UK court sets January 2026 for trial of Diezani Alison-Madueke over £100,000 cash, luxury goods bribes
The Southwark Crown Court in London, United Kingdom, has fixed January 19, 2026, for the trial of Nigeria’s former petroleum minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke.
The judge, Justine Thornton, during the arraignment on Friday, fixed the trial date for the former president of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), which is expected to span 12 weeks.
Mrs Alison-Madueke is accused of accepting bribes by using private jets, Chauffeur-driven luxury cars, expensive properties, purchase of luxury goods from Louis Vuitton and Harrods, £100,000 cash, and payment of school fees for her sons.
However, the former minister, alongside two others, Doye Agame and Olatimbo Ayinde, pleaded not guilty to an eight-count indictment bordering bribery and conspiracy to bribe levelled against them.
The judge, after fixing the trial date, ordered the prosecution to serve all their evidence in the case by June 2, 2025, and therefore granted bail to the three defendants on the same terms as before.
Mrs Alison-Madueke was first arrested on October 2, 2015, by the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) in London, after which she was granted bail.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
States
30th Anniversary: Gov. Nwifuru hails Ebonyi leaders for laying solid foundation
Mr Nwifuru stated, “We are very united, calm and hardworking people.”
Heading 1
NiMet predicts three-day thunderstorms, moderate rains across Nigeria from Monday
The agency advised residents to stay away from tall trees to avoid injuries from falling branches or broken trees.
Lagos
I’m best candidate for Lagos in 2027, says Hamzat
Mr Ojelabi urged Nigerians to draw closer to God and have faith in Him.
Showbiz
Barry’s veto saves three housemates from eviction as BBNaija Season 11 names final 10
Barry’s decision came at a crucial stage of the competition.
States
Police intercept firearm during stop-and-search operation in Anambra
The police spokesperson identified the suspects as Joseph Ekwulugo, 33, and Somtochukwu Enyiobi, 29.
Heading 3
Tinubu doesn’t need to be physically present to work; he will return from vacation this week: Presidency
Mr Onanuga stated, “Nigeria’s President is hale and hearty. He has been on a working vacation, which he is perfectly entitled to.”
