The former minister of petroleum Diezani Alison-Madueke appeared before a London court on Monday as proceedings began ahead of her full trial over bribery allegations linked to her tenure as Nigeria’s oil minister.

The court this week commenced preliminary sessions covering technical issues and jury selection, with Alison-Madueke present.

Alison-Madueke, who served as oil minister from 2010 to 2015, made history as Nigeria’s first female oil minister and the first woman to lead the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries.

The 65-year-old has been on bail since her arrest in London in October 2015 and has pleaded not guilty to six charges.

She was formally charged in 2023 by the UK’s National Crime Agency with offences relating to the alleged acceptance of bribes between 2011 and 2015.

“We suspect Diezani Alison-Madueke abused her power in Nigeria and accepted financial rewards for awarding multi-million-pound contracts,” the NCA said at the time.

According to the indictment, Alison-Madueke allegedly benefitted from at least £100,000 ($134,000) in cash, as well as chauffeur-driven cars, private jet flights, and the use of several London properties.

The charges further allege that Alison-Madueke received financial benefits including furniture, property renovations, staff for her London residences, payment of private school fees, and luxury items from top designer brands such as Louis Vuitton.

Her trial is set to begin on Monday, January 26, and is expected to run for 10 to 12 weeks.

Two others are also facing bribery charges in connection with the case: Doye Agama, who appeared via video link on Monday, and Olatimbo Ayinde, who was present in the courtroom.