Four Witnesses Give Virtual Testimony in UK Trial of Ex-Nigerian Petroleum Minister
- Feb 25
- 1 min read
Four witnesses provided testimony via video link on Wednesday in the UK trial of former Nigerian Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke. The proceedings were coordinated from the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, under the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act, 2018, allowing evidence to be given from Nigeria.
The witnesses’ statements were recorded at around 11 a.m. Nigerian time, with the Southwark Crown Court judge, jury, and defendants participating remotely. Justice James Omotosho oversaw the session, which focused on allegations of bribery and corruption linked to oil and gas contract awards during Alison-Madueke’s tenure from 2010 to 2015.
Alison-Madueke, the first female president of OPEC and Nigeria’s first female petroleum minister, has been on bail in the UK since her arrest in October 2015. She faces six counts, including five counts of accepting bribes and one of conspiracy to commit bribery, with prosecutors alleging she received substantial financial benefits and luxury perks.
The trial, which began on January 26, is expected to last 10–12 weeks. Conviction could lead to up to 10 years in prison and/or unlimited fines under the UK Bribery Act. Additional witness testimony is scheduled for Thursday at 11 a.m. Nigerian time.
The former minister is being tried alongside co-defendants Doye and Olatimbo.
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