Former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, on Monday appeared before the Southwark Crown Court in London for a preliminary hearing in her ongoing bribery case.
The appearance marked the start of early proceedings ahead of her full trial, which is scheduled to begin on January 26, 2026. The case was listed in Court 8 before Justice Thornton.
Alison-Madueke, who served as Nigeria’s petroleum minister between 2010 and 2015, is facing multiple charges linked to alleged corruption during her time in office. She made history as the first woman to hold the position and later became the first female president of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
Preliminary proceedings, including technical legal matters and jury-related processes, commenced this week, with the 65-year-old present in court. She has been on bail since her arrest in London in October 2015 and has consistently denied all six charges against her.
In 2023, the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) formally charged Alison-Madueke with offences relating to the acceptance of bribes between 2011 and 2015. Prosecutors allege that she received financial and material benefits worth at least £100,000, including cash payments, chauffeur-driven vehicles, private jet flights and the use of several properties in London.
According to the indictment, the alleged benefits also included luxury items such as furniture, renovation work, paid staff for the properties, private school fees and gifts from high-end designer brands, including Louis Vuitton.
At the time of charging, the NCA stated that it believed Alison-Madueke abused her position in Nigeria in exchange for financial rewards tied to the awarding of multi-million-pound contracts.
Two other defendants are being prosecuted in connection with the case. Doye Agama appeared during Monday’s proceedings via video link, while Olatimbo Ayinde was present in the dock.
The trial is expected to last between 10 and 12 weeks.
No comments:
Post a Comment