Overview
- Alison‑Madueke pleaded not guilty as her lawyer argued she lacked decision‑making power and merely endorsed officials’ recommendations.
- The defense said long delays deprived her of records in Nigeria, that her passport was retained by UK police, and that any spending on her was reimbursed from Nigeria.
- Prosecutors allege a “life of luxury” funded by oil‑sector figures, citing £100,000 in cash, private jet travel, chauffeur‑driven cars, property refurbishments and staff, school fees, and high‑end shopping including Harrods and Louis Vuitton.
- Jurors were shown details of UK properties and purchases, including items traced from a Mayfair retailer and recordings in which she disputed claims about the value of gifts allegedly provided.
- Two co‑defendants are on trial: Olatimbo Ayinde, who denies two bribery counts, and her brother Doye Agama, who denies conspiracy to commit bribery linked to payments to his church; the case is being heard at Southwark Crown Court with proceedings expected to run into April.