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“$52.8 Million Loot , Not Mine ” Diezani Breaks Silence.

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The former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke,  denies any connection to the $52.8 million alleged Loot recently repatriated from the United States to Nigeria, claiming the funds belong to Nigerian oil magnate Kola Aluko. Her denial comes amidst ongoing public debate about the origins of the funds and her alleged involvement.

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), announced On January 10, 2025, The recovery during a signing ceremony in Abuja.

He disclosed that $50 million of the funds would be allocated to rural electrification projects through the World Bank, while $2.88 million would support judicial reforms and anti-corruption efforts. The recovered funds were immediately linked to Alison-Madueke, drawing fresh controversy to the former minister’s already embattled name.

Diezani Alison-Madueke addressing allegations of corruption and ownership of $52.8M recovered funds.

Former minister and kola aluko

However, in a statement issued through her lawyer, Mike Ozekhome (SAN), Alison-Madueke rejected the characterization of the funds as “Diezani Loot.” She insisted that the money originated from the sale of a luxury yacht, Galactica Star, forfeited to U.S. authorities by Kola Aluko. The lawyer clarified that his client had no ownership or association with the vessel, stressing that she had never even seen it.

Diezani Alison-Madueke addressing allegations of corruption and ownership of $52.8M recovered funds.

Kola aluko’s auctioned Superyacht Galactica Star

Ozekhome expressed deep concern over the public’s rush to vilify Alison-Madueke, describing the years-long allegations against her as a “cocktail of lies and misinformation.” He argued that public officials, particularly technocrats like his client, are often unfairly targeted and subjected to baseless accusations.

He emphasized that many of the narratives surrounding Alison-Madueke’s tenure as Petroleum Minister have been skewed, stating that she did not oversee the agreements allegedly tied to Aluko’s business dealings. According to him, Aluko was an established businessman before Alison-Madueke assumed office, and she had no role in awarding contracts to his company.

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The lawyer appealed for fairness, urging that ongoing legal proceedings in the UK be allowed to run their natural course without prejudice. He called for Nigerians to give Alison-Madueke the benefit of a fair hearing, pointing out that she has not been convicted of any crime in any jurisdiction.

The recovery of the $52.8 million marks another milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to reclaim looted funds, but the controversy surrounding Alison-Madueke’s alleged involvement highlights the challenges of distinguishing between fact and speculation. For Alison-Madueke, the case represents more than legal battles; it is a fight to restore her name and counter a decade-long narrative that has defined her public image.

As the legal process unfolds, Alison-Madueke’s story remains a reminder of the human cost of public service in Nigeria, where perceptions often overshadow due process.

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