Former Nigerian Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke allegedly accepted luxury goods and high-end property usage from industry figures seeking lucrative oil and gas deals, British prosecutors told her corruption trial. Alison-Madueke, 65, was minister from 2010-2015 under President Goodluck Jonathan and OPEC’s first female president.

Prosecutor Alexandra Healy said Alison-Madueke “enjoyed a luxurious lifestyle in London” courtesy of those seeking contracts with Nigerian state firms. She’s charged with accepting bribes and conspiracy to commit bribery, which she denies.

Alison-Madueke allegedly received benefits including private jet usage, luxury goods, and high-end properties from individuals like Nigerian businessmen Benedict Peters and Kolawole Aluko. Aluko spent over £2m on Harrods items for her and provided a mansion outside London.

Co-defendants Olatimbo Ayinde and Doye Agama (Alison-Madueke’s brother) also deny charges. Nigeria, Africa’s largest oil producer, suffers from mismanagement and corruption, hampering development despite vast oil wealth.