Former Nigerian Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke appeared at Southwark Crown Court in London for a preliminary hearing in her corruption trial.
Alison-Madueke, who served as Nigeria’s Petroleum Minister from 2010 to 2015, was the first woman to hold that position in Nigeria and the first woman to head the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
The case was heard by Judge Thornton on Monday. This marked the start of the preliminary hearing before the main trial, scheduled for January 26. This phase will address, among other things, technical matters and jury selection. The former minister was present.
The 65-year-old has been free on bail since her arrest in London in October 2015 and has consistently denied the six corruption charges against her.
In 2023, the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) formally indicted Alison Madueke on corruption charges related to the period from 2011 to 2015. Prosecutors allege she abused her position by accepting financial benefits in exchange for awarding multi-million-pound oil and gas contracts.
According to the indictment, Alison Madueke allegedly received at least £100,000 in cash, chauffeured vehicles, private jet flights, and access to several London properties. Other alleged benefits included payments for furniture, home renovations, domestic staff, private school fees, and luxury gifts from top designer brands.
The trial is expected to last ten to twelve weeks. Two other individuals, Doye Agama and Olatimbo Ayinde, are also facing similar corruption charges. Agama participated via video conference, while Ayinde was present in court.
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