Former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has denied allegations of bribery and abuse of office while testifying before a UK court.

Appearing at Southwark Crown Court, the ex-minister insisted she never requested or accepted bribes in exchange for awarding government contracts.

“I can state categorically that at no point did I ask for, take or receive a bribe… I always sought to act impartially,” she told the court.

Prosecutors allege that Nigerian businessmen funded luxury expenses on her behalf, including over £2 million spent at Harrods and about £4.6 million on property renovations in London and Buckinghamshire.

However, Alison-Madueke argued that expenses incurred during official duties were reimbursed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company, adding that a service company handled logistics due to the organisation’s complex financial structure.

She also addressed allegations regarding multiple high-value properties, explaining that some were used for official engagements while others were either not habitable or arranged without her direct involvement.

The former minister further denied knowledge of a £100,000 cash delivery allegedly linked to her, stating it had no connection to her.

Alison-Madueke also spoke about her career, noting she rose through the ranks at Shell to become one of its top female executives in Nigeria, while highlighting challenges faced as a woman in leadership.

She denied all five counts of bribery and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery.

Others standing trial include oil executive Olatimbo Ayinde and her brother Doye Agama, both of whom also denied the charges.

The trial is ongoing.