Proceedings in the corruption case involving former OPEC President and ex–Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, were abruptly halted on Monday at the Southwark Crown Court in London after technical issues disrupted the session.
A court source told Sahara Reporters that the hearing in Court 4 failed to move forward after prosecutors informed the judge that they were unable to access the internet inside the courtroom. Mrs Justice Thornton later arrived to address the issue, but no substantive business was conducted.
According to the source, the prosecution said its scheduled opening address could not be delivered and would instead be presented when the trial resumes on Tuesday. The prosecutor reportedly explained that the delay was caused by the lack of internet connectivity in the court.
Alison-Madueke, 65, who is being tried alongside two other defendants, was seen entering and exiting the courtroom wearing blue trousers and relying on a walking stick. The court did not provide any clarification on whether the walking aid was connected to a medical condition.
The former petroleum minister had attended court in person last week as preliminary matters were addressed ahead of the commencement of the main trial.
Alison-Madueke is facing multiple bribery charges related to her time as Nigeria’s petroleum minister between 2010 and 2015 during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. She has entered a plea of not guilty to all counts.
In 2023, the UK’s National Crime Agency formally charged her, alleging that she abused her public office by accepting bribes over a four-year period from 2011 to 2015. At the time, the agency said it believed she received financial rewards in exchange for influencing the award of high-value oil contracts.
Prosecutors allege that she accepted at least £100,000 in cash, along with a range of luxury benefits, from individuals seeking favourable treatment within Nigeria’s oil sector. These alleged benefits include access to chauffeur-driven cars, private jet travel, luxury residences in London, costly furniture, home renovations, domestic staff, and private school fees.
The prosecution also claims that Alison-Madueke received high-end designer items, including luxury goods from brands such as Louis Vuitton, as part of the alleged bribery arrangements.
According to prosecutors, the benefits were provided to secure influence over oil-related contracts and major policy decisions within Nigeria’s petroleum industry.
The trial is expected to run for between 10 and 12 weeks. During that time, the court is expected to hear testimony from multiple witnesses and review financial documents, property records, and other evidence.
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Two co-defendants, Doye Agama—who appeared via video link—and Olatimbo Ayinde, who was present in court, are also standing trial on bribery charges connected to the case.
