Former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has gone on trial in London, facing multiple bribery-related charges tied to her time in office and alleged benefits received from business figures seeking access to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

Prosecutors at Southwark Crown Court told jurors that Alison-Madueke accepted bribes in the form of luxury items, high-value properties, private jet services, and other personal benefits in exchange for influence over lucrative petroleum contracts. She is charged with five counts of bribery and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery. Alison-Madueke has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

According to the prosecution, the former minister lived an opulent lifestyle in London, allegedly financed by businessmen connected to Nigerian state-owned entities. The court heard claims that her son’s school fees were paid by third parties and that a mansion was made available for her use during her stays in the UK.

Two other defendants, Olatimbo Ayinde and Doye Agama Alison-Madueke’s brother are also standing trial, facing charges linked to the alleged bribery arrangements.

Prosecutors argued that the case highlights the far-reaching consequences of corruption in Nigeria’s oil industry, not only for the country’s economy but also for global energy markets. They further maintained that London was an appropriate venue for the trial, citing the defendants’ financial activities, property holdings, and lifestyle ties within the United Kingdom.

The trial is expected to continue in the coming weeks as the court hears detailed evidence on the alleged flow of bribes and the role each defendant played in the scheme.

Source: AllAfrica