Former Nigerian Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke was seen arriving at Southwark Crown Court in London on Monday, leaning on a walking stick as she entered the building ahead of her long-awaited trial on bribery charges.
Video footage circulating on social media, including posts on X, captured the 65-year-old making her way up the court steps slowly with the aid of the walking aid, dressed in dark attire and supported by a small group as photographers captured the moment. The appearance highlighted her reportedly frail condition amid the high-profile proceedings.
The UK authorities have charged Alison-Madueke with five counts of accepting bribes and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery, allegations tied to her tenure as Minister of Petroleum Resources (2010–2015). Prosecutors claim she received extravagant gifts such as luxury yacht use, private jet travel, and upscale London properties—in return for facilitating lucrative oil contracts to favored companies.
Alison-Madueke, who also made history as the first female president of OPEC, has consistently denied the accusations. She left Nigeria shortly after leaving office in 2015 and has resided in the UK since, frequently citing health concerns.
Court proceedings faced a brief delay on Monday due to technical difficulties, including an internet outage, pushing the main hearing to Tuesday, January 27. The case continues to draw intense scrutiny in Nigeria and beyond, representing a major push against corruption in the global oil industry.
Nigerian anti-corruption agencies have separately pursued related charges and sought her extradition, though the UK trial is moving forward on its own track.
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