Ozekhome Dismisses Corruption Allegations Against Diezani Alison-Madueke
Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and legal expert, Professor Mike Ozekhome, has refuted persistent corruption allegations against former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, insisting that no stolen Nigerian funds have been traced to her by UK authorities.
In a statement released on Sunday, titled “There is No Such Thing as Diezani Loot,” Ozekhome clarified that former Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa, had assured Alison-Madueke’s legal team that no evidence linked her to the theft of Nigerian public funds.
He highlighted that despite nearly a decade-long investigation by UK authorities since October 2015, the former minister has not been charged with embezzling government resources.
Claims of Misappropriation Unfounded
Ozekhome argued that the allegations against Alison-Madueke were built on speculation, misinformation, and media trials rather than concrete evidence.
“She has been subjected to continuous defamation and misinformation. Her name is often associated with properties and assets she has no connection to, including the recently publicized ‘Galactica Yacht,’ which she neither owned nor even set eyes on,” he stated.
To strengthen his argument, he referenced a Federal High Court ruling in Abuja, which absolved individuals linked to the Strategic Alliance Agreement (SAA) of any wrongdoing.
“To be clear, the issues concerning the non-payment of cash calls in the Atlantic Energy SAA had no relation to the initial contract award, which followed due process. The challenges arose due to operational implementation and supervision, and Diezani Alison-Madueke had no involvement whatsoever,” he asserted.
He further revealed that in April 2014, upon being alerted by a multinational executive about concerns regarding the Atlantic Energy SAA, Alison-Madueke promptly took action. She informed the then-President, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources (MPR), and the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), directing an urgent two-week investigation.
“Following the investigation, she issued another directive, with the President’s approval, for the immediate recovery of the unpaid cash calls,” Ozekhome added.
Clarification on Yacht Ownership
Addressing reports about the forfeited yacht, Ozekhome emphasized that the vessel belonged to businessman Kola Aluko, who had legitimate contracts with the NNPC. He reiterated that Alison-Madueke’s role as a minister was only to approve contracts that had already undergone the necessary vetting process by the NNPC.
“She merely followed due process, as required by her statutory duties,” he explained.
Health Struggles and Calls for Fair Treatment
Ozekhome also revealed that Alison-Madueke had been battling cancer and underwent chemotherapy shortly before her detention in the UK. Despite her health challenges, he lamented that she has continued to endure public scrutiny and unfounded accusations.
He urged the public to allow the UK legal process to proceed without prejudice, stressing the importance of a fair hearing.
“It is time to stop the vilification of an innocent Nigerian citizen and let the law take its natural course,” he concluded.
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