Posted by Samuel on Mon 26th Jan, 2026 - tori.ng
The disruption occurred in Court 4, before Justice Thornton after prosecutors informed the court that the absence of internet connectivity prevented them from delivering their opening statement as scheduled.
Proceedings in the corruption trial of former Nigerian petroleum minister and ex-OPEC president, Diezani Alison-Madueke, were disrupted on Monday at London’s Southwark Crown Court after a technical failure stalled the prosecution’s case.
The disruption occurred in Court 4, before Justice Thornton after prosecutors informed the court that the absence of internet connectivity prevented them from delivering their opening statement as scheduled.
A court source confirmed that no substantive progress was made during the session, as the prosecution said its presentation would be deferred until the trial resumes on Tuesday.
Alison-Madueke, 65, who is standing trial alongside two co-defendants, is facing multiple corruption-related charges. She was seen entering and leaving the courtroom dressed in blue trousers and using a walking stick, though no explanation was provided regarding the use of the aid.
According to the source, the lead prosecutor told the court that the opening address could not proceed due to the lack of internet access, prompting an adjournment until the following day.
The former minister was physically present in court last week when preliminary proceedings commenced, ahead of a full trial expected to span several weeks.
Alison-Madueke, who served as Nigeria’s minister of petroleum resources between 2010 and 2015 under the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
She holds the distinction of being Nigeria’s first female petroleum minister and the first woman to serve as president of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC.
Her tenure has, however, been overshadowed by longstanding-allegations of corruption both within Nigeria and abroad.
British authorities first arrested her in London in October 2015 as part of an extensive corruption investigation. She has remained on bail since then.
In 2023, the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency formally charged Alison-Madueke, accusing her of receiving bribes between 2011 and 2015 in exchange for influence over oil contracts.
According to the NCA, the former minister is alleged to have received cash payments exceeding £100,000, along with luxury benefits including chauffeur-driven vehicles, private jet flights, high-end London properties, luxury furniture, renovation services, household staff, private school fees and designer items.
Prosecutors are expected to argue that these benefits were provided as inducements for favourable decisions within Nigeria’s lucrative oil sector, which controls billions of dollars in annual revenue.
The trial, expected to last between 10 and 12 weeks, will feature witness testimonies, financial records and property transaction evidence linked to the alleged bribery scheme.
Two other defendants, Doye Agama, who appeared via video link, and Olatimbo Ayinde, who was physically present in court, are also facing bribery charges connected to the case.