Just In: Internet Failure Stalls Diezani Alison-Madueke Corruption Trial In London Court

Proceedings in the alleged corruption trial of a former President of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries and ex–Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, were stalled on Monday at the Southwark Crown Court in London due to technical difficulties.

A source in Court 4 told Sahara Reporters that no substantive progress was made before Mrs Justice Thornton arrived after prosecutors complained of the absence of internet access in the courtroom.

According to the source, the prosecution informed the court that its opening statement could not be delivered as scheduled and would instead be presented when the trial resumes on Tuesday.

“The prosecutor was heard stating that this was due to there being ‘no internet in the court’ and that her opening statement would be delivered tomorrow,” the source said.

Alison-Madueke, 65, who is standing trial alongside two co-defendants, was seen arriving at and later leaving Court 4 dressed in blue trousers and using a walking stick.

It was not immediately clear whether the walking aid was required for medical reasons, as no official explanation was given in court.

The former minister was physically present in court last week as preliminary proceedings began ahead of the full trial.

Alison-Madueke is facing multiple counts of bribery linked to her tenure as Nigeria’s petroleum minister between 2010 and 2015 under former President Goodluck Jonathan.

She has pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

In 2023, the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency formally charged her, alleging that she accepted bribes over a four-year period between 2011 and 2015.

At the time, the NCA said, “We suspect Diezani Alison-Madueke abused her power in Nigeria and accepted financial rewards for awarding multi-million-pound contracts.”

Prosecutors allege that Alison-Madueke received at least £100,000 in cash and various luxury benefits from individuals seeking favourable treatment in the award of oil-related contracts.

The alleged benefits include chauffeur-driven vehicles, private jet flights, the use of luxury properties in London, expensive furniture, renovation funding, household staff, and the payment of private school fees.

She is also accused of receiving designer items, including luxury goods from brands such as Louis Vuitton.

According to the prosecution, these benefits were allegedly offered as bribes in exchange for influence over oil contracts and key decisions within Nigeria’s petroleum sector.

The trial is expected to last between 10 and 12 weeks, during which the court will hear testimony from several witnesses and examine financial records, property transactions and other evidence.

Two other 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.