By Micah Jonah
January 26, 2026
The long awaited corruption trial of former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison Madueke, has commenced in London as British authorities begin full prosecution over alleged bribery linked to her time in office.
The former oil minister, who also once served as President of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, is facing multiple charges connected to alleged acceptance of financial benefits, other valuables from companies linked to energy contracts awarded while she served between 2010 and 2015.
Investigators allege that the benefits included the use of luxury properties in London, expensive refurbishments, chauffeur driven vehicles, private jet flights and large sums of cash, all said to be connected to business interests seeking favourable treatment in Nigeria’s oil sector.
Further allegations include payments for school fees, luxury shopping expenses and travel arrangements, which prosecutors say amounted to abuse of office, improper performance of official duties.
Court proceedings are expected to last several weeks, with two other individuals also standing trial in connection with the same case on related bribery charges.
British authorities disclosed that the former Minister had been under investigation for several years and was formally charged after extensive financial and asset tracing exercises. In earlier actions linked to the case, law enforcement agencies in the United States recovered assets valued at over $50m, including luxury properties and a high value superyacht, which were said to be proceeds of corruption.
Diezani Alison Madueke, who was first arrested in London in 2015, has consistently denied all allegations against her and remains on bail as the trial continues.
The case is widely regarded as one of the most significant international corruption prosecutions involving a former Nigerian public official and is being closely monitored both in Nigeria and abroad.
