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UK Probe Finds No Stolen Nigerian Funds Linked to Diezani – Mike Ozekhome

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Diezani Alison-Madueke
Diezani Alison-Madueke

Mike Ozekhome, SAN has dismissed ongoing allegations of corruption against former Petroleum Resources Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke, affirming that UK authorities have found no stolen Nigerian funds linked to her.

In a statement issued on Sunday titled ‘There Is No Such Thing as Diezani Loot’, Ozekhome declared, “The immediate past Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Abdulrasheed Bawa, confirmed to her legal team that no funds belonging to the Federal Government of Nigeria have ever been traced to her.”

Ozekhome emphasized that despite being under investigation by UK authorities since October 2015, Alison-Madueke has not faced charges related to the misappropriation of public funds, even after nearly a decade of scrutiny.

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According to him, the former minister has endured years of baseless allegations, unverified stories, and public vilification without any substantial evidence to back the claims.

“Diezani Alison-Madueke (DAM) continues to suffer relentless defamation and misinformation. Her name is frequently tied to allegations and properties, such as the so-called ‘Galactica Yacht,’ which she neither owned nor even saw,” he explained.

Mike Ozekhome also highlighted court rulings that have cleared individuals and entities linked to the Strategic Alliance Agreement (SAA), citing a Federal High Court decision in Abuja as a significant vindication for his client.

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“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.

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“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.

Ozekhome

Mike Ozekhome

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.

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“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.

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