Prosecutors in the ongoing UK corruption trial involving former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, have told Southwark Crown Court that their case relies on a substantial body of documentary and digital evidence recovered during investigations linked to the matter.
At Thursday’s resumed hearing, the prosecution said the evidence bundle includes transcripts of audio recordings, WhatsApp messages, emails and other written correspondence. The materials were allegedly recovered during searches conducted by the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) and the Metropolitan Police at properties connected to the defendant.
Prosecutors stressed that the allegations being outlined in court form part of their case and remain subject to judicial scrutiny.
Allegations Raised in Open Court
While outlining what they say is contained in the seized materials, prosecutors referenced claims attributed to oil executive Olatimbo Ayinde. These included assertions that individuals linked to businessman Kolawole Aluko allegedly benefited from their closeness to him.
The court also heard references to an alleged dispute involving Ayinde and businessman Femi Otedola, including mention of a letter reportedly addressed to former President Muhammadu Buhari in which concerns were raised about threats to her personal safety.
Prosecutors further alleged that politician and businessman Dumebi Kachikwu acted as an intermediary in certain financial transactions connected to his brother, Ibe Kachikwu, a former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and former Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
The court was told of alleged large money transfers and luxury spending, including claims of a high-value watch purchase from Harrods and payments said to have covered medical expenses.
Prosecutors also referred to correspondence said to have been authored by Festus Keyamo, now Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, in his capacity as legal counsel at the time. According to the prosecution, the letter characterised some of the payments under scrutiny as relating to land transactions.
In addition, the prosecution said some of the seized materials include telephone communications involving Nigeria’s current President, Bola Tinubu, and former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. The court also heard references to records of meetings involving Osinbajo’s former chief of staff, Adeola Ipaye, portions of which were reportedly transcribed.
Prosecutors emphasised that all materials cited are being tendered as evidence and will be examined and tested as the trial progresses.
Charges and Pleas
Alison-Madueke, a former president of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), is standing trial on five counts of accepting bribes and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery. She has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The case is proceeding alongside co-defendants, including oil executive Olatimbo Ayinde and Alison-Madueke’s brother, Doye Agama, who have also denied the allegations against them.
The defence is expected to respond as the trial continues.
(Business Elites Africa)
