The corruption trial of former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, officially commenced on Monday in London, as she appeared in court to face bribery charges linked to her time in office.
Preliminary proceedings, including technical matters and jury selection, began earlier in the week, with Alison-Madueke present in court. The former minister, who served from 2010 to 2015, was Nigeria’s first female oil minister and also made history as the first woman to serve as president of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
The 65-year-old has been on bail since her arrest in London in October 2015 and has consistently denied all six charges brought against her. She was formally charged in 2023 by the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA) for allegedly accepting bribes during her tenure as oil minister between 2011 and 2015.
According to the NCA, Alison-Madueke is accused of abusing her position to receive financial and material rewards in exchange for awarding multi-million-pound oil contracts. Prosecutors allege that she benefitted from at least £100,000 in cash, the use of chauffeur-driven cars, private jet flights and access to several London properties.
The indictment also lists other alleged benefits, including furniture, renovation work and staff for the properties, payment of private school fees, and luxury gifts from high-end designer brands such as Louis Vuitton.
The trial, which officially begins on January 26, is expected to last between 10 and 12 weeks. Two other defendants, Doye Agama and Olatimbo Ayinde, are also facing bribery charges in connection with the case. Agama appeared in court via video link, while Ayinde was present in person.
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