0
0
The Diezani Alison-Madueke UK trial entered a significant phase on Thursday after an operative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission testified virtually in proceedings before the Southwark Crown Court.
The testimony forms part of the ongoing Diezani Alison-Madueke UK trial, where the former Nigerian petroleum minister faces multiple corruption-related charges linked to her time in office.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, EFCC investigator Chinedu Eneanya delivered evidence through a video link from the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court.
Virtual Evidence Presented in Diezani Alison-Madueke UK Trial
The Nigerian session was supervised by Justice James Omotosho in compliance with the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act 2018. The request allowing witnesses to testify remotely was made by UK authorities handling the Diezani Alison-Madueke UK trial.
The UK proceedings are being presided over by Justice Thornton.
During his testimony, Mr Eneanya confirmed that the EFCC received a formal request from UK authorities to examine documents recovered from the residence of Diezani Alison-Madueke.
Recovered Documents and Investigation History
The court heard that the documents were seized on October 2, 2015. At the time of the search, Abdulrasheed Bawa served as the investigating officer. He later became EFCC chairman during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Mr Eneanya clarified that although he joined the EFCC in April 2006, he was not part of the team that conducted the 2015 search. Instead, his involvement in the Diezani Alison-Madueke UK trial began in December 2025 when his team reviewed the documents following the UK request.
He confirmed under cross examination that he had no prior interaction with the exhibits before late 2025.
After answering questions from defence counsel, he was discharged from the witness box.
Court Adjourns as Trial Continues
A representative of the Federal Ministry of Justice informed the court that attempts to secure another witness were unsuccessful. As a result, proceedings linked to the Diezani Alison-Madueke UK trial were adjourned.
Earlier sessions had already included testimony from four witnesses connected to the video link application process.
The case is marked CS 72 2026 and relates to the taking of evidence in Nigeria for use in the UK criminal proceedings.
Charges in the Diezani Alison-Madueke UK Trial
The Diezani Alison-Madueke UK trial officially began on January 26 and is expected to last between 10 and 12 weeks.
Mrs Alison-Madueke served as Nigeria’s Minister of Petroleum Resources from 2010 to 2015. She was also the first female president of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries between 2014 and 2015.
She has denied six charges, including five counts of accepting bribes and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery.
According to UK authorities, the charges in the Diezani Alison-Madueke UK trial relate to the awarding of oil and gas contracts during her tenure.
Investigators allege she received at least 100,000 pounds in cash and additional benefits described as financial or other advantages. These allegedly included private jet flights, chauffeur driven cars, maintenance of London property, luxury goods, and school fees.
If convicted under the UK Bribery Act, she could face up to 10 years imprisonment, an unlimited fine, or both.
She is being prosecuted alongside Ayinde Olatimbo Bukola and Agama Doye.
What the Diezani Alison-Madueke UK Trial Means Going Forward
As the Diezani Alison-Madueke UK trial progresses, more witness testimonies and legal arguments are expected in the coming weeks. The case remains closely watched due to its international legal cooperation and the senior political office previously held by the defendant.
Further developments are anticipated as proceedings continue at Southwark Crown Court.
PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR MORE NEWS
