Former Petroleum Resources Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke has strongly refuted allegations linking her to $52.8 million recently repatriated to Nigeria from the United States. The funds, derived from the sale of a seized luxury yacht, were falsely attributed to her, she claims.
In a statement released through her lawyer, Professor Mike Ozekhome (SAN), Alison-Madueke described the accusations as part of an orchestrated campaign to tarnish her reputation. “This is a clear example of the mischievous and cruel sport of tarnishing the image of the lady through a bouquet of consistent, persistent, and unrelenting cocktail of falsehoods and misinformation,” the statement read.
The $52.8 Million Question
The funds in question stemmed from the forfeiture and subsequent sale of the yacht Galactica Star, which was owned by Nigerian oil magnate Kola Aluko. Aluko, a controversial figure implicated in several financial scandals, reportedly acquired the luxury vessel before forfeiting it to U.S. authorities as part of an asset recovery process.
According to Alison-Madueke, the funds from the yacht’s sale were repatriated to Nigeria but have no connection to her. “The yacht Galactica Star, from information readily available in the public domain, was purchased by Mr. Kola Aluko who had used the vessel until he agreed to its forfeiture to the United States of America,” the statement clarified.
She emphasized that she had no involvement in the purchase, use, or eventual sale of the yacht.
Reputation Under Siege
Diezani Alison-Madueke has been a lightning rod for controversy since her tenure as Petroleum Resources Minister under the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. Multiple allegations of corruption, including claims of embezzlement, bribery, and mismanagement of public funds, have dogged her.
Although she has consistently denied wrongdoing, her name has often been associated with major corruption scandals in Nigeria’s oil sector. The latest accusation, which refers to the $52.8 million as “Diezani loot,” seems to have been the final straw for the former minister.
“Nothing of the sort ever happened,” she insisted. “The purveyors of this line of misinformation term it ‘name-and-shame.’ To sell the storyline, the architects ensured they attached my name to a recovered yacht which is not in any way linked to me.”
The Man Behind the Yacht
Kola Aluko, the alleged owner of the yacht, has a history of legal and financial troubles. Once a prominent figure in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, he became a fugitive after being implicated in a multi-billion-dollar money-laundering scheme. The Galactica Star, one of the world’s most luxurious yachts, was among the assets seized by authorities during investigations into his activities.
Reports indicate that the yacht, valued at over $80 million, was sold by the U.S. government, with proceeds sent back to Nigeria as part of international asset recovery efforts.
The Bigger Picture
This incident highlights ongoing efforts by the Nigerian government to recover stolen assets and repatriate funds linked to corruption. Since 2015, Nigeria has intensified its anti-corruption drive, securing the return of millions of dollars in stolen assets from foreign jurisdictions.
However, cases like this also underscore the controversies and complexities surrounding asset recovery efforts. Public figures, including Alison-Madueke, often find themselves caught in the crossfire of accusations, some of which are later debunked.
Diezani’s Plea
In her statement, Alison-Madueke urged critics and the media to cease spreading defamatory narratives about her. “I advise those peddling unfounded, defamatory information and indefensible narratives about me to find better use of their time and leave me alone,” she said.
Her legal counsel, Prof. Ozekhome, warned against the dangers of misinformation, describing the allegations as part of a broader campaign to discredit the former minister.
“This is not the first time baseless accusations have been leveled against her,” Ozekhome noted. “Such falsehoods not only damage her reputation but also undermine public trust in genuine efforts to combat corruption.”
Public Reaction
The public remains divided over Alison-Madueke’s statement. While some have called for thorough investigations to verify her claims, others remain skeptical of her denials, given her controversial track record.
“Every time there’s a new recovery, her name pops up,” said social commentator Chinedu Okonkwo. “Whether it’s fair or not, this pattern raises questions.”
On the other hand, human rights lawyer Tunde Falana believes the former minister deserves a fair hearing. “We cannot convict someone in the court of public opinion without evidence. Let’s focus on the facts,” he said.
A History of Allegations
This is not the first time Alison-Madueke has been accused of involvement in high-profile financial scandals. In 2020, she was accused of misappropriating billions of naira in public funds during her tenure as minister. She has also faced allegations of owning luxury properties and other assets reportedly acquired through illicit means.
