Diezani bribery trial: UK contractor details luxury property, unpaid bills

Diezani

A former building contractor has given detailed testimony about the renovation and management of high-value London properties linked to Nigeria’s former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, as her bribery trial continued for a fifth day at Southwark Crown Court in London.

Tony Mulcahy, a former director of Bear Rock Construction Ltd, told the court that his company carried out major refurbishment works between 2011 and 2014 on several properties allegedly used by Alison-Madueke and her family.

His evidence, supported by emails and financial records shown to the jury, described a business relationship with Nigerian businessman Kolawole Aluko that was marked by repeated payment delays.

Mulcahy said Bear Rock was engaged by Aluko to oversee extensive renovations at 39 Chester Close North, London.

Floor plans presented in court showed the installation of a residential lift, which Mulcahy said was required because the intended occupant, Alison-Madueke’s mother, had mobility challenges.

He added that the top floor was designated for the minister’s son and that the total cost of work on the property was about £2m.

He told the jury he had direct contact with Alison-Madueke, meeting her at properties to review materials such as stone samples and fabric swatches.

Text messages exchanged in early 2014 about lighting choices were also shown in court, and Mulcahy confirmed he had her personal mobile number.

A major part of Mulcahy’s evidence focused on financial difficulties caused by late or incomplete payments from Aluko.

He described a cycle of repeated requests for funds and unfulfilled promises. By December 2013, Mulcahy said his company was “on the brink,” which he explained meant “going under.”