Bangladesh, Jan. 27 -- The United Kingdom has formally opened a landmark bribery trial against former Nigerian petroleum minister Diezani Alison-Madueke, marking a significant development in one of the most high-profile international corruption cases linked to Nigerias oil and gas sector. Proceedings began on January 26 at Southwark Crown Court in London, with substantive hearings expected to intensify as prosecutors lay out allegations that the former minister abused her public office to receive illicit payments and luxury benefits in exchange for influencing the award of lucrative oil and gas contracts.

British investigators have described the case as a major step forward in a long-running, multi-jurisdictional corruption probe involvi...