Diezani Alison-Madueke, a former Nigerian oil minister and the first female head of OPEC (the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries), told Southwark Crown Court in London on Monday that she never asked for or received bribes, insisting that luxury accommodation and services she used while on official duties were reimbursed by Nigeria's state oil company. Prosecutors allege that Nigerian businessmen funded over £2 million in spending at luxury retailer Harrods and £4.6 million in home renovations across London and Buckinghamshire in exchange for government contracts. Alison-Madueke, who faces five counts of accepting bribes and a charge of conspiracy to commit bribery, is on trial alongside oil executive Olatimbo Ayinde and her brother, former archbishop Doye Agama, both of whom also deny the charges against them.