The spotlight turned to London on Monday as Diezani Alison-Madueke, former Nigerian oil minister and ex-president of OPEC, appeared in court ahead of her major bribery trial.
The proceedings mark the beginning of a case that has drawn international attention due to the scale of the alleged corruption and her prominent role in the oil industry.
Preliminary Proceedings and Jury Selection Begin
This week, the court focused on preliminary matters, including technical legal discussions and the selection of a jury.
Alison-Madueke, 65, was present throughout these initial sessions, a step that precedes what is expected to be a lengthy trial.
Trailblazing Career Under Scrutiny
Alison-Madueke made history as Nigeria’s first female oil minister from 2010 to 2015, and she also broke barriers globally as the first woman to lead OPEC.
Despite her groundbreaking career, she now faces serious accusations tied to her time in office.
Bail and Denials
The former minister has been out on bail since her initial arrest in London in October 2015.
She has consistently denied all six charges filed against her, maintaining her innocence as the legal process unfolds.
Bribery Allegations Detailed by UK Authorities
In 2023, the UK’s National Crime Agency formally charged Alison-Madueke with accepting bribes between 2011 and 2015.
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 indictment alleges that she received at least £100,000 ($134,000) in cash, luxury cars, private jet travel, and access to several London properties.
Additional perks reportedly included interior renovations, property staff, private school fees, and designer gifts from stores like Louis Vuitton.
Upcoming Trial Timeline
Alison-Madueke’s full trial is set to begin on Monday, January 26, with legal experts anticipating that it could last 10 to 12 weeks.
This case is expected to bring significant scrutiny to corruption within global energy sectors.
Co-Defendants Also Face Charges
Two other individuals are also being prosecuted in connection with the bribery allegations.
Doye Agama appeared via video link in court on Monday, while Olatimbo Ayinde was present in the dock alongside Alison-Madueke.
Their trials are intertwined with the same set of allegations concerning illicit financial rewards and misuse of office.
Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn