London, United Kingdom – Names of prominent Nigerian figures, including President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and oil businessman Kolawole Aluko, were mentioned in evidence presented at the Southwark Crown Court on Thursday during the ongoing corruption trial of former Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke.
Prosecutors tendered a series of documents, audio transcripts, WhatsApp messages, emails, and written correspondence recovered during searches conducted by the National Crime Agency (NCA) and Metropolitan Police at properties linked to Alison-Madueke. The materials were introduced to support the five counts of accepting bribes and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery she faces. Alison-Madueke has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The court heard that the evidence includes allegations connected to individuals within Nigeria’s political and business circles. Prosecutors emphasised that the documents were being submitted solely as part of their case against the defendant and would be subject to full judicial examination.
Oil executive Olatimbo Ayinde was referenced in connection with claims that associates of businessman Kola Aluko benefited from their proximity to him. Ayinde was described in court as a known ally of President Tinubu. Prosecutors also cited a dispute involving Ayinde and billionaire Femi Otedola, including reference to a letter Ayinde allegedly wrote to former President Muhammadu Buhari expressing concerns about her personal safety following the disagreement.
Another segment of evidence involved Dumebi Kachikwu, a politician and businessman, whom prosecutors alleged acted as a middleman in financial arrangements linked to his brother, former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and NNPC Group Managing Director Ibe Kachikwu. The court was told that large sums were moved through these channels, including payments for luxury items such as an expensive wristwatch from Harrods and medical expenses.
Prosecutors further referred to correspondence authored by Festus Keyamo — now Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development — who at the time acted as legal counsel in the matter. The letter reportedly described certain payments as related to land transactions.
Telephone communication records said to involve President Tinubu and former Vice President Osinbajo were also presented, along with meeting notes connected to Osinbajo’s former chief of staff, Adeola Ipaye. Portions of these communications were transcribed and submitted as evidence.
The prosecution stressed that all materials formed part of its case to demonstrate the alleged bribery and conspiracy involving Alison-Madueke during her tenure as Minister of Petroleum Resources (2010–2015).
Earlier in the trial, jurors were told that Alison-Madueke lived a lavish lifestyle in the United Kingdom. Prosecutors claimed she utilised a personal shopper service at Harrods reserved for customers spending more than £10,000 annually. Over £2 million was allegedly spent on her behalf at the luxury store, with some purchases made using cards linked to Kolawole Aluko and his company, Tenka Limited. An additional £4.6 million was reportedly used to renovate properties in London and Buckinghamshire connected to her.
Aluko, previously named in the Panama Papers, has faced investigations over allegations that he facilitated the movement of millions of dollars out of Nigeria as kickbacks for Alison-Madueke. Prosecutors stated he secured oil contracts with state-owned entities while pursuing further deals.
During proceedings on Thursday, Alison-Madueke was observed leaving court briskly without a walking stick and without assistance, accompanied only by a driver or bodyguard. This contrasted with earlier appearances on Monday and Tuesday when she entered and exited using a walking aid.
The trial continues, with the defence expected to respond to the prosecution’s evidence in due course. Alison-Madueke was extradited to the United Kingdom in 2023 following long-running investigations by the NCA into corruption and money laundering allegations tied to her time in office.
Kolawole Aluko has consistently denied wrongdoing in relation to the matters raised in the case.
