During the corruption trial of former Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke at Southwark Crown Court in London, the names of Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and businessman Kolawole Aluko were mentioned. Prosecutors presented documents, audio recordings, WhatsApp messages, emails, and written correspondence seized by the UK’s National Crime Agency and Metropolitan Police from properties linked to Alison-Madueke.
The materials contain allegations involving Nigerian political and business figures. Oil executive Olatimbo Ayinde was cited in connection with Aluko and his associates, while disputes between Ayinde and billionaire Femi Otedola were also discussed. Prosecutors noted Dumebi Kachikwu acted as a middleman in financial dealings linked to his brother Ibe Kachikwu, former Minister of State for Petroleum.
Evidence included large sums of money spent on luxury items, such as a wristwatch from Harrods, and medical expenses. Correspondence from Festus Keyamo, then a lawyer in the matter (now Minister of Aviation), was presented. Prosecutors also referred to phone records involving Tinubu and Osinbajo and meeting notes of Osinbajo’s former chief of staff, Adeola Ipaye.
Alison-Madueke denies all charges, facing five counts of accepting bribes and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery. The trial highlighted her lavish UK lifestyle, including over £2 million spent at Harrods and £4.6 million on property renovations in London and Buckinghamshire, some payments linked to Kolawole Aluko.
The trial continues as the defence prepares to respond to the prosecution’s evidence.
