Former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, on Monday appeared before the Southwark Crown Court in London over alleged bribery offences linked to her time in office. The court appearance marked the start of preliminary proceedings ahead of her full trial, which is scheduled to begin on January 26, 2026.
Alison-Madueke, 65, is facing six criminal charges brought against her by the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA). The charges are connected to alleged acts of bribery said to have taken place between 2011 and 2015, when she served as Nigeria’s petroleum minister.
The case was listed on the court’s cause list for Court 8 and was presided over by Justice Thornton. Monday’s hearing focused on early legal procedures, including technical matters and preparations for jury selection. Alison-Madueke was present in court for the proceedings.
The former minister has been on bail since her arrest in London in October 2015. She has consistently denied all the charges brought against her.
According to the NCA, Alison-Madueke is accused of abusing her position as petroleum minister by accepting bribes in exchange for awarding lucrative oil and gas contracts. The agency formally charged her in 2023 after several years of investigation.
At the time of the charges, the NCA said: “We suspect Diezani Alison-Madueke abused her power in Nigeria and accepted financial rewards for awarding multi-million-pound contracts.”
Court documents allege that Alison-Madueke benefited from at least £100,000 in cash, as well as other luxury items and services. These include the use of chauffeur-driven cars, flights on private jets, and access to multiple high-value properties in London.
The indictment also lists other alleged benefits, such as expensive furniture, renovation work on properties, payment for domestic staff, private school fees, and luxury gifts from top designer brands, including Louis Vuitton.
Prosecutors claim that these benefits were given as bribes during the period Alison-Madueke was in charge of Nigeria’s petroleum sector, one of the most important and profitable sectors of the country’s economy.
The trial, which is expected to last between 10 and 12 weeks, is likely to attract strong attention both in Nigeria and internationally, given Alison-Madueke’s high profile and the sensitive nature of the allegations.
Diezani Alison-Madueke served as Nigeria’s Minister of Petroleum Resources from 2010 to 2015 under former President Goodluck Jonathan. During her tenure, she became one of the most powerful figures in Nigeria’s oil industry.
She also made history as the first woman to serve as Nigeria’s petroleum minister and the first female president of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Her appointment to these positions was seen at the time as a major achievement for women in the global energy sector.
However, her time in office was also marked by widespread allegations of corruption and mismanagement in Nigeria’s oil industry. Several investigations were launched both within and outside Nigeria after she left office in 2015.
The UK case is one of several legal actions linked to her tenure. Nigerian authorities have also accused Alison-Madueke of corruption, although legal proceedings in Nigeria have faced delays over the years.
In addition to Alison-Madueke, two other individuals are standing trial in connection with the UK case. One of them, Doye Agama, appeared in court via video link during Monday’s hearing. The second, Olatimbo Ayinde, was physically present in the dock.
The NCA has not released full details of the roles allegedly played by the two co-defendants, but prosecutors say they were involved in arrangements connected to the alleged bribery scheme.
The preliminary proceedings taking place this week are meant to prepare the court and the parties involved for the main trial next year. These early stages usually cover legal arguments, evidence handling, and jury-related matters.
For many Nigerians, the case has reopened discussions about corruption in the oil sector, which has long been a major source of concern. Nigeria is Africa’s largest oil producer, and the sector provides a significant portion of government revenue and foreign exchange earnings.
Over the years, allegations of corruption have damaged public trust and reduced the benefits Nigerians receive from the country’s natural resources. Several past and present officials have faced accusations linked to oil contracts and revenue management.
Anti-corruption groups have welcomed the progress of the UK case, saying it shows that powerful individuals can still be held accountable, even years after leaving office. Some groups have also urged Nigerian authorities to strengthen their own efforts to fight corruption.
Supporters of Alison-Madueke, however, maintain that she is innocent and argue that the allegations have not yet been proven in court. They insist that she should be allowed to defend herself fully during the trial.
Since her arrest in 2015, Alison-Madueke has largely stayed out of public view. Her court appearance on Monday marked a rare public moment in a case that has been developing quietly for years.
As the preliminary hearings continue, attention will now turn to the main trial scheduled for January 2026. The outcome of the case could have far-reaching implications, not only for Alison-Madueke but also for Nigeria’s image in the global fight against corruption.
