Former Nigerian oil minister and ex-OPEC president, Diezani Alison-Madueke, appeared in a London courtroom on Monday as preliminary proceedings began in her high-profile bribery case. The 65-year-old, who served as Nigeria’s first female oil minister from 2010 to 2015 and broke barriers as OPEC’s first female president, faces allegations of receiving lavish financial rewards during her time in office.
The session, which included technical hearings and jury selection, sets the stage for her full trial scheduled to begin Monday, January 26, and expected to last 10 to 12 weeks. Alison-Madueke has been on bail since October 2015 and denies all six charges against her.
According to the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA), she allegedly accepted bribes between 2011 and 2015, including £100,000 ($134,000) in cash, chauffeur-driven cars, private jet flights, and access to multiple London properties. The charges also mention luxury perks such as furniture, renovations, private staff, school fees, and designer gifts from Louis Vuitton.
Two others are also facing prosecution: Doye Agama, appearing via video link, and Olatimbo Ayinde, who was present in court.
Once celebrated as a trailblazer for women in global oil leadership, Alison-Madueke now faces a courtroom battle that could reshape her legacy.
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