British prosecutors informed Southwark Crown Court that Diezani Alison-Madueke spent £140,000 on luxury furniture and decorative art in a single day. The disclosure occurred during her bribery trial.
Prosecutors stated the former minister made the purchases at a high end antiques store in London. “She acquired bespoke lighting, premium furniture and decorative artworks,” prosecutors said. Additionally they alleged intermediaries paid for the items. This happened during her tenure in office.
Spending Patterns
Diezani Alison-Madueke frequented Vincenzo Cafferella, a decorative arts and furniture store in north London. Staff knew her as “Sharon D.”
Between October 2012 and November 2013, Kolawole Akanni Aluko, a Nigerian businessman, bought items for her. The purchases totaled more than £370,000 and included lamps and tables.
Prosecutors claimed these gifts came from individuals seeking Nigerian government contracts. “Diezani Alison-Madueke received a life of luxury in the UK,” prosecutors told the court.
Furthermore, shipments arrived from a luxury store in Houston, Texas. They furnished several London properties that prosecutors linked to her.
Additional Expenditure
In 2013, Diezani Alison-Madueke ordered thousands of pounds worth of rugs at Harrods. The items included designs by luxury brand Alexander McQueen.
Prosecutors presented this as part of her excessive spending. They connected it to alleged inducements from oil industry figures.
Defendants’ Pleas
Diezani Alison-Madueke pleaded not guilty to the charges. Her co-defendants also denied the allegations. The trial continued as jurors reviewed evidence of the extravagant lifestyle. Prosecutors aimed to prove bribery links.
