Legal luminary, Prof. Mike Ozekhome, SAN, has debunked persistent allegations of corruption against former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, asserting that no stolen Nigerian funds have ever been traced to her by UK authorities.

In a statement released on Sunday titled, ‘There is no such thing as Diezani Loot,’ Ozekhome stated, “The immediate past Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Abdulrasheed Bawa, confirmed to her lawyers that no funds from the coffers of the Federal Government of Nigeria have been found ever stolen by her.”

He said that the former minister, who has been under investigation by UK authorities since October 2015, has not been charged with misappropriating public funds despite nearly a decade of scrutiny.

According to Ozekhome, Alison-Madueke’s prolonged ordeal stems from baseless allegations, unverified narratives, and public vilification rather than concrete evidence.

“DAM (Diezani Alison-Madueke) has continued to face relentless defamation and misinformation. Her name is routinely linked to allegations and properties, like the recent case of the ‘Galactica Yacht,’ which she neither owned nor ever set eyes on,” he said.

Ozekhome referenced court rulings to support his client’s case, particularly a decision by the Federal High Court, Abuja, which cleared parties linked to a Strategic Alliance Agreement (SAA) of wrongdoing.

“Let us be very clear about this: the issues of non-payment of the cash-calls that subsequently arose in the Atlantic Energy SAAs had nothing whatsoever to do with the initial contract award which followed due process and was properly made.

“Those issues arose as a direct result of the manner of operational implementation and supervision and had nothing whatsoever to do with DAM. She was never involved in any way or manner.

“As a matter of fact in April 2014, as soon as she was brought to her attention by an external multinational head that there were some issues regarding the Atlantic Energy SAAs, she immediately took strong and direct action by promptly alerting Mr. President, the Permanent Secretary (PS), of MPR and the GMD-NNPC, in writing, and directed that an immediate two-week investigation be carried out.

“Following the resulting investigative report, DAM again directed in writing to the PS, MPR and the GMD-NNPC, with Mr. President’s knowledge and approval, that a process for the recovery of the unpaid cash-call be immediately put in place,” he said.

He noted that the yacht in question was reportedly forfeited by businessman Kola Aluko, who had valid contracts with the NNPC.

The lawyer emphasised that Alison-Madueke’s role as minister was limited to endorsing contracts already vetted by the NNPC, adding, “She merely followed due process as required by her statutory duties.”

Ozekhome also shed light on the former minister’s health struggles, revealing that she underwent chemotherapy for cancer shortly before being detained in the UK.

“Despite battling for her life and surviving on goodwill from friends and family, she has faced unrelenting public scrutiny and baseless accusations,” he lamented.

The senior advocate called on the public to allow the UK legal process to take its course without interference or prejudice, stressing the importance of fair hearing.

“Let the law take its natural course. It is time to stop the vilification of an innocent Nigerian citizen,” he added.

The Federal Government has received $52.88 million in recovered assets linked to a former Minister of Petroleum, Diezani Alison-Madueke, from the United States of America.

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, disclosed this during the formal signing ceremony of the asset agreement between Nigeria and the United States in Abuja on Friday.

In his remarks, Fagbemi, according to Channels TV reports, explained that $50 million of the recovered assets would be deployed through the World Bank for the development of rural electrification projects, while the remaining $2 million would be used by the International Institute of Justice to expand the justice system and combat corruption.

Speaking further, Fagbemi noted that the asset return marks a milestone in the ongoing collaboration between Nigeria and the USA to combat corruption and uphold the rule of law.

He also described the event as a significant step by President Bola Tinubu in addressing corruption.

Meanwhile, the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, in his remarks, called for effective monitoring and utilisation of the recovered assets by the Ministry of Justice to ensure they benefit Nigerians.

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The Nigerian government has received $52.88m recovered Galactica assets, linked to former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, from the United States.

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, disclosed this at the formal signing ceremony of the asset agreement between Nigeria and the United States of America in Abuja on Friday.

Delivering his remarks, Fagbemi explained that $50m of the recovered assets will be deployed through the World Bank for the rural electrification projects and the remaining $2m will be deployed to the International Institute of Justice to expand the justice system and also counter corruption.

Fagbemi also noted that the recovered assets marked a milestone in the ongoing collaboration between Nigeria and America in combating corruption and upholding the rule of law.

He said the event was also a significant effort by President Bola Tinubu to address the issue of corruption.

The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, emphasised the importance of monitoring and effectively utilising the recovered assets by the Ministry of Justice to benefit the Nigerian people.