The corruption trial of former Nigerian petroleum minister Diezani Alison Madueke was delayed on Monday due to legal and technical issues, her lawyers said.
Alison Madueke, 65, who made history as the first female president of OPEC, faces five counts of accepting bribes and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery. The charges relate to her time as Nigeria’s Minister for Petroleum Resources between 2010 and 2015, during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Lawyers on both sides said the trial may now begin on Tuesday, as prosecutors and the defence must agree on which evidence will be examined during the proceedings. The delay also allowed time to finalise the selection of jurors.
The trial, expected to last 10 to 12 weeks, involves allegations that she accepted a range of financial and other benefits from individuals connected to two energy companies. Prosecutors claim the benefits included the use and refurbishment of properties, luxury goods, private jet flights, cash payments, and other advantages, all linked to her official role.
The case also involves two other defendants, Doye Agama and Olatimbo Ayinde, who face bribery charges connected to the same matter.
Alison Madueke has been on bail since her arrest in London in October 2015 and has consistently denied the charges against her. The trial is being closely watched as one of the most high profile cases involving alleged corruption by a former Nigerian government official.
