UK Court Names Tinubu, Osinbajo, and Aluko in Diezani Alison-Madueke Corruption Trial

A UK court has mentioned President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and oil businessman Kolawole Aluko during proceedings in the corruption trial of former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke.

The names were raised as prosecutors presented documents and digital records before the Southwark Crown Court in London. The materials were introduced as part of evidence in the ongoing case against Alison-Madueke.

Prosecutors told the court that the evidence includes transcripts of audio recordings, WhatsApp messages, emails, and written correspondence. These items were said to have been recovered during searches carried out by the National Crime Agency and the Metropolitan Police at properties linked to the former minister.

The prosecution said the documents revealed several allegations connected to individuals within Nigeria’s political and business circles. They stressed that the materials were being tendered in support of their case and would be examined by the court.

During the hearing, oil executive Olatimbo Ayinde was mentioned in relation to claims that associates of businessman Kola Aluko benefited from their closeness to him. Ayinde was described as a known ally of President Tinubu.

The court also heard about a dispute involving Ayinde and billionaire businessman Femi Otedola. Prosecutors referred to a letter allegedly written to former President Muhammadu Buhari, in which Ayinde raised fears about her personal safety following the disagreement.

Another issue brought before the court involved Dumebi Kachikwu, a politician and businessman. Prosecutors alleged that he acted as a middleman in financial dealings connected to his brother, Ibe Kachikwu, who previously served as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and as Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.

The court was told that large sums of money were moved through these arrangements. These included claims of luxury spending, such as the purchase of an expensive wristwatch from Harrods and payments linked to medical bills.

Prosecutors also referred to correspondence written by Festus Keyamo, now Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development. At the time, he acted as a lawyer in the matter. The letter reportedly described some of the payments as being related to land transactions.

Further evidence presented included records of telephone communications said to involve President Tinubu and former Vice President Osinbajo. Prosecutors also mentioned meeting records connected to Osinbajo’s former chief of staff, Adeola Ipaye. Parts of these communications were said to have been transcribed.

The prosecution maintained that all the documents and recordings formed part of its evidentiary case and would support the charges against Alison-Madueke.

Alison-Madueke is standing trial on five counts of accepting bribes and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery. She has pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

Earlier in the trial, jurors were told that the former minister lived a lavish lifestyle while in the United Kingdom. The court heard that she used a personal shopper service at Harrods, which is reserved for customers who spend more than £10,000 each year.

Prosecutors claimed that over £2 million was spent on her behalf at the luxury store. Some of the purchases were allegedly made using cards linked to Kolawole Aluko and his company, Tenka Limited.

The court also heard that about £4.6 million was used to renovate properties in London and Buckinghamshire said to be connected to her.

Aluko, who was named in the Panama Papers, has previously faced investigations over claims that he helped move millions of dollars out of Nigeria as kickbacks for Alison-Madueke. Prosecutors said he held oil contracts with state-owned companies while seeking additional deals.

Meanwhile, Alison-Madueke’s physical appearance in court has drawn attention. She was seen leaving the court without a walking stick on Thursday, accompanied by a driver or bodyguard. This contrasted with earlier days when she arrived with a walking aid.

She was also recorded leaving the court briskly and without assistance on Wednesday. On Monday and Tuesday, she had been observed using a walking stick when entering and exiting the court premises.

Prosecutors earlier told the court that Alison-Madueke accepted £100,000 in cash while in office, along with other benefits. These allegedly included private jet flights, chauffeur-driven cars, and luxury items from brands such as Louis Vuitton and Harrods.

The trial continues as the defence is expected to respond to the evidence presented by the prosecution.