Ex-Minister Diezani Arraigned in London Court Over ‘£100,000 Bribery’ Trial
Former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources Diezani Alison-Madueke appeared on Monday before the Southwark Crown Court in London as her long-anticipated bribery case moves into the initial stages of trial proceedings.
Alison-Madueke, 65, who once headed Nigeria’s oil ministry and made history as the first female president of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), sat for the preliminary hearing before Justice Thornton in Court 8. The session primarily addressed procedural and technical matters ahead of the main trial, which is scheduled to begin on January 26, 2026 and is expected to run for 10 to 12 weeks.
Bribery Charges and Allegations
The former minister has been on bail since her arrest in London in October 2015 and has consistently denied the six charges she faces.
According to documents filed by the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA), the charges stem from alleged conduct between 2011 and 2015, during which Alison-Madueke is accused of accepting bribes totaling at least £100,000 (about $134,000) in return for awarding lucrative oil and gas contracts.
The indictment details that, beyond cash, she allegedly received various financial benefits and luxury perks, including chauffeur-driven vehicles, flights on private jets, use of properties in London, home furnishings and renovations, payment of private school fees, and high-end designer gifts.
Court Proceedings and Co-Defendants
During Monday’s session, preliminary issues such as jury selection were addressed, but the full evidentiary hearing remains set for later this month.
Two co-defendants are also facing linked bribery charges: Doye Agama, who appeared via video link, and Olatimbo Ayinde, who was in the court dock in person.
Background and Ongoing Legal Matters
Alison-Madueke served as petroleum minister under former President Goodluck Jonathan from 2010 to 2015, and her legal challenges have spanned multiple jurisdictions. She was first charged by UK authorities in 2023, and the case has drawn media and legal attention as one of the most significant international bribery prosecutions involving a former Nigerian official.
The former minister’s defence maintains her innocence as the case progresses through the UK criminal justice system.