Former Nigerian minister of petroleum resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, on Thursday entered a not-guilty plea to multiple corruption-related charges at a London court, denying five accusations of receiving bribes as well as a separate count of conspiracy to engage in bribery.

During proceedings at Southwark Crown Court, prosecutors alleged that Alison-Madueke maintained an extravagant lifestyle while in London, claiming that influential figures within the oil and gas sector supplied luxury residences and expensive gifts in an attempt to sway the allocation of high-value government contracts.

Her defense counsel, Jonathan Laidlaw, countered these claims by telling the jury that certain payments and purchases were conducted on her behalf due to legal restrictions that prevent Nigerian ministers from operating foreign bank accounts. He emphasized that such arrangements should not be interpreted as personal gain.

Laidlaw further explained that the former minister challenges assertions regarding the scale of properties and items allegedly provided for her use. According to the defense, any costs linked to her personal needs were fully refunded by Alison-Madueke in Nigeria, while expenses associated with official duties were covered through government funds.

The lawyer maintained that, based on these reimbursements, Alison-Madueke did not derive any improper financial benefit from the transactions in question.