Renowned legal luminary, Prof. Mike Ozekhome, SAN, has dismissed allegations of corruption against former Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke, asserting that no stolen Nigerian funds have been traced to her by UK authorities.
In a statement on Sunday titled "There is no such thing as Diezani Loot", Ozekhome highlighted that despite almost a decade of investigations by UK authorities, Alison-Madueke has not been charged with embezzling public funds.
“The immediate past Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Abdulrasheed Bawa, confirmed to her lawyers that no funds from the Federal Government have been found stolen by her,” Ozekhome stated.
He criticized the vilification of the former minister, emphasizing that narratives linking her to properties like the Galactica Yacht are unfounded. He further referenced court rulings, such as the Federal High Court, Abuja, which cleared related parties of wrongdoing.
Ozekhome revealed that Alison-Madueke had taken proactive measures during her tenure to address concerns, including directing investigations into the Strategic Alliance Agreement (SAA) and initiating recovery efforts for unpaid cash calls.
He also shed light on her health struggles, noting she underwent chemotherapy for cancer prior to her detention in the UK.
Calling for an end to the public trial, Ozekhome urged respect for due process. “Let the law take its natural course. It is time to stop the vilification of an innocent Nigerian citizen,” he concluded.
