UK Court Puts Ex-Nigerian Oil Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke on Trial Over Corruption
by SouthernHerald
Abuja, Nigeria (SouthernHerald) — A former Nigerian petroleum minister and one-time president of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries is set to appear in a London court on Monday as a long-running corruption case formally moves into trial proceedings.
Diezani Alison-Madueke, 65, is facing six counts of bribery linked to her time overseeing Nigeria’s oil sector from 2010 to 2015 under former President Goodluck Jonathan. She has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The case, which has been under investigation for nearly a decade, will begin with preliminary hearings this week, including procedural matters and jury selection. The court is expected to hear extensive evidence once the trial fully opens. Alison-Madueke was present in court last week as proceedings began.
British prosecutors allege that Alison-Madueke accepted bribes over four years between 2011 and 2015 while wielding significant influence over Nigeria’s petroleum industry, one of Africa’s most lucrative sectors.
In 2023, the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency formally charged her, saying it suspected she abused her position to receive financial rewards in exchange for awarding multimillion-pound oil contracts.
Prosecutors claim Alison-Madueke benefited from at least 100,000 pounds ($127,000) in cash and a range of luxury advantages, including chauffeur-driven vehicles, private jet flights and the use of high-end London properties. Court documents also cite allegations of luxury furniture, property renovations, household staff, private school fees and designer goods, including items from luxury fashion brands.
Authorities say the alleged benefits were provided by individuals seeking favorable treatment in oil-related contracts and strategic decisions affecting Nigeria’s petroleum sector, which generates billions of dollars annually.
Alison-Madueke was first arrested in London in October 2015 and has remained on bail while the investigation continued, drawing sustained attention because of the scale of the alleged corruption and her senior position in government.
She holds a notable place in Nigeria’s political history as the country’s first female petroleum minister and the first woman to serve as OPEC president.
Two other defendants are standing trial alongside her. Doye Agama appeared in court via video link, while Olatimbo Ayinde attended in person. Both face bribery charges connected to the case.
The trial is expected to last between 10 and 12 weeks.
