Accusations of corruption always get people talking because they make us question whether we can trust those in charge.
That’s why it’s so important to separate the truth from rumours and get the full story.
This story of corruption hanging on a former petroleum minister in Nigeria is drawing so much attention.
A former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has directly refuted claims linking her to the $52.8 million recently returned to Nigeria from the United States.
To address these allegations, Diezani, through her legal representative Mike Ozekhome (SAN), categorically dismissed any connection to the funds.
On Sunday in Abuja, Ozekhome issued a statement, where he clarified that the former minister does not own the funds.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government announced that the U.S. government had returned $52.88 million, which was reportedly linked to Diezani.
According to officials, the money was allegedly recovered from the sale of assets connected to the former minister and her associates.
Diezani Legal Rep Dismisses Allegation
However, speaking on Diezani’s behalf, Ozekhome stated that the funds had no connection to her and, instead, belong to Nigerian businessman Kola Aluko.
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Furthermore, he explained that Aluko sold a seized vessel, and the proceeds were sent to Nigeria.
He then described the narrative branding the funds as “Diezani’s loot” as both misleading and inaccurate, emphasising that Diezani had no involvement with the forfeited assets.
Additionally, Ozekhome remarked tha “as Diezani Alison-Madueke’s legal representatives, we fully understand her ongoing legal matters in Nigeria and abroad.
“Over the past decade, her opponents have continued to spread numerous falsehoods and unfounded allegations about her cases”.
Furthermore, he criticised the public for continuously vilifying Diezani, asserting that no court of law in Nigeria or abroad has found her guilty of any crime.
He also added that claims linking her to the $52.8 million forfeiture are baseless since the yacht tied to the funds belongs to Kola Aluko.
Owner Of Alleged Yacht
In particular, he clarified, “Kola Aluko purchased and used the yacht Galactica before agreeing to its forfeiture to the U.S. government. Diezani never owned, used, or even saw the vessel”.
Moreover, Ozekhome insisted that false narratives and misinformation were fueling the campaign to tarnish Diezani’s reputation and urged the public to reject such claims.
Finally, he concluded by expressing concern about the persecution of individuals who have served in governance, describing the allegations against Diezani as unjust and baseless.