“It Belongs To Kola Aluko!” – Diezani Alison-Madueke Denies Links To Repatriated $52.8M “Loot”
Former Nigerian Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke has denied any connection to the $52.8 million recently repatriated to Nigeria from the United States, dismissing media reports labeling the funds as “Diezani loot.”
Through her lawyer, Prof. Mike Ozekhome, SAN, Alison-Madueke clarified that the funds originated from the sale of a yacht owned by Nigerian oil magnate Kola Aluko, seized and forfeited to the U.S. government.
In a statement issued on Sunday titled “There is No Such Thing as Diezani Loot,” Alison-Madueke’s legal team expressed concerns over what they described as a decade-long campaign of misinformation.
“The $52.8 million linked to the sale of the yacht Galactica belongs to Kola Aluko, not Diezani Alison-Madueke. She neither owned nor used the vessel and has never even seen it,” Ozekhome stated.
The former minister emphasized that the allegations connecting her to the funds are based on speculative and defamatory narratives. She argued that linking her to Aluko’s business dealings, including contracts involving the Strategic Alliance Agreements (SAAs), is unfounded, as she was not in a position to award such agreements.
Ozekhome criticized the ongoing vilification of Alison-Madueke, describing it as an unjust “name-and-shame” campaign. He urged the public to allow the UK court proceedings involving Alison-Madueke to proceed without prejudice, reiterating her right to a fair hearing.
“We appeal for restraint and implore those perpetuating false narratives to cease their defamatory and baseless attacks. Let the law take its natural course,” the statement concluded.
Alison-Madueke, who served as Petroleum Minister under former President Goodluck Jonathan, has faced several allegations of corruption and financial misconduct. She has been residing in the United Kingdom, where she is also undergoing legal proceedings.
The repatriated $52.8 million is part of efforts by the Nigerian government to recover funds allegedly misappropriated during her tenure. However, Alison-Madueke’s legal team has consistently maintained her innocence, denying any involvement in the misuse of public funds.
The case continues to generate widespread attention as the former minister seeks to clear her name amidst ongoing legal battles.
