Former Nigerian oil minister Diezani Alison-Madueke, who also once led the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, has appeared in a London court as early steps begin for her upcoming bribery trial in the United Kingdom.
Reports has it that the appearance took place on Monday, 19 January 2026, as the court began preliminary work such as technical issues and jury selection ahead of the full hearing. Alison-Madueke was present in court.
Alison-Madueke served as Nigeria’s oil minister from 2010 to 2015. She was the first woman to hold that ministerial role in Nigeria, and later became the first female president of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, the global group that coordinates oil policies among major producers.
The 65-year-old has remained on bail since she was first arrested in London in October 2015. She has denied six allegations filed against her.
United Kingdom investigators said the case centres on alleged bribes connected to decisions taken while she was in office. “We suspect Diezani Alison-Madueke abused her power in Nigeria and accepted financial rewards for awarding multi-million-pound contracts,” the United Kingdom National Crime Agency said when it announced the charges.
According to the indictment referenced in court filings, the alleged benefits include at least £100,000 ($134,000) in cash, chauffeur-driven cars, private jet flights, and access to several London properties. The allegations also list other claimed rewards tied to the properties, including furniture, renovation work, and staff, as well as private school fees and luxury gifts, including items from designer stores such as Louis Vuitton.
The trial is scheduled to start on Monday, 26 January 2026, and is expected to last between 10 and 12 weeks. The case also includes two other defendants facing linked bribery allegations: Doye Agama, who appeared by video link during the opening proceedings, and Olatimbo Ayinde, who was in court.