Nigerian Witnesses Testify via Video Link in Diezani Alison-Madueke UK Bribery Trial
In a significant development in the ongoing UK trial of former Nigerian Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke, four Nigerian witnesses have provided testimony virtually from Abuja. The evidence was presented on Wednesday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, under the provisions of the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act, 2018, following a formal request from UK authorities.
Court Proceedings and Legal Framework
Justice James Omotosho presided over the session in Nigeria, which was conducted to facilitate the testimony of witnesses for the trial at Southwark Crown Court in London, where Mrs Justice Thornton is overseeing the case. The charge, referenced as CS/72/2026, specifically pertains to the application for taking evidence from witnesses in Nigeria via video link for use in the criminal proceedings in the UK.
The witnesses, whose identities were withheld for legal reasons, began their testimony at approximately 11 am Nigerian time. The Southwark Crown Court judge, jury, and defendants participated virtually to hear the evidence. Justice Omotosho adjourned the matter until Thursday, when two additional witnesses are scheduled to testify at the same time.
Background on Diezani Alison-Madueke
Diezani Alison-Madueke, aged 65, served as Nigeria's Minister of Petroleum from 2010 to 2015 and made history as the first woman to lead the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) between 2014 and 2015. She was initially arrested in London in October 2015 and has been on bail since. Currently, she faces six charges, including five counts of accepting bribes and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery, all of which she has denied.
Allegations and Trial Details
UK prosecutors allege that Alison-Madueke received substantial benefits, including at least £100,000 in cash, private-jet flights, chauffeur-driven cars, the use and maintenance of a London property, luxury goods, and payment of school fees for her son. The trial, which commenced on January 26, is projected to last between 10 and 12 weeks. If convicted under the UK Bribery Act, she could face up to 10 years in prison and/or an unlimited fine. She is being prosecuted alongside co-defendants Doye and Olatimbo.
Defence Claims and Fairness Concerns
In a related development, Diezani Alison-Madueke has raised concerns about the fairness of her trial. Through a statement released by her media aide, Bolouere Opukiri, she asserted that her legal team, led by Jonathan Laidlaw and Alistair Richardson, has argued that both the British and Nigerian governments have denied her access to crucial documents necessary for her defence. She insists that the trial should not proceed if these materials are not provided, highlighting ongoing legal challenges in the case.
This virtual testimony marks a pivotal moment in the high-profile trial, underscoring the international cooperation in criminal matters and the complexities involved in cross-border legal proceedings.
