The UK bribery trial of former Nigerian Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke hit hurdles this week at Southwark Crown Court, as prosecution witnesses gave testimony that contradicted or weakened central allegations against her.
Alison-Madueke faces five counts of accepting bribes and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery. Prosecutors claim that between 2011 and 2015, she received luxury perks, including over £2 million in Harrods spending, property use, chauffeur services, private jet travel, and cash arranged by oil industry figures like Kola Aluko to influence Nigerian oil and gas contract decisions.
Key witness Sandro Rocha, a former driver for Aluko, described transporting cash and driving Alison-Madueke to related properties.
But under defence cross-examination, he admitted his recall of events from 2009–2014 was "patchy" and heavily based on a statement prepared by UK National Crime Agency officers rather than fresh memory.
He conceded several details, such as Alison-Madueke's presence at certain locations or sightings of her mother were likely inaccurate.
Another witness, Amina Hamila, a former Harrods Private Client Manager, confirmed Alison-Madueke's "Black Tier" profile and the £2 million+ in linked purchases.
However, she testified that many transactions happened on dates when passport records showed Alison-Madueke was not in the UK.
No payment card in Alison-Madueke's name was ever used; instead, Kola Aluko appeared as the paying client, with goods often shipped to his storage rather than to her directly.
These inconsistencies, drawn out in cross-examination, cast doubt on whether Alison-Madueke personally received or benefited from the alleged bribes as prosecutors assert.
The defence has used them to challenge the evidence's reliability and the proof of corrupt personal gain.Alison-Madueke has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
She maintains any personal expenses were reimbursed and that her role in contract approvals was largely formal, often described by her legal team as a "rubber stamp" for civil service advice.
The trial continues, with more prosecution witnesses due from February 23, 2026.
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