A former UK building contractor has given detailed testimony on luxury properties linked to Nigeria’s former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, revealing unpaid bills and costly renovations as her bribery trial continued in London.
The testimony was delivered on the fifth day of proceedings at Southwark Crown Court, where the former minister is facing multiple corruption-related charges.
£2m Renovation at Chester Close Property
Testifying before the court, Tony Mulcahy, former director of Bear Rock Construction Ltd, said his company carried out extensive renovation work between 2011 and 2014 on properties allegedly used by Alison-Madueke and her family.
He disclosed that one of the major projects was at 39 Chester Close North, London, where renovations reportedly cost about £2 million.
According to Mulcahy, the building included a residential lift installed for Alison-Madueke’s mother due to mobility challenges, while the top floor was reserved for her son.
Direct Contact With Former Minister
Mulcahy told the court that he had direct interactions with Alison-Madueke, including meetings where they reviewed materials such as stone samples and fabric designs.
Text messages relating to lighting choices were also presented as evidence, and Mulcahy confirmed that he had her personal contact number.
Delayed Payments and Financial Strain
A major focus of the testimony was persistent delays in payment by Nigerian businessman Kolawole Aluko, who allegedly financed the projects.
Mulcahy described a pattern of broken promises and mounting debts that nearly forced his company into collapse.
By late 2013, he said Bear Rock Construction was “on the brink” of bankruptcy due to unpaid invoices.
After a promised £200,000 payment was delayed, the company reportedly withheld luxury items from Harrods as leverage. The money was later paid.
More Unpaid Bills in 2014
Financial difficulties continued into 2014, with Mulcahy saying unpaid bills were “ruining” his company.
He said he eventually wrote directly to Alison-Madueke, delivering a formal letter to her St Edmund’s Terrace residence. A payment of £270,000 reportedly followed shortly after.
He also expressed frustration at being invited to meet Aluko at One Hyde Park, one of London’s most expensive residential addresses, while outstanding debts remained unpaid.
Emails Show Property Management Arrangements
Emails presented in court suggested that Aluko’s company, Tenka Limited, handled property-related expenses, including staff salaries, utilities, and maintenance.
One internal message instructed staff to replace references to “Honourable Minister” with “Clients” in financial records.
Company Collapsed After Mounting Debts
Despite attempts to recover outstanding payments through legal channels, Mulcahy said his firm eventually entered voluntary liquidation.
He said several meetings with legal representatives failed to resolve the financial crisis.
Prosecution: Luxury Lifestyle Was Part of Bribes
Prosecutors allege that Alison-Madueke lived a lavish lifestyle in London funded by business figures seeking influence in Nigeria’s oil sector.
According to the prosecution, alleged bribes were paid through luxury goods, property access, and expensive services rather than direct cash transfers.
They further claim that renovations, shopping sprees, and chauffeur services amounted to indirect inducements.
Defence Rejects Corruption Claims
Defence lawyers have rejected the allegations, insisting that Alison-Madueke had no direct authority over oil contract awards.
They argue that she merely approved decisions made by relevant agencies and acted as a “rubber stamp.”
The defence also maintains that the former minister’s use of properties and services was lawful and that missing records due to investigation delays have weakened their case.
Ijaw Group Declares Support
Meanwhile, members of the Ijaw community attended the trial in London in solidarity with the former minister.
The Ijaw National Congress reaffirmed its support, describing Alison-Madueke as “our daughter” and expressing concern over her prolonged legal battle.
INC President Prof. Benjamin Okaba said the case reflects broader challenges facing oil-producing communities in the Niger Delta.
