Ex-Nigerian Minister Denies Bribery Charges in UK Trial

Diezani Alison-Madueke, the ex-Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources during Goodluck Jonathan's presidency, is facing a trial in a UK court for multiple bribery charges spanning from 2011 to 2015. The prosecution alleges that she received significant financial benefits from individuals linked to companies like Atlantic Energy and SPDC Petrochemical Group in exchange for securing contracts with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and its subsidiaries.

The charges include receiving cash, a chauffeur-driven car, private jet flights, and other luxuries. Alison-Madueke, who also served as the President of OPEC, has faced legal issues globally, with several properties worth millions seized in 2017.

The trial is expected to conclude by April 24, as per Judge Justin Thornton. The Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) confirmed an ongoing case against her.

Alison-Madueke was first arrested in London in October 2015 and has denied all charges.