Proceedings in the corruption trial of former Nigerian petroleum minister and ex-OPEC president, Diezani Alison-Madueke, were disrupted on Monday at the Southwark Crown Court in London following a technical failure that stalled the prosecution’s case.
The disruption occurred in Court 4, before Justice Thornton, after prosecutors informed the court that the absence of internet connectivity
prevented them from delivering their opening statement as scheduled.
A court source confirmed that no substantive progress was
made during the session, as the prosecution said its presentation would be
deferred until the trial resumes on Tuesday.
Alison-Madueke, 65, who is standing trial alongside two
co-defendants, is facing multiple corruption-related charges. She was seen
entering and leaving the courtroom dressed in blue trousers and using a walking
stick, though no explanation was provided regarding the use of the aid.
According to the source, the lead prosecutor told the court
that the opening address could not proceed due to the lack of internet access,
prompting an adjournment until the following day.
The former minister was physically present in court last
week when preliminary proceedings commenced, ahead of a full trial expected to
span several weeks.
Alison-Madueke, who served as Nigeria’s minister of
petroleum resources between 2010 and 2015 under the administration of former
President Goodluck Jonathan, has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
She holds the distinction of being Nigeria’s first female
petroleum minister and the first woman to serve as president of the
Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC.
Her tenure has, however, been overshadowed by
longstanding-allegations of corruption both within Nigeria and abroad.
British authorities first arrested her in London in October
2015 as part of an extensive corruption investigation. She has remained on bail
since then.
In 2023, the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency formally
charged Alison-Madueke, accusing her of receiving bribes between 2011 and 2015
in exchange for influence over oil contracts.
According to the NCA, the former minister is alleged to have
received cash payments exceeding £100,000, along with luxury benefits including
chauffeur-driven vehicles, private jet flights, high-end London properties,
luxury furniture, renovation services, household staff, private school fees and
designer items.
Prosecutors are expected to argue that these benefits were
provided as inducements for favourable decisions within Nigeria’s lucrative oil
sector, which controls billions of dollars in annual revenue.
The trial, expected to last between 10 and 12 weeks, will
feature witness testimonies, financial records and property transaction
evidence linked to the alleged bribery scheme.
Two other defendants, Doye Agama, who appeared via video
link, and Olatimbo Ayinde, who was physically present in court, are also facing
bribery charges connected to the case.
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