Four prosecution witnesses testify from Nigeria in Diezani's London alleged corruption trial
…two more to testify Thursday The prosecution in the ongoing corruption related trial of former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke before a Southwark Crown Court, United Kingdom (UK) took testimonies from
...two more to testify Thursday
The prosecution in the ongoing corruption related trial of former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke before a Southwark Crown Court, United Kingdom (UK) took testimonies from four witness during a virtual proceeding conducted in a Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday.
The proceeding was conducted before Justice James Omotosho in accordance with an existing Mutual Assistance In Criminal Matters Act, 2018 between Nigeria and the UK.
The proceeding, it was learnt, was at the instance of the UK Central Authorities, requiring witnesses to testify from Nigeria to the UK trial court, where Justice Thornton is presiding.
The case, marked: CS/72/2026, was listed, in the Nigerian court's cause list as: "In the Matter of Application for the Taking of the Evidence of Witnesses in Nigeria Via Video Link for Use in Criminal Proceedings in Accordance with Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act: R vs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, Ayinde Olatimbo Bukola and Agama Doye."
The four witnesses commenced their evidence at about 11am Nigerian time and the Southwark Crown Court judge, the jury and the defendants logged in and participated in the taking of the evidence of the witnesses.
And after taking the evidence of the witnesses, Justice Omotosho adjourned until February 26 for two additional witnesses to testify, begining from 11am Nigerian time
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The ex-minister, who is being prosecuted on corruption-related charges, denied the six charges against her, including five counts of accepting bribes and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery.
All charges are linked to the awarding of oil and gas contracts during her time in office, according to UK authorities and media reports.
British investigators alleged she received at least 100,000 British pounds ($136,525) in cash along with benefits that prosecutors characterise as “financial or other advantages,” including private-jet flights, chauffeur-driven cars, the use and upkeep of London property, luxury goods, and school fees for her son.
The trial, which commenced on Jan. 26 in the UK, is expected to and is expected to last 10 to 12 weeks, and could carry significant penalties if she is convicted.
Under the U.K. Bribery Act, she can face up to 10 years in prison and/or an unlimited fine.
The ex-minister is being prosecuted alongside Doye and Olatimbo.
