Oil Tycoons Refute Allegations of Bribing Former Nigerian Minister

Oil tycoons deny paying bribes to former – Two prominent oil executives, Kevin Okyere and Igho Sanomi, have challenged claims that they bribed former Nigerian oil minister Diezani Alison-Madueke, according to a court session held on Tuesday. Their written statements were presented during proceedings at Southwark Crown Court, where the case against the minister is being scrutinized. Neither of the executives has faced formal charges yet, nor have they appeared in court personally to address the accusations. Alison-Madueke, 65, remains at the center of the trial, contesting five bribery charges and a separate conspiracy count.

Defendants’ Statements Highlight Reimbursements

Kevin Okyere, CEO of several oil and gas firms, provided testimony in June 2016 to UK investigators. He described how he had covered expenses for items purchased at Peter Jones, a London-based retail chain, for Alison-Madueke. Okyere recounted encountering the minister at the store’s checkout and paying for goods after observing she lacked sufficient funds. The £3,900 spent was later recovered in cash by Okyere at his office in Abuja, Nigeria. He explicitly dismissed the notion of “bribing,” calling the allegations “completely untrue.”

“Kevin Okyere paid for items at Peter Jones two years prior, but the cost was reimbursed in full by Alison-Madueke at my office in Abuja,” Okyere stated.

Igho Sanomi, a Nigerian oil tycoon, also submitted a statement in June 2017. He explained that securing foreign currency in Nigeria was challenging, prompting him to acquire goods on Alison-Madueke’s behalf in London. Sanomi emphasized that all purchases would be repaid and asserted that his companies had always secured contracts through fair competition. “No improper involvement occurred during the allocation of resources to my firms,” he told investigators.

“Foreign currency exchange was difficult in Nigeria, so I obtained items for Mrs. Alison-Madueke in London,” Sanomi said.

Former President Supports Third-Party Payments

A statement from former Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan, who appointed Alison-Madueke as oil minister in 2010, was read to the court. Jonathan argued that it was common for third parties to finance ministers’ expenses while they were on international assignments. “Third-party payments for ministers’ overseas duties were routine,” he said. He further noted that such expenditures, whether incidental or in-kind, were documented and reimbursed as needed. Jonathan also confirmed his approval of private jet usage for Alison-Madueke on certain trips.

“Third-party payments for ministers’ overseas duties were not uncommon,” Jonathan stated.

The court had previously discussed how oil tycoons allegedly funded the minister’s “life of luxury,” which included private jets, high-value properties, and chauffeur-driven vehicles. Alison-Madueke, however, claimed these expenses were reimbursed after she received them. During her testimony, she was questioned about efforts to prove that costs from multiple luxury shopping trips—such as those at Harrods—had been repaid. She argued that the NCA had detained her in London since 2015, costing taxpayers significantly, and that she had been denied access to Nigeria for over a decade.

“Since my arrest, I have been held in London at the expense of taxpayers and not allowed to return to Nigeria for 10 years,” Alison-Madueke said.

Testimony Sparks Cross-Examination

During cross-examination by prosecutor Alexandra Healy KC, Alison-Madueke was presented with a list of expensive items, including Gucci handbags and furniture, alleged to have been purchased for her. She contested the claim, stating most of the goods were not intended for her personal use. For instance, a £170,000 expenditure in November 2013 at Vincenzo Caffarella, a London shop specializing in decorative arts, was described as funding “a vast amount of property.” Alison-Madueke claimed these items were meant for a house under construction in Nigeria, not for her own enjoyment.

“I don’t think anyone would risk their career for furniture and handbags,” she remarked.

Alison-Madueke also accused Nigerian authorities of obstructing her defense. She alleged that her documents were seized, and that political opponents of the government she once served had hindered her ability to mount a proper case. She denied any financial benefits from the oil executives, insisting that her actions were driven by professional duties rather than personal gain.

Brother and Other Executives Face Separate Charges

Alison-Madueke’s brother, former archbishop Doye Agama, 69, is also on trial. The court noted that Agama would not be giving evidence, though he denies the conspiracy charge linked to his sister. Meanwhile, oil industry executive Olatimbo Ayinde, 54, stands accused of two bribery-related counts: one tied to Alison-Madueke and another involving a foreign public official. Ayinde has not yet been charged but is contesting the allegations.

Case Progresses as Testimony Continues

With the trial ongoing, the case has drawn attention to the broader issue of financial impropriety in Nigerian oil sectors. The prosecution has emphasized the scale of alleged expenditures, while the defense has focused on reimbursements and procedural fairness. As the trial progresses, key witnesses and documents will be examined to determine whether the accused individuals’ claims hold up under scrutiny. The outcome could set a precedent for how bribery cases are handled in both the UK and Nigeria.

Alison-Madueke’s defense has highlighted the complexity of the case, noting the challenges of proving intent without clear evidence. The courtroom has become a battleground of narratives, with each side presenting contrasting accounts of the minister’s financial dealings. As the legal proceedings unfold, the public’s perception of the case may shift depending on the strength of the evidence presented. The trial continues, with further testimonies and documentation expected in the coming weeks.