January 30, 2026 | SUNTV Global Channel | News
A United Kingdom court has heard explosive evidence linking several prominent Nigerian political and business figures to allegations raised in the ongoing corruption trial of former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, currently before Southwark Crown Court, London.
At the resumed hearing on Thursday, UK prosecutors presented what they described as a vast cache of documentary and digital evidence, including audio recordings, WhatsApp messages, emails, and written correspondence allegedly recovered by the National Crime Agency (NCA) and the Metropolitan Police during searches of properties linked to Alison-Madueke.
Prosecutors stressed that the materials form part of their evidentiary case and remain subject to judicial determination.
High-Profile Names Mentioned in Open Court
During proceedings, the court heard references to communications and records allegedly involving Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, oil magnate Kolawole Aluko, and businessman-politician Dumebi Kachikwu, among others.
The prosecution cited claims attributed to oil executive Olatimbo Ayinde, an ally of President Tinubu, suggesting that individuals linked to Kolawole Aluko benefited significantly from their proximity to him.
Jurors were also told of an alleged bitter dispute between Ayinde and billionaire businessman Femi Otedola, including a letter reportedly written to former President Muhammadu Buhari, in which concerns about threats to Ayinde’s safety were raised.
Kachikwu Brothers, Luxury Spending, and Alleged Transfers
Prosecutors further alleged that Dumebi Kachikwu acted as an intermediary in certain financial dealings connected to his brother, Ibe Kachikwu, former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and former Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
The court heard claims of large monetary transfers, payments for medical expenses, and luxury purchases, including the alleged acquisition of a high-value wristwatch from Harrods.
Correspondence authored by Festus Keyamo, now Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, was also referenced. Prosecutors said the letters, written in his capacity as legal counsel, characterised some of the payments as related to land transactions.
Calls, Meetings, and Transcripts
The prosecution further disclosed that seized materials included telephone communications allegedly involving President Tinubu and former Vice President Osinbajo, as well as records of meetings involving Adeola Ipaye, Osinbajo’s former Chief of Staff. Portions of these materials were reportedly transcribed and tendered before the court.
Lavish Lifestyle Allegations
Alison-Madueke, a former OPEC President, 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.
Earlier, jurors were told that the former minister lived an extravagant lifestyle in the UK, including access to Harrods’ exclusive personal shopper service, reserved for Black Tier clients spending over £10,000 annually.
Prosecutors alleged that over £2 million was spent on Alison-Madueke’s behalf at Harrods, with payments traced to cards linked to Kolawole Aluko and his company, Tenka Limited. The court was also told that about £4.6 million was spent refurbishing London and Buckinghamshire properties allegedly used by her.
On Tuesday, prosecutors further alleged that Alison-Madueke accepted £100,000 in cash while in office, alongside benefits such as private jet flights, chauffeur-driven vehicles, and luxury items from Louis Vuitton and Harrods, provided by oil industry figures seeking Nigerian contracts.
Courtroom Observations
In recent court appearances, Alison-Madueke was seen alternately using and not using a walking stick. On Thursday, she was filmed leaving court unaided, walking briskly to a waiting BMW, accompanied by a bodyguard or driver—contrasting with earlier appearances where she relied on the walking aid.
Trial Continues
Kolawole Aluko, named in the Panama Papers, was previously investigated over allegations of moving millions of dollars in kickbacks linked to Alison-Madueke while holding and seeking lucrative oil contracts.
The trial continues as the defence is expected to respond to the prosecution’s case in the coming days.
