Bunady
Diezani Alison-Madueke denies ties to $52.8 million repatriated from the U.S., claiming the funds were linked to businessman Kola Aluko’s seized yacht. Her lawyer, Mike Ozekhome, refuted allegations of financial misconduct, urging fair treatment and transparency as the former minister faces ongoing corruption accusations in Nigeria and abroad....TAP TO READ THE FULL CONTENT | TAP TO READ THE FULL CONTENT
Diezani Alison-Madueke, the former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources, has responded to allegations regarding the repatriation of $52.8 million from the United States. According to her legal team, the funds, which were linked to a seized luxury yacht, actually belonged to Nigerian businessman Kola Aluko, not Diezani.
The yacht, named Galactica, was confiscated by U.S. authorities from Aluko and later sold, with the proceeds returned to Nigeria. Diezani’s lawyers, led by Professor Mike Ozekhome, clarified that she had no involvement in the yacht’s purchase, use, or sale. They claimed that the association between her and the funds was based on misinformation.
The legal representatives also refuted claims that Diezani had any role in awarding oil contracts to companies connected to Aluko, a matter that some critics have wrongly connected to her. Ozekhome expressed concern over the media’s portrayal of Diezani, stressing that no court had found her guilty of any wrongdoing.
This development has intensified debates over the accountability of public officials and the management of funds linked to alleged corruption. Diezani’s legal team has called for an end to the spread of false information, urging respect for the ongoing legal processes. The case is still under investigation, with legal proceedings continuing in both Nigeria and the UK.
