The long-anticipated corruption trial of former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources and ex-President of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Diezani Allison-Madueke, formally began in a London courtroom on Monday. At the Southwark Crown Court, preliminary proceedings marked the official start of a case that has been years in the making and is expected to run for several months.
Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke, 65, who served as Nigeria’s petroleum minister from 2010 to 2015 during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan and also became the first woman to serve as president of the global oil cartel OPEC, appeared in person for the opening hearings. The early phase of the trial focused on procedural matters, including technical legal issues and the selection of jurors ahead of the full hearing scheduled to hear substantial evidence relating to the charges against her. 
The United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA) has charged Alison-Madueke with six counts, including five offences of accepting bribes and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery. The allegations relate to the period between 2011 and 2015, while she exercised significant influence over Nigeria’s oil sector, one of the most valuable and strategically important industries in Africa.
Prosecutors allege that she benefited from numerous “financial or other advantages” provided by individuals with interests in securing lucrative oil and gas contracts during her tenure. These alleged benefits are said to include at least £100,000 in cash, the use of chauffeur-driven vehicles, flights on private jets, luxury accommodation in central London, renovation and furnishing of properties, household staff, and payment of private school fees for her child. Other items cited include high-end designer goods from renowned stores such as Harrods and Louis Vuitton. The prosecution is expected to argue that acceptance of these benefits constituted bribery and influenced the awarding of multi-million-pound contracts. 
The NCA has publicly stated that it suspects Mrs Alison-Madueke “abused her power” by accepting these advantages in exchange for favourable decisions while she served in one of the most powerful positions in the Nigerian government. The charges filed against her reflect a complex international investigation into alleged corruption and the misuse of public office. 
Mrs Alison-Madueke has denied all allegations. She was first arrested in London in October 2015 and has remained on bail since her initial appearance. The extended time between her arrest and the start of the trial reflects the extensive legal and investigative preparation by British authorities and international partners. 
Alongside Alison-Madueke, two other individuals are also facing bribery-related charges connected to the same case. Doye Agama appeared in court via video link, and Olatimbo Ayinde was present in the dock with her. The prosecution will present its case against all defendants as part of the multi-defendant corruption trial. 
Legal observers anticipate that the trial will last between 10 and 12 weeks as evidence is examined, testimonies are heard, and complex financial transactions are scrutinised. The proceedings represent one of the most high-profile cases involving allegations of corruption by a senior Nigerian official in a foreign jurisdiction.
Samuel Aina