Four witnesses gave virtual evidence from the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday in the ongoing corruption trial of former Minister of Petroleum Diezani Alison-Madueke at Southwark Crown Court in the United Kingdom.
The proceeding was conducted via video link before Justice James Omotosho in compliance with the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act, 2018, and other relevant laws.
The hearing followed a formal request from UK Central Authorities for the witnesses to testify remotely for use in the UK trial, presided over by Justice Thornton.
The case, marked CS/72/2026 and titled “In the Matter of Application for the Taking of the Evidence of Witnesses in Nigeria Via Video Link for Use in Criminal Proceedings,” commenced at approximately 11:00 a.m. Nigerian time.
Participants from the UK—including the judge, jury, and defendants—joined the session remotely.
After taking evidence from the four witnesses (names withheld), Justice Omotosho adjourned proceedings to Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Nigerian time to hear from two additional witnesses.
Diezani Alison-Madueke, who served as Nigeria’s first female Minister of Petroleum from 2010 to 2015 and was the first woman president of OPEC (2014–2015), has been on bail in London since her arrest in October 2015.
She faces six corruption-related charges, including five counts of accepting bribes and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery. All charges relate to the awarding of oil and gas contracts during her tenure, according to UK authorities.
Prosecutors allege she received at least £100,000 in cash, along with benefits including private-jet flights, chauffeur-driven cars, use and maintenance of London property, luxury goods, and school fees for her son.
If convicted under the UK Bribery Act, she faces up to 10 years in prison and/or an unlimited fine.
The trial, which began on January 26, 2026, is expected to last 10 to 12 weeks.
Diezani is being prosecuted alongside two co-defendants.
