Former Nigerian petroleum minister Diezani Alison Madueke has denied multiple bribery charges as her trial opened on Tuesday at Southwark Crown Court in London.
British prosecutors allege that Alison Madueke accepted bribes between 2011 and 2015 while serving under former President Goodluck Jonathan, funding a lavish lifestyle through illicit payments linked to oil and gas contracts.
The prosecution claims the benefits included cash payments, luxury shopping, private jet flights, chauffeured vehicles, property costs in London and school fees for her son.
Alison Madueke is accused of receiving inducements from individuals connected to Atlantic Energy and SPOG Petrochemical groups, companies that secured contracts with Nigeria’s state oil firm.
She has consistently denied all allegations.
Two other defendants, including her brother, are also standing trial.
The judge says the case is expected to conclude by April 24.
