Prosper Okoye
Nigeria’s former minister of petroleum resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has appeared before Southwark Crown Court in London for a preliminary hearing in a bribery trial linked to alleged corruption during her time in office.
The 65-year-old, who served as oil minister between 2010 and 2015 and later became the first female president of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), attended proceedings on Monday ahead of the full trial scheduled to begin on 26 January.
Court Proceedings and Background
The case was listed before Justice Thornton, with preliminary matters including technical hearings and jury selection starting this week.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAlison-Madueke has been on bail since her arrest in London in October 2015 and has denied six charges brought against her.
She was formally charged in 2023 by the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) over allegations that she accepted bribes between 2011 and 2015.
Allegations and Benefits Cited
Prosecutors allege she received at least £100,000 in cash, chauffeur-driven cars, private jet flights and access to several London properties.
The indictment also details additional benefits including furniture, renovation works and staffing for the properties, payment of private school fees and luxury gifts from designer brands such as Louis Vuitton.
Trial Timeline and Co-accused
The trial is expected to last between 10 and 12 weeks.
Two other defendants are also facing related bribery charges. Doye Agama joined the hearing via video link, while Olatimbo Ayinde appeared in person in court.
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The case is one of the most closely watched corruption trials involving a former senior Nigerian government official to be heard in the United Kingdom.
Prosper Okoye is a Correspondent and Research Writer at Prime Business Africa, a Nigerian journalist with experience in development reporting, public affairs, and policy-focused storytelling across Africa
