The trial of former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources Diezani Alison-Madueke continued Tuesday at the Southwark Crown Court in London, and it reached a crucial point when the defense concluded its case after her final testimony, in which she refuted all accusations of misconduct.
ENigeria Newspaper has learnt that a court has been informed that two oil executives have denied bribing former Nigerian oil minister Diezani Alison-Madueke.
Kevin Okyere and Igho Sanomi’s statements to UK investigators were read aloud at Southwark Crown Court on Tuesday.
Ghanaian businessman Okyere claimed in a written statement provided to National Crime Agency (NCA) detectives in June 2016 that he had paid for goods Alison-Madueke had purchased at Peter Jones two years prior after running into her at the registers and noticing she was short on cash. Okyere, the CEO of many oil and gas firms, claimed that Alison-Madueke eventually paid back the £3,900 in cash at his office in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria.
On the other hand, Nigerian oil magnate Sanomi addressed the NCA in June 2017 that because “foreign currency exchange [was] problematic in Nigeria,” he obtained products on Mrs. Alison-Madueke’s behalf in London, all of which would be refunded.
Alison-Madueke, in defence, claims that the men are among a group of industry insiders who have funded luxurious home stays and spending sprees. They have not shown up in person at court and none of them have been charged in this case.
Alison-Madueke also disputes an accusation of conspiracy to commit bribery as well as five charges of taking bribes. She claims that the money paid for the services she received while doing official duties was later reimbursed.
Prosecutor Alexandra Healy KC cross-examined the former minister for six days, during which time she was shown numerous pricey things that the prosecution claims were purchased for her, including furniture and Gucci purses.
The trial continues today.
Trial of Diezani Alison-Madueke
Recall that ENigeria Newspaper reported that former minister of petroleum Diezani Alison-Madueke, has been on trial for bribery and conspiracy in London since 2015. Allegations over the former minister state that in exchange for giving her lucrative oil contracts, prosecutors claim she collected over £100,000 in cash, luxury goods, and private jet flights from oil businessmen.
The alleged benefits are described in the indictment and reporting as originating from individuals associated with two Nigerian energy companies: SPOG Petrochemicals and Atlantic Energy Drilling Concept Nigeria Limited (Atlantic Energy).
