UK Puts Former Nigerian Oil Minister Diezani On Trial Over Multi-Million-Pound Bribery Scandal

Former Nigerian oil minister and ex-president of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Diezani Alison-Madueke, on Monday appeared before a London court as preparations began for her high-profile bribery trial linked to her years in office.

Preliminary proceedings, including jury selection and other technical matters, commenced this week, with Alison-Madueke present in court ahead of the full trial.
Alison-Madueke served as Nigeria’s minister of petroleum resources between 2010 and 2015, becoming the first woman to hold the position and later the first female president of OPEC.
The 65-year-old has been on bail since her arrest in London in October 2015. She has denied all six charges brought against her.
In 2023, the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) formally charged Alison-Madueke with offences relating to the alleged acceptance of bribes between 2011 and 2015, during her tenure as oil minister.
“We suspect Diezani Alison-Madueke abused her power in Nigeria and accepted financial rewards for awarding multi-million-pound contracts,” the NCA said.
According to the indictment, prosecutors allege that she received at least £100,000 in cash, chauffeur-driven vehicles, private jet flights and the use of multiple properties in London.
The charges also list additional benefits, including luxury furniture, renovation works, domestic staff, payment of private school fees, and high-end gifts from designer brands such as Louis Vuitton.
Two other individuals are also standing trial in connection with the alleged bribery scheme. Doye Agama appeared in court via video link, while Olatimbo Ayinde was present in the dock.
The trial is scheduled to begin on Monday, January 26, and is expected to last between 10 and 12 weeks.
Credit: AFP