Former Nigerian Oil Minister and ex-OPEC president Diezani Alison-Madueke appeared in a London court on Monday as preliminary proceedings began in her long-awaited bribery trial.
The case, which has drawn international attention, relates to allegations of corruption during her tenure as Nigeria’s oil minister between 2010 and 2015.
According to AFP, the hearing focused on technical matters and jury selection, with Alison-Madueke in attendance. The 65-year-old, who has been on bail since her arrest in London in October 2015, faces six charges of bribery. She has denied all allegations.
The trial is scheduled to formally begin on January 26, 2026, and is expected to last between 10 and 12 weeks.
Two other individuals, Doye Agama and Olatimbo Ayinde, are also facing related charges. Agama appeared via video link, while Ayinde was present in the dock.
Background on Alison-Madueke
Alison-Madueke made history as Nigeria’s first female oil minister and the first woman to serve as president of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
Her appointment was seen as a landmark moment for gender representation in the global energy sector.
However, her tenure was marred by persistent allegations of corruption and financial misconduct.
The UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) formally charged her in 2023, alleging she accepted bribes in exchange for awarding multi-million-pound oil and gas contracts.
Allegations and Indictment
The indictment claims Alison-Madueke received at least £100,000 ($134,000) in cash, along with luxury benefits such as chauffeur-driven cars, private jet flights, and access to multiple London properties.
Prosecutors allege she also benefitted from expensive furniture, renovation work, household staff, and the payment of private school fees.
Gifts from high-end designer brands, including Louis Vuitton, were also listed among the rewards.
The NCA stated at the time: “We suspect Diezani Alison-Madueke abused her power in Nigeria and accepted financial rewards for awarding multi-million-pound contracts.”
The case is seen as an example of possible high-level and pervasive corruption in Nigeria’s oil sector, which remains the backbone of the country’s economy.
Alison-Madueke’s trial is being closely watched both in Nigeria and internationally, as it represents one of the most high-profile corruption cases involving a former government minister.
Her arrest in 2015 was part of a crackdown on financial crimes, with UK authorities working alongside Nigerian anti-corruption agencies.
The trial is expected to shed light on the scale of alleged graft during her time in office and could have implications for future cooperation between Nigeria and international partners in tackling corruption.
With jury selection underway, the trial will move into its substantive phase later this month. Legal experts anticipate weeks of testimony, including evidence from financial investigators and witnesses linked to the contracts in question.
If convicted, Alison-Madueke could face significant penalties under UK law, including imprisonment and asset forfeiture. For now, she remains free on bail but under close scrutiny as the proceedings unfold.
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