Fresh twists emerged in the high-profile corruption trial of former Nigerian oil minister Diezani Alison-Madueke, after proceedings in a London court were abruptly stalled by an unexpected culprit — no internet connection.
The drama unfolded on Monday at Southwark Crown Court, where prosecutors were set to deliver their opening statement. Just as the case was about to properly kick off, the prosecution informed Justice Thornton that a technical failure had knocked out internet access in Court 4, making it impossible to proceed as planned.
As a result, the session came to a standstill, with no real progress made. The court was forced to adjourn proceedings until Tuesday, when prosecutors are expected to finally lay out their case.
Diezani, now 65, arrived and left the courtroom dressed in blue trousers and using a walking stick — a detail that caught attention, though no explanation was offered for the mobility aid. She is standing trial alongside two co-defendants, facing multiple corruption-related charges.
The former petroleum minister, who served between 2010 and 2015 under ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, has pleaded not guilty to all allegations. Despite her historic role as Nigeria’s first female petroleum minister and the first woman to lead OPEC, her legacy remains clouded by years of corruption claims.
British authorities first arrested her in October 2015, and she has remained on bail ever since. In 2023, the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) formally charged her, alleging she received massive bribes between 2011 and 2015 in exchange for influence over oil contracts.
According to investigators, the alleged benefits went far beyond cash — including luxury London properties, private jet trips, chauffeur-driven cars, designer goods, lavish renovations, household staff, and even private school fees.
Prosecutors are expected to argue that these perks were inducements tied to Nigeria’s oil sector — an industry worth billions of dollars annually.
The trial, projected to last 10 to 12 weeks, will feature financial trails, property deals, and witness testimonies. Two other defendants — Doye Agama (appearing virtually) and Olatimbo Ayinde (present in court) — are also battling bribery charges.
For now, the blockbuster trial is on pause — not because of legal arguments, but because the Wi-Fi didn’t show up. ⚖️📡
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