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

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.”

After Aluko promised a £200,000 payment that did not arrive on time, Mulcahy said Bear Rock withheld a large Harrods delivery in storage as “leverage” to recover its money.

The £200,000 was paid shortly afterwards.

The court heard that the financial strain continued into 2014. In April of that year, Mulcahy emailed Aluko saying unpaid bills were “ruining us” and asked whether he should contact Alison-Madueke directly.

Aluko reportedly advised him to write a formal letter to the former minister, which Mulcahy said he hand-delivered to her residence at St Edmund’s Terrace. A payment of £270,000 followed about a week later through Aluko’s company, Atlantic Energy.

Mulcahy also told the court that Aluko arranged a meeting with him at One Hyde Park, one of London’s most expensive addresses. “It really annoyed me,” he said.

“Here is a man who is owing me money, and he invites me to meet him at One Hyde Park,” Mulchay added.

Emails presented to the jury suggested that Aluko’s company, Tenka Limited, managed expenses for the properties Alison-Madueke used, including staff salaries, utilities and maintenance. One internal email from May 2013 instructed staff to replace references to “HM” (Honourable Minister) with “Clients” in account records. Punch