Diezani Alison-Madueke, the former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources, has vehemently denied any connection to the recently repatriated $52.8 million from the United States, a sum often referred to in media reports as “Diezani’s loot.” Through her legal representative, Mike Ozekhome (SAN), she asserts that the funds, arising from the forfeiture and subsequent sale of the yacht “Galactica,” rightfully belonged to Nigerian oil magnate Kola Aluko. Ozekhome insists that Alison-Madueke played no role in the acquisition, use, or forfeiture of the vessel and has, in fact, never even seen the yacht. He characterizes the narrative linking her to the funds as a deliberate and malicious campaign of misinformation intended to tarnish her reputation. Ozekhome emphasizes that Aluko, an established businessman, owned and operated the Galactica long before Alison-Madueke assumed her ministerial position.
The returned funds, stemming from a civil forfeiture agreement between the US and Nigerian governments, are earmarked for developmental projects in Nigeria. The US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard M. Mills Jr., confirmed this commitment during the signing of the Asset Return Agreement. However, the narrative surrounding the funds’ origin and alleged connection to Alison-Madueke quickly took hold in the public discourse, perpetuating the notion of “Diezani’s loot.” Ozekhome argues that this narrative is not only inaccurate but also contributes to the unjust persecution of his client, who has yet to be convicted of any crime in any court of law, either in Nigeria or abroad.
Ozekhome highlights the irony of a society that calls for technocrats in government but then readily participates in the public shaming and vilification of those who choose to serve. He claims that Alison-Madueke is a victim of this phenomenon, subjected to a barrage of false accusations and speculative stories over the past decade. He asserts that these narratives are often fabricated by detractors seeking to exploit her situation for reasons unknown to her. Ozekhome stresses the importance of correcting the record and presenting the factual account of the matter, not only for the sake of his client’s reputation but also for the historical record.
The crux of Ozekhome’s argument rests on the established ownership and operation of the Galactica by Kola Aluko. He contends that the yacht’s purchase, use, and eventual forfeiture were solely Aluko’s affairs, with Alison-Madueke having no involvement whatsoever. He points to publicly available information and open sources to support this claim, emphasizing Aluko’s longstanding business career predating Alison-Madueke’s ministerial tenure. The legal representative frames the association of his client with the forfeited funds as a deliberate and malicious attempt to smear her name, exploiting the ongoing public scrutiny she faces.
Ozekhome expresses deep concern over what he describes as a sustained and unwarranted vilification campaign against Alison-Madueke. He questions the fairness of linking her to the forfeited funds without any credible evidence or legal proceedings establishing her guilt. He criticizes the media for perpetuating the “Diezani loot” narrative, which he considers a gross misrepresentation of the facts. He appeals for a more balanced and objective assessment of the situation, urging the public to refrain from rushing to judgment before all the facts are known and legal processes have run their course.
The repatriation of the $52.8 million, while intended for developmental projects, has become entangled in a complex narrative involving allegations of corruption and illicit enrichment. While the Nigerian government welcomes the return of these assets, the controversy surrounding their origin and alleged connection to Alison-Madueke continues to dominate public discourse. Ozekhome’s intervention on behalf of his client serves as a counter-narrative, challenging the prevailing perception and demanding a more rigorous examination of the facts. The legal battle and the public debate surrounding Alison-Madueke’s alleged involvement in various financial improprieties are likely to continue as investigations and legal proceedings unfold.
