By George Omagbemi Sylvester
Former Nigerian Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison‑Madueke, 65, abruptly left a hearing at Southwark Crown Court on Monday, 23 February 2026, declining to answer a bystander’s question on corruption. Some commentators online suggest she departed quickly after a difficult day of proceedings amid intense media attention, though no official court explanation has been released.
Alison‑Madueke (minister from 2010–2015 under President Goodluck Jonathan and former OPEC president) faces five counts of accepting bribes and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery under the UK Bribery Act. Prosecutors allege she received luxury properties, private jet travel, and high-end shopping funded by associates, all intended to influence oil and gas contracts.
Co-defendants Doye Agama, her brother, and oil executive Olatimbo Ayinde plead not guilty. Legal experts say the trial exemplifies the UK’s growing role in tackling high-level corruption abroad. Alison‑Madueke’s defence argues many benefits were lawful hospitality, highlighting the intense scrutiny surrounding this decade-long case.
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