Former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources, , has denied allegations of soliciting luxury gifts or benefiting improperly from businessmen linked to Nigeria’s oil sector, as her trial continued at .
Testifying under cross-examination, Alison-Madueke rejected claims that she orchestrated a string of high-value purchases presented by prosecutors, insisting that many of the transactions were carried out independently by associates, particularly oil trader .
The court revisited evidence dating back several years, including photographs of luxury items recovered from properties in London. Prosecutors questioned her links to Italian interior designer and a catalogue of bespoke furnishings. In response, she denied requesting several of the items, maintaining they were acquired without her direct involvement.
A detailed shopping record featuring purchases from high-end retailers also came under scrutiny. While she admitted ownership of some personal items, including designer handbags, she denied directing or financing most of the spending.
“I did not ask him to pay for items,” she told the court, explaining that payments were made at the discretion of those accompanying her during shopping trips.
Prosecutors further questioned whether her relationships with businessmen, including Aluko and , created a conflict of interest, given their dealings with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation during her tenure. Alison-Madueke maintained that the relationships were personal and not connected to official duties.
Attention also turned to a company identified as Tenka, which prosecutors suggested was used to manage her expenses. She denied knowledge of its funding structure, stating she relied on legal advice before engaging its services.
“I was not privy to any of this,” she said.
The court also examined alleged benefits extended to her family, including property arrangements and gift packages. Alison-Madueke denied facilitating such transactions, insisting any interactions between her relatives and the businessmen occurred independently.
On luxury travel, including private jet usage, she acknowledged that some trips were funded by third parties but said they were linked to official responsibilities or health-related needs, adding that certain journeys were later reimbursed.
Regarding properties in London and Abuja, she admitted that some furnishings were paid for by associates, describing them as gifts from family friends, but said she did not consider it necessary at the time to formally declare them.
Prosecutors also presented records of extensive international travel, supported by passport entries and booking documents. She denied handling logistics personally, suggesting such arrangements were managed by aides.
Throughout her testimony, Alison-Madueke cited the passage of time as a challenge to recalling specific details but maintained that her actions were lawful.
“I have not seen some of these items for 13 years,” she said when shown images linked to the case.
The prosecution is expected to continue its cross-examination, focusing on financial records and asset ownership as it seeks to establish whether any benefits received were improperly linked to her former role.
Source: Thisday
