Former OPEC president and Nigeria’s ex-minister of petroleum resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, appeared in a London court on Monday ahead of her full trial on bribery charges linked to her time in office between 2010 and 2015.
Alison-Madueke, who made history as Nigeria’s first female oil minister and the first woman to serve as OPEC president, has been on bail since her arrest in London in October 2015. She has consistently denied all six counts brought against her.
The former minister was formally charged in 2023 by the National Crime Agency (NCA), which alleges that she accepted bribes while overseeing the award of lucrative oil and gas contracts during her tenure.
At the time of the charge, the NCA stated:
“We suspect Diezani Alison-Madueke abused her power in Nigeria and accepted financial rewards for awarding multi-million-pound contracts.”
According to the indictment, Alison-Madueke allegedly received at least £100,000 (about $134,000) in cash, along with other benefits including chauffeur-driven vehicles, private jet flights, and access to several properties in London.
Prosecutors also listed alleged perks such as furniture, renovation works, domestic staff for the properties, private school fees, and luxury items from high-end brands including Louis Vuitton.
Her trial is scheduled to begin on Monday, January 26, and is expected to last between 10 and 12 weeks.
Two other defendants are also facing bribery charges in connection with the case. Doye Agama appeared at the hearing via video link, while Olatimbo Ayinde was present in the courtroom.
The court appearance marks a significant step toward the long-awaited trial, with the outcome expected to draw international attention given Alison-Madueke’s former influence in Nigeria’s oil sector and global energy politics.
