Former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources and ex-OPEC president, Diezani Alison-Madueke, on Monday appeared before a London court as preliminary proceedings commenced in a high-profile bribery case linked to her years in office.
The early-stage proceedings, which include technical hearings and jury selection, marked the latest development in a legal process that has spanned nearly a decade. Alison-Madueke, 65, was present in court as preparations were made for her full trial, scheduled to begin on Monday, January 26, and expected to last between 10 and 12 weeks.
Alison-Madueke, who served as Nigeria’s oil minister from 2010 to 2015, made history as the country’s first female oil minister and later became the first woman to preside over the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). She has been on bail in the United Kingdom since her arrest in October 2015.
The UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) formally charged her in 2023, alleging that she accepted bribes while awarding lucrative oil and gas contracts during her tenure. Prosecutors claim the alleged benefits, received between 2011 and 2015, included at least £100,000 in cash, private jet flights, chauffeur-driven vehicles, and the use of multiple high-end properties in London.
According to court documents, the alleged inducements also extended to luxury furniture, renovation works, paid staff, private school fees, and designer gifts from brands such as Louis Vuitton.
READ ALSO:Â End ex-minister Diezani use of my surname, Alison Madueke begs court
At the time of charging, the NCA said it suspected Alison-Madueke of abusing her position to secure personal financial rewards in exchange for multi-million-pound contracts. The former minister has denied all six charges against her.
Two other defendants—Doye Agama, who appeared via video link, and Olatimbo Ayinde, who was present in court—are also facing bribery charges connected to the case.
As the trial approaches, the proceedings are being closely watched in Nigeria and abroad, given the prominence of the former minister and the broader implications for international anti-corruption enforcement involving public officials.