Former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke has denied owning $52.5 million recently repatriated to Nigeria from the U.S.
In a statement by her lawyer, Mike Ozekhome SAN, Diezani clarified that the funds came from the sale of a yacht, Galactica, seized from businessman Kola Aluko, insisting that she was never involved in the yacht’s purchase, use, or sale.
Her legal team also refuted allegations of her involvement in awarding Strategic Alliance Agreements (SAAs) linked to Aluko’s Atlantic Energy and pleaded that the ongoing UK legal proceedings run their course without prejudice.
Ozekhome explained that Diezani’s tenure as Minister of Petroleum Resources did not grant her authority to award contracts, including the controversial Strategic Alliance Agreements (SAAs) associated with Aluko’s Atlantic Energy.
The statement also challenged the broader narrative of Diezani’s alleged misconduct, urging the public to avoid a “trial by media” and allow ongoing UK court proceedings to take their natural course.
The legal team called on critics to refrain from further vilifying Diezani, asserting that the narratives tarnishing her image are “false, defamatory, and intended to humiliate.”
“We humbly pray that those spinning these unfounded stories find better use of their time and allow the law to take its natural course without interference,” the statement concluded.
The repatriated funds, which have now been returned to Nigeria, were initially forfeited as part of the U.S. government’s legal action against Kola Aluko’s assets.
