediary in certain financial transactions connected to his brother, Ibe Kachikwu, former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and former Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.
The court was told about claims of substantial monetary transfers, luxury expenditures including the alleged purchase of a high-value watch from Harrods and payments reportedly covering medical expenses.
It was also noted that correspondence authored by lawyer and current Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, in his capacity as legal counsel, described some of the payments as relating to land transactions.
In addition, the prosecution 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 which were reportedly transcribed.
In addition, the prosecution 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 which were reportedly transcribed.
The trial continues, with the defence expected to respond as proceedings advance.
Diezani Alison-Madueke, a former President of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), is currently standing trial at Southwark Crown Court 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 led an extravagant lifestyle in the UK, including using a personal shopper at Harrods a service reserved for Black Tier Rewards members who spend more than £10,000 annually.
Prosecutors alleged that more than £2 million was spent on Alison-Madueke’s behalf at the Brompton Road store, with several purchases made using payment cards linked to Nigerian oil magnate Kolawole Aluko and the debit card of his company, Tenka Limited.
The court was told that approximately £4.6 million was spent refurbishing properties in London and Buckinghamshire allegedly linked to Alison-Madueke’s use.
Kolawole 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 the former minister. Prosecutors also said he held contracts with state-owned oil entities while seeking additional deals.
Footage from the trial showed Alison-Madueke, 65, leaving Southwark Crown Court on Thursday without a walking stick, accompanied by her driver or bodyguard to a waiting BMW. She was also seen departing the court briskly and unaided on Wednesday, in contrast to earlier appearances on Monday and Tuesday when she used a walking stick.
Questions have been raised about whether the walking aid was medically necessary or simply a support prop, as no official clarification has been provided in court.
On Tuesday, prosecutors told the court that Alison-Madueke accepted £100,000 in cash while in office, in addition to lavish benefits. Prosecutor Alexandra Healy stated that she received cash, private jet flights, chauffeur-driven cars, and luxury goods from Louis Vuitton and Harrods from industry figures seeking oil and gas contracts in Nigeria.