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Former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources Diezani Alison-Madueke appeared on Monday before Southwark Crown Court for preliminary proceedings in a bribery case being prosecuted in the United Kingdom.
Alison-Madueke, who held office between 2010 and 2015, previously made history as Nigeria’s first female petroleum minister and later became the first woman to lead the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
The matter was listed before Justice Thornton in Court 8, where initial procedural steps were addressed ahead of the full trial, which is scheduled to begin on January 26, 2026.
These early proceedings include administrative issues and jury-related processes. Alison-Madueke was present in court.
She has been on bail since her arrest in London in October 2015 and has entered not-guilty pleas to six counts brought against her.
UK authorities formally filed charges in 2023 through the National Crime Agency, alleging that she received improper benefits while serving in public office.
At the time, the agency said it believed she used her position to secure lucrative contracts in exchange for personal benefits.
“We suspect Diezani Alison-Madueke abused her power in Nigeria and accepted financial rewards for awarding multi-million-pound contracts,” NCA said.
Alison-Madueke received at least £100,000 ($134,000) in cash, chauffeur-driven vehicles, private jet travel, and the use of several London properties, according to the indictment.
The indictment also refers to additional support linked to those properties, including furnishings, renovation expenses, household staff, school fees, and high-end retail purchases, such as Louis Vuitton.
The trial is expected to run for approximately 10 to 12 weeks.
Two other individuals are facing related bribery charges in the case. Doye Agama participated in Monday’s hearing via video link, while Olatimbo Ayinde appeared in person before the court.
