Former Nigerian minister of petroleum resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, on Monday appeared before the Southwark Crown Court in London for a preliminary hearing in her ongoing bribery case.
The appearance marked an early stage in proceedings ahead of her substantive trial, which is scheduled to begin on January 26, 2026. The case was listed before Justice Thornton in Court 8.
Alison-Madueke, who served as Nigeria’s petroleum minister between 2010 and 2015, was the first woman to hold the position and also the first female president of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
Preliminary proceedings, including technical issues and jury-related matters, commenced this week, with the 65-year-old attending court. She has been on bail since her arrest in London in October 2015 and has denied all six charges brought against her.
The UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) formally charged Alison-Madueke in 2023 with offences relating to the acceptance of bribes between 2011 and 2015.
“We suspect Diezani Alison-Madueke abused her power in Nigeria and accepted financial rewards for awarding multi-million-pound contracts,” the NCA said at the time.
According to the indictment, Alison-Madueke allegedly benefited from at least £100,000 ($134,000) in cash, chauffeur-driven cars, private jet flights and the use of several London properties.
Prosecutors also allege she received additional benefits, including furniture, renovation works and staff for the properties, payment of private school fees, and luxury gifts from designer brands such as Louis Vuitton.
The trial is expected to last between 10 and 12 weeks.
Two other defendants are also facing prosecution in connection with the case. Doye Agama appeared via video link on Monday, while Olatimbo Ayinde was present in court.