Former Nigerian oil minister and ex-OPEC president Diezani Alison-Madueke has arrived at Southwark Crown Court in London ahead of the commencement of her long-anticipated trial on bribery charges.
The case centres on allegations of corruption and illicit payments linked to her tenure as Nigeria’s Minister of Petroleum Resources, a period during which she also served as President of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Prosecutors are expected to outline claims that millions of dollars in bribes were exchanged in return for oil contracts and favours.
Diezani has consistently denied wrongdoing. The trial marks a major moment in one of the most high-profile international corruption cases connected to Nigeria’s oil sector and is being closely watched both locally and internationally.
Further details are expected as court proceedings get underway.
