Former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has appeared before the Southwark Crown Court in London for the preliminary hearing of a high-profile bribery trial that could become one of the most significant corruption cases involving a former Nigerian official.
Alison-Madueke, who served as petroleum minister from 2010 to 2015, made history as Nigeria’s first female oil minister and later as the first woman to serve as President of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
The case, listed in Court 8 before Justice Thornton, marks the start of preliminary proceedings ahead of a full trial scheduled to begin on January 26, 2026. This week’s hearing covers procedural matters, including technical issues and jury selection, with Alison-Madueke attending in person.
Now 65, the former minister has been on bail since her arrest in London in October 2015. She has pleaded not guilty to all six bribery-related charges brought against her.
In 2023, the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) formally charged Alison-Madueke with accepting bribes between 2011 and 2015, during her tenure in office.
At the time, the NCA alleged that she abused her position of power in Nigeria to receive financial rewards in exchange for awarding multi-million-pound oil contracts.
According to the indictment, Alison-Madueke is accused of benefiting from at least £100,000 in illicit payments, alongside luxury perks including chauffeur-driven vehicles, private jet flights, and access to several London properties.
Prosecutors also allege that the benefits extended to furniture purchases, property renovations, household staff, private school fees, and high-end designer gifts from brands such as Louis Vuitton.
The trial, expected to run for 10 to 12 weeks, will also involve two co-defendants. Doye Agama appeared at the hearing via video link, while Olatimbo Ayinde was present in court, both facing bribery charges connected to the case.
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