London Corruption Trial Plays Audio Linking Diezani Alison-Madueke and Kola Aluko Beyond Oil Deals
Audio recordings played this week at Southwark Crown Court have added new detail to the corruption trial of former Nigerian petroleum minister Diezani Alison-Madueke, with prosecutors arguing that her relationship with businessman Kola Aluko went beyond professional oil-sector dealings.
According to proceedings in London, the recordings were recovered from a Samsung phone attributed to Alison-Madueke and are said to capture private conversations between the former minister and Aluko during her time in office.
Prosecutors allege that the audio material reflects a close personal bond that coincided with the period under review in the case. In one recording presented to the court, Aluko is heard reassuring Alison-Madueke of his commitment, describing himself as “loyal like a dog,” after concerns were raised about leaks within their circle.
Another recording from May 2014, described in court as the “Playboy Lecture,” features Alison-Madueke criticising Aluko’s public lifestyle. “As far as everybody’s concerned, you’re a playboy,” she is quoted as saying, warning that appearances with supermodels such as Naomi Campbell could draw unwanted attention from intelligence agencies.
The court also heard references to disagreements over luxury assets, including Aluko’s purchase of the Galactica Star yacht. Prosecutors said Alison-Madueke questioned the decision to buy the vessel outright, suggesting that leasing would have attracted less scrutiny.
At the centre of the prosecution’s case is the claim that these private exchanges demonstrate mutual awareness of risk at a time when investigators say bribes were being paid for access to lucrative oil contracts. In one widely discussed recording, Alison-Madueke is heard issuing a stark warning: “I will be happy to escort all of you to jail along with myself… let us see who survives, me or you.” Prosecutors argue the remark reflects the intensity of the relationship under pressure, while the defence disputes this interpretation.
Alison-Madueke, who previously served as president of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, 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.
The case also involves oil executive Olatimbo Ayinde and Alison-Madueke’s brother, Doye Agama. The former minister served as Nigeria’s petroleum minister from 2010 to 2015 under the administration of Goodluck Jonathan.
Background evidence referenced in court aligns with earlier reporting by SaharaReporters and actions taken by the U.S. Department of Justice. In 2017, U.S. authorities sought the forfeiture of assets valued at nearly $145 million, including the Galactica Star yacht and high-end properties in the United States, alleging they were acquired using proceeds linked to bribery and money laundering.
In March 2023, U.S. officials announced the resolution of two civil forfeiture cases, recovering approximately $53.1 million in cash and a $16 million promissory note connected to assets linked to Alison-Madueke and her associates. U.S. court filings allege that from 2011 to 2015, Aluko and fellow businessman Jide Omokore conspired with others to pay bribes in exchange for preferential access to oil contracts.
Despite asset seizures and multiple investigations across jurisdictions, Aluko has not been criminally convicted. UK prosecutors say his role remains central to understanding the alleged flow of funds now under examination in the London trial.
Proceedings at Southwark Crown Court are ongoing, with further evidence and witness testimony expected in the coming weeks.
