UK Court Names Tinubu, Osinbajo, Aluko as Evidence Emerges in Diezani Corruption Trial
A United Kingdom court has mentioned the names of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and oil businessman Kolawole Aluko during proceedings in the ongoing corruption trial of Nigeria’s former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke. The references emerged as prosecutors presented documentary and digital evidence before the Southwark Crown Court in London.
According to prosecutors, the materials were introduced strictly as part of the evidentiary case against Alison-Madueke and were not, at this stage, formal charges against any other individuals named in the documents.
Evidence Presented Before the Court
Akahi News gathered that the prosecution tendered a wide range of materials recovered during searches conducted by the UK’s National Crime Agency and the Metropolitan Police at properties allegedly linked to the former minister. These included transcripts of audio recordings, WhatsApp messages, emails, written correspondence, and phone records.
Prosecutors told the court that the documents contain allegations involving figures within Nigeria’s political and business circles. They emphasised that the court would scrutinise the relevance and weight of each piece of evidence as the trial progresses.
Mentions of Political and Business Figures
During the hearing, oil executive Olatimbo Ayinde was mentioned in connection with claims that associates of Kolawole Aluko allegedly benefited from their closeness to him. Ayinde was described in court as a known ally of President Tinubu, according to the prosecution’s submissions.
The court also heard about a dispute reportedly involving Ayinde and billionaire businessman Femi Otedola. Prosecutors referred to a letter allegedly written to former President Muhammadu Buhari, in which Ayinde reportedly expressed concerns about her personal safety following the disagreement.
Another name raised was Dumebi Kachikwu, a politician and businessman. Prosecutors alleged that he acted as an intermediary in financial dealings linked to his brother, Ibe Kachikwu, who previously served as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and later as Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
According to the prosecution, large sums of money were allegedly moved through these arrangements, including claims relating to luxury spending, such as the purchase of an expensive wristwatch from Harrods and payments reportedly linked to medical expenses.
Correspondence and Communication Records
The court was also told about correspondence reportedly written by Festus Keyamo, now Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development. At the time, Keyamo was acting as a lawyer in the matter. Prosecutors said the letter described certain payments as being connected to land transactions.
Further evidence included records of telephone communications said to involve President Tinubu and former Vice President Osinbajo. Prosecutors also referenced meeting records linked to Osinbajo’s former chief of staff, Adeola Ipaye, parts of which were said to have been transcribed.
The prosecution maintained that all the documents, recordings, and communication records were being presented solely to support the charges against Alison-Madueke.
Charges Against Alison-Madueke
Alison-Madueke is currently 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 proceedings, jurors were told that the former minister allegedly lived an extravagant lifestyle while residing in the United Kingdom. The court heard that she reportedly used a personal shopper service at Harrods, a privilege reserved for customers who spend more than £10,000 annually.
Prosecutors claimed that more than £2 million was allegedly spent on her behalf at the luxury store, with some purchases reportedly made using cards linked to Kolawole Aluko and his company, Tenka Limited. The court also heard that about £4.6 million was allegedly 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 allegations that he helped move millions of dollars out of Nigeria as kickbacks for Alison-Madueke. Prosecutors told the court that he held oil contracts with state-owned companies while allegedly seeking additional deals.
Courtroom Observations and Ongoing Trial
Beyond the financial allegations, Alison-Madueke’s physical appearance in court has also attracted attention. She was reportedly seen leaving the court without a walking stick on Thursday, walking briskly and unaided, a contrast to earlier days when she was observed using a walking aid when entering and exiting the court premises.
Prosecutors had earlier told the court that Alison-Madueke allegedly accepted £100,000 in cash while in office, alongside other benefits said to include private jet flights, chauffeur-driven cars, and luxury items from brands such as Louis Vuitton and Harrods.
As the trial continues, the defence is expected to respond to the prosecution’s evidence. Observers note that the case, which has long attracted international attention, could have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s long-running battle with high-level corruption.
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By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News. Read more about him here.
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