By Maureen Okpe
The long-awaited corruption trial of former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, commenced today in London, reopening allegations of large-scale bribery linked to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Alison-Madueke, a former president of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), is facing six criminal counts bordering on bribery and conspiracy to commit bribery.
The charges relate to her tenure as Nigeria’s petroleum minister between 2011 and 2015, a period prosecutors say was marked by abuse of office.
According to the prosecution, the former minister allegedly received significant financial and material benefits from individuals connected to two energy companies.
The alleged inducements include luxury properties in London, payment of staff salaries, expensive furniture, and the use of private jet flights.
Prosecutors argue that accepting these benefits amounted to an improper exercise of official duties, particularly in the award of lucrative oil contracts.
Alison-Madueke, now 65, has denied all allegations against her, insisting she committed no wrongdoing while in office.
However, the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA) said its investigations uncovered evidence suggesting abuse of power and illicit rewards.
The NCA disclosed that evidence shared with United States authorities led to the recovery of assets valued at about $53.1 million, including luxury properties in California and New York, as well as a superyacht.
Alison-Madueke, who was first arrested in London in October 2015 and has remained on bail, is standing trial alongside two co-defendants, Doye Agama and Olatimbo Ayinde, with proceedings expected to last between 10 and 12 weeks.