Four prosecution witnesses on Tuesday testified from Nigeria in the ongoing corruption trial of former Minister of Petroleum Resources Diezani Alison Madueke before the Southwark Crown Court in the United Kingdom.
The witnesses gave their evidence virtually from the Federal High Court, Abuja, before James Omotosho, in accordance with the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act 2018 between Nigeria and the UK. The virtual testimony followed a formal request by UK authorities for Nigerian based witnesses to appear remotely before the trial judge, Justice Thornton.
The suit, listed as CS 72 2026, is titled In the Matter of Application for the Taking of the Evidence of Witnesses in Nigeria Via Video Link for Use in Criminal Proceedings in Accordance with Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act R versus Diezani Alison Madueke Ayinde Olatimbo Bukola and Agama Doye.
Proceedings commenced at about 11am Nigerian time, with the UK judge, jury and defendants joining virtually from London. After the conclusion of the session, Justice Omotosho adjourned further hearing until February 26, when two additional prosecution witnesses are scheduled to testify from 11am.
Alison Madueke has pleaded not guilty to six counts of accepting bribes and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery, all linked to the award of oil and gas contracts during her time in office. UK prosecutors allege that she received at least one hundred thousand pounds in cash as well as other benefits described as financial or material advantages.
These alleged benefits include private jet flights, chauffeur driven vehicles, the use and upkeep of a London property, luxury items and the payment of school fees for her son. The trial, which began on January 26, is expected to last between 10 and 12 weeks.
Under the UK Bribery Act, a conviction carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years imprisonment and or an unlimited fine.
