Diezani Denies Control Over Luxury Purchases in Court

Diezani Alison-Madueke, the former Nigerian Petroleum Minister, testified at Southwark Crown Court in London, asserting that she had no control over luxury transactions presented by the prosecution. During her testimony, she maintained that she did not benefit from the purchases and described her role as merely advisory, particularly in relation to Mr. Aluko, whom she characterized as a plain advisory figure.

The prosecution presented evidence, including emails, travel records, and invoices, suggesting a pattern of high-value spending in July 2013, including purchases from Harrods. Diezani repeatedly stated she had no recollection of specific transactions and denied receiving certain luxury items, although she acknowledged owning a Rolex watch.

She argued that the prosecution's case relied heavily on inferences drawn from third-party actions rather than direct evidence of her involvement in financial decisions. Throughout her cross-examination, she emphasized her lack of direct management over financial transactions and described her role as providing logistical and administrative support.