A former Nigerian oil minister accused of being treated to luxury home stays and lavish spending sprees in the UK in exchange for granting government contracts has denied asking for or taking bribes. Diezani Alison-Madueke, 65, told Southwark Crown Court on Monday that she had tried to push back on corruption in a country plagued by it since the days it was a British colony. Several Nigerian businessmen are alleged to have bankrolled huge spending sprees, including more than £2m at luxury store Harrods and £4.6m on refurbishing homes in London and Buckinghamshire. But the ex-minister said that the cost of services laid on for her while on official duties was later repaid. I can state categorically that at no point did I ask for, take or receive a bribe of any sort from these persons and did not abuse my office, Alison-Madueke told the court. I always sought to act impartially. She explained that money spent on her behalf was reimbursed by the state-owned Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) and highlighted the necessity of establishing a service company in London to manage logistics due to the NNPC's financial issues. Alison-Madueke detailed the various high-end properties allegedly linked to her, including a grand home in Buckinghamshire and multi-million-pound residences in central London. Furthermore, she emphasized that she was unaware of £100,000 in cash delivered to her by one of her chauffeurs. Her case continues, with allegations pending against her and others involved, including oil industry executive Olatimbo Ayinde.