Former Nigerian Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke has been charged with bribery by UK authorities following a probe by the National Crime Agency (NCA).

Alison-Madueke, 63, allegedly accepted illicit payments during her 2010-2015 tenure in exchange for awarding lucrative oil contracts worth millions. She also served a term as President of OPEC.

The NCA investigation found evidence Alison-Madueke received at least £100,000 in cash along with luxury accommodations, flights, designer gifts and other rewards.

Charges claim she benefited from chauffeured vehicles, private jet travel, Cartier jewelry, Louis Vuitton goods, paid bills, and home renovations.

Alison-Madueke, now living in London, will appear at Westminster Magistrates Court next month to answer bribery allegations.

NCA official Andy Kelly said the charges mark a milestone in the complex international probe into corruption. He vowed to continue targeting those who accept illicit benefits at the expense of developing nations.

The NCA has worked closely with Nigerian authorities and an international anti-corruption task force during its inquiry. Millions in suspect assets have already been frozen.

Crown prosecutors authorized NCA investigators to charge Alison-Madueke after reviewing evidence. She maintains the right to a fair trial, but British officials said the charges are an important step.

Rooting out bribery is crucial for Nigeria and other countries where corruption thrives and enables criminal activity, British law enforcement stressed. They pledged to continue collaborating across borders on such cases.