Prosecutors in the ongoing UK corruption trial involving former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, have told Southwark Crown Court that they are relying on a large body of documentary and digital material recovered during searches tied to the case.
At Thursday’s resumed hearing, the prosecution said the evidence bundle includes transcripts of audio recordings, WhatsApp messages, emails, and other written correspondence. The court was told the items were allegedly recovered during searches by the National Crime Agency and the Metropolitan Police at properties linked to the defendant. Prosecutors stressed that the allegations being outlined are part of their case and remain subject to the court’s assessment.
What was raised in open court
In the course of outlining what they say is contained in the seized materials, prosecutors referenced claims attributed to oil executive Olatimbo Ayinde, including assertions that people connected to businessman Kolawole Aluko 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 raising concerns about threats to her 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 head of the national oil company. The court heard claims of significant money transfers and luxury spending, including an alleged purchase of a high-value watch from Harrods, as well as payments said to have covered medical expenses.
The prosecution 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. Prosecutors told the court that the letter characterised some of the payments as relating to land transactions.
In addition, the prosecution said some materials contain 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, with parts reportedly transcribed.
Prosecutors emphasised that the materials cited are being tendered in support of their evidentiary case and will be tested in court as the trial progresses.
The charges and what happens next
Alison Madueke, a former OPEC president, is standing trial at Southwark Crown Court 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 also deny the charges against them. The defence is expected to respond as proceedings continue.
