Diezani Alison-Madueke Pleads Not Guilty as UK Bribery Trial Begins
- Jan 28
- 2 min read
Former Nigerian petroleum minister Diezani Alison-Madueke has denied multiple bribery allegations as her long-running corruption trial opened at the Southwark Crown Court in London. The case centres on claims linked to her time in office between 2010 and 2015 under the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
British prosecutors told the court that Alison-Madueke, who also served as president of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), allegedly benefited personally from companies seeking oil and gas contracts with Nigeria’s state-owned energy entities. They argued that these benefits were tied to the awarding of lucrative deals within the sector.
According to the prosecution, individuals connected to energy firms such as Atlantic Energy and SPOG Petrochemical are accused of providing financial rewards and luxury perks to the former minister. These companies reportedly secured contracts with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and its subsidiaries during the period in question.
The alleged benefits listed in court include large cash payments, the use of chauffeur-driven vehicles, private jet travel, and expensive renovations on properties in London. Prosecutors also claimed that school fees, designer goods from luxury retailers, and other high-value items formed part of the alleged inducements.
Alison-Madueke, now 65, has rejected all the accusations. She has been on bail in the UK since her arrest in 2015 and was formally charged with the offences in 2023. The trial is one of several legal battles linked to her tenure as Nigeria’s oil minister.
In Nigeria, courts ordered the seizure of several properties connected to her in 2017, valued at millions of dollars. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has confirmed that some cases involving her are still active, though officials declined to provide further details.
The UK’s National Crime Agency has maintained that the former minister abused her position by accepting improper benefits in exchange for influence over high-value contracts. Two other defendants, including Alison-Madueke’s brother, are also facing related charges in the same case.
The presiding judge indicated that proceedings are expected to conclude by late April. The outcome of the trial is being closely watched both in Nigeria and across the diaspora, given its implications for international anti-corruption enforcement and accountability of public officials.
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