Former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has strongly refuted allegations linking her to the $52.8 million recently repatriated to Nigeria from the United States. Through her legal representative, Prof. Mike Ozekhome SAN, the former minister clarified that the funds originated from the sale of a yacht owned by Nigerian oil magnate Kola Aluko, and not from her personal dealings.
Setting the Record Straight
In a detailed statement issued by her legal team on Sunday, Alison-Madueke asserted that she had no involvement in the forfeiture or ownership of the funds. The statement, titled “There is No Such Thing as Diezani Loot,” emphasized that the yacht in question, Galactica Star, was purchased, used, and forfeited by Aluko, who agreed to its seizure by the United States government. The proceeds from the vessel’s sale were subsequently returned to Nigeria.
Addressing Public Misconceptions
Her legal counsel described the widespread narratives connecting her to the repatriated funds as baseless and defamatory. The statement pointed out that:
- The allegations are rooted in misinformation and speculation.
- Diezani Alison-Madueke had no role in awarding the Strategic Alliance Agreements (SAAs) between Atlantic Energy, owned by Kola Aluko and Jide Omokore, and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
- The former minister was not the Group Managing Director (GMD) of NNPC and, therefore, could not have influenced such agreements.
A Call for Fair Hearing
The statement also criticized the vilification of Alison-Madueke, stressing that she has not been tried or found guilty of any offense by any court in Nigeria or abroad. It appealed for:
- Fair hearing in ongoing legal proceedings in the United Kingdom.
- An end to the “consistent and unrelenting cocktail of falsehoods” aimed at tarnishing her reputation.
Key Excerpts from the Statement
- “Many of the narratives are outrightly false; some others sheer outlandish speculations; and most, simply bizarre stories cooked up by her traducers.”
- “The yacht Galactica Star was neither owned nor ever used by our client.”
- “We humbly plead that the law be allowed to take its natural course without interference.”
Conclusion
Diezani Alison-Madueke’s legal team reiterated their commitment to defending her innocence while urging the public and media to refrain from perpetuating unfounded claims. As legal proceedings continue, they emphasized the importance of allowing due process to prevail without undue influence or prejudice.
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