FORMER Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, on Monday appeared before the Southwark Crown Court in London for a preliminary hearing in her long-running corruption case involving alleged bribery totalling £100,000.
News Point Nigeria reports that the appearance marked the formal commencement of pre-trial proceedings ahead of her full trial, which is scheduled to begin on January 26, 2026, and is expected to last between 10 and 12 weeks.
Alison-Madueke, 65, served as Nigeria’s petroleum minister between 2010 and 2015, becoming the first woman to hold the position and later the first female president of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
Court records show that the matter was listed in Court 8 before Justice Thornton, where preliminary issues, including procedural matters and jury arrangements, were addressed. The former minister, who has been on bail since her arrest in October 2015, was present in court for the proceedings.
She is facing six counts of bribery, all of which she has consistently denied.
In 2023, the UK National Crime Agency (NCA) formally charged Alison-Madueke, alleging that she accepted bribes between 2011 and 2015 while exercising influence over the award of lucrative oil and gas contracts in Nigeria.
At the time of filing charges, the NCA said it believed the former minister “abused her power in Nigeria and accepted financial rewards for awarding multi-million-pound contracts.”
According to the indictment, prosecutors allege that Alison-Madueke benefitted from at least £100,000 in cash, along with a range of luxury advantages, including chauffeur-driven vehicles, private jet flights, and access to several high-value London properties.
The alleged benefits also include expensive furniture, property renovation works, payment of domestic staff, private school fees, and luxury gifts purchased from high-end designer brands, including Louis Vuitton.
UK authorities claim the benefits were provided as inducements linked to official decisions taken while she served as Nigeria’s oil minister.
Two other individuals are also standing trial in connection with the alleged bribery scheme. Doye Agama appeared during Monday’s proceedings via video link, while Olatimbo Ayinde was physically present in the dock.
The case has attracted significant international attention due to Alison-Madueke’s high-profile role in Nigeria’s oil sector and her leadership position within OPEC during her tenure.
Since leaving office, the former minister has repeatedly maintained her innocence, describing the allegations against her as unfounded. She has remained in the United Kingdom since her arrest nearly a decade ago, subject to bail conditions while investigations and legal proceedings progressed.