Four witnesses testified via video link on Wednesday in the Federal High Court in Abuja during the trial of Diezani Alison-Madueke, Nigeria's former Minister of Petroleum, being held at Southwark Crown Court in the United Kingdom.
The remote hearing was overseen by Justice James Omotosho, in compliance with the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act of 2018 and other applicable regulations.
The hearing was prompted by a request from UK Central Authorities for Nigerian witnesses to appear before the trial court, presided over by Justice Thornton.
As reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the case, referenced as CS/72/2026, falls under the application for evidence collection from witnesses in Nigeria for use in criminal proceedings, as per the provisions of the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act.
The four witnesses, whose identities were withheld, commenced their testimonies at around 11 a.m. Nigerian time. Participants in the session included the judge, jury, and defendants logging into the platform from the UK.
After the completion of their testimonies, Justice Omotosho adjourned the session until Thursday, to hear from two additional witnesses, also at 11 a.m. Nigerian time.
According to NAN, Mrs. Alison-Madueke, who served from 2010 until 2015, was Nigeria's first female Petroleum Minister and also the first female president of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) between 2014 and 2015.
At 65 years old, she has been on bail since her initial arrest in London in October 2015.
Furthermore, the ex-minister, facing charges related to corruption, denies all allegations against her, which include five counts of accepting bribes and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery. These charges are linked to contracts awarded in the oil and gas sector during her term.
UK investigators have claimed that she received over £100,000 in cash and benefits categorized as “financial or other advantages,” such as flights on private jets, chauffeur services, maintenance of properties in London, luxury items, and her son’s school fees.
The trial, which began on January 26 in the UK, is anticipated to last between 10 to 12 weeks, with potentially severe penalties upon conviction.
Under the UK Bribery Act, Alison-Madueke could face a maximum of ten years in prison and/or an unlimited fine.
She is currently co-defendant alongside individuals identified as Doye and Olatimbo.
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