Diezani Alison-Madueke appears in UK Court over corruption charges

Former Nigerian oil minister and ex-OPEC president, Diezani Alison-Madueke, on Monday appeared before a London court as preliminary proceedings began in her corruption trial.

The initial hearing, which covered technical issues and jury selection, marked the start of court proceedings ahead of the full trial, scheduled to commence on Monday, January 26. The trial is expected to last between 10 and 12 weeks.

Alison-Madueke, who served as Nigeria’s Minister of Petroleum Resources from 2010 to 2015, was the first woman to hold the position and also became the first female 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 denied all six bribery charges filed against her.

In 2023, the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) formally charged Alison-Madueke with accepting bribes between 2011 and 2015, alleging she abused her position by receiving financial benefits in exchange for awarding multi-million-pound oil contracts.

According to prosecutors, the alleged benefits included at least £100,000 in cash, chauffeur-driven vehicles, private jet flights and the use of several London properties. The charges also cite luxury items such as designer gifts, furniture, property renovations, payment of private school fees and staffing for the properties.

Two other defendants are facing related bribery charges in the case. Doye Agama appeared at the hearing via video link, while Olatimbo Ayinde was present in court.

The case is being prosecuted by the UK’s National Crime Agency.