London Court Hears UK Contractor Testify on Former Minister’s Property Renovations
- Feb 5
- 2 min read
A former UK contractor has provided detailed testimony about extensive renovations on high-end London properties associated with Nigeria’s ex-Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, as her bribery trial entered its fifth day at Southwark Crown Court.
Tony Mulcahy, ex-director of Bear Rock Construction Ltd, told the court his company handled major refurbishments between 2011 and 2014 on multiple properties allegedly used by Alison-Madueke and her family. He outlined a working relationship with Nigerian businessman Kolawole Aluko, marked by delayed and incomplete payments.
Mulcahy described managing a project at 39 Chester Close North, London, which included installing a residential lift for the former minister’s mother, who had mobility issues, and renovating a top floor for her son. He estimated the total project cost at around £2 million and said he had personal contact with Alison-Madueke, including discussions about materials, lighting, and furniture selections.
The contractor explained that late payments caused serious financial strain. At one point, Bear Rock withheld a Harrods delivery worth £200,000 to pressure Aluko for overdue funds. The payment was eventually made, but Mulcahy said financial difficulties persisted, requiring formal letters and meetings to recover additional sums.
Evidence presented in court also indicated that Aluko’s companies, including Tenka Limited and Atlantic Energy, managed expenses for the properties, covering staff salaries, utilities, and maintenance. Internal communications revealed instructions to disguise references to the “Honourable Minister” in financial records.
Alison-Madueke is standing trial alongside her brother Doye Agama and oil executive Olatimbo Ayinde on charges of bribery, all of whom have pleaded not guilty. Prosecutors allege luxury property renovations, shopping sprees, and other benefits were used to influence her while in office, while the defence maintains these were lawful arrangements and that she had no direct control over oil contracts.
The case has drawn support from the Ijaw community, who attended court proceedings and expressed solidarity, emphasizing her importance to the Niger Delta region. Leaders highlighted long-standing grievances over underdevelopment in oil-producing communities, calling for structural reforms in the sector.
Mulcahy’s testimony is expected to continue as the trial progresses, providing further insight into the financial and logistical arrangements behind the London properties linked to the former minister.
Comments