Ex-OPEC President Diezani Alison-Madueke Appears in London Ahead of Bribery Trial

Former OPEC president and Nigeria oil minister Diezani Alison-Madueke appeared at a London court on Monday as preliminary hearings began ahead of a bribery trial connected to her time in office.

Preliminary Hearings and Jury Steps

This week’s proceedings covered technical matters, administrative issues and the start of jury selection. Alison-Madueke was in attendance for those hearings as lawyers and court officials prepared for the full trial.

Allegations and Charges

The 65-year-old, who served as Nigeria’s oil minister from 2010 to 2015 and was the first woman to lead OPEC, has been on bail since her arrest in London in October 2015. She has pleaded not guilty to six charges.

National Crime Agency: "We suspect Diezani Alison-Madueke abused her power in Nigeria and accepted financial rewards for awarding multi-million-pound contracts."

In 2023 the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) formally charged Alison-Madueke with offences alleging she accepted bribes between 2011 and 2015. The indictment alleges she benefited from at least £100,000 (about $134,000) in cash, chauffeur-driven cars, private jet flights and the use of multiple London properties.

Other alleged benefits listed in the charges include furniture and renovation work for properties, property staff, payment of private school fees and luxury gifts from designer shops such as Louis Vuitton.

Co-Defendants and Next Steps

Two other individuals are also being prosecuted in connection with the case: Doye Agama, who appeared via video link during the preliminary hearings, and Olatimbo Ayinde, who was present in court.

The trial is scheduled to start on Monday, 26 January and is expected to run for approximately 10–12 weeks. Court officials will continue jury selection and address outstanding procedural matters before the main trial commences.