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.

Polytechnic workers in the country have announced a three-day warning strike from Wednesday, January 22 to Friday, January 24, 2025.

The workers, under the aegis of the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnic (SSANIP), accused the authorities of marginalisation of non-teaching staff members and denial of their deserved career progression.

In a letter dated January 14, 2025, and addressed to the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, the union’s secretary Nura Gaya said the warning strike has become imperative to “emphasise our position concerning the ongoing plot by certain stakeholders to unjustly deprive Non-Teaching Staff of Polytechnics and Similar Institutions of their rightful progression to the peak of their careers on CONTEDISS 15 on the ongoing redrafting of the Polytechnic Schemes of Service”.

The letter further said, “SSANIP has consistently championed the cause of equity and justice within the Polytechnic system and has repeatedly called for the implementation of career progression policies that accommodate both Teaching and Non-Teaching Staff.

“Regrettably, our previous engagements with relevant authorities have yielded little to no tangible results, and the current machinations against Non-Teaching Staff represents a direct affront to these efforts.

“This strike is, therefore, a warning to underscore the seriousness of our grievances and our unwavering commitment to ensuring that Non-Teaching Staff are not marginalized or denied their deserved career progression which if heeded will not in any way be a deprivation to the Teaching Staff as both category of workers have distinct salary structure.

“We implore your office to take urgent and decisive steps to address this issue and forestall any further escalation.

“We remain open to constructive dialogue and hope that this matter will be resolved amicably to avert further disruptions in the Polytechnic system.”

By Olasunbo Abolaji

In the light of recent news reports, Dr. Oba Otudeko categorically refutes the claims concerning his role in FBN Holdings and will aggressively defend his reputation.

Dr Oba Otudeko is a builder and one of Nigeria’s foremost investors and industrialists. He has built directly from scratch and has worked with others to build many of Nigeria’s most successful companies. This includes FBN Holdings, where he served as a director (then Chairman) from 1997 to 2021 and was instrumental in supporting the transformation of the bank from an old generation bank to its current leadership role as a pan-African financial services holding company.

With regards to the reported claims, Dr Oba Otudeko would like to clarify that he has never served in an executive capacity within FBN Holdings and its banking subsidiary, First Bank of Nigeria Limited and as such has had no operational responsibility in the organisation.

As of this moment, he has received no official summons, neither has his legal team received any official invitation from relevant authorities. As he has done in the past, Dr Oba Otudeko is always ready and available to assist any government agency with appropriate oversight in the execution of their duties, with the expectation that these affairs will be conducted with the highest standard of professionalism.

While we respect the role of the press in keeping the public informed, we urge journalists to verify such sensitive information before publication to ensure accuracy and fairness.

At 81, after 5 decades of contributions to the growth of Nigeria’s economy, Dr Oba Otudeko is now focused on mentoring the next generation of business leaders and contributing to the positive development of society through enterprise.

He is not interested in serving in an executive capacity in any organization in Nigeria or elsewhere, neither is he interested in serving in a non-executive capacity on any board asides those he currently sits on. This includes any possibility of returning to the board of FBN Holdings Plc, which appears to be the focus of the recent unfortunate news barrage. FBN Holdings, a legacy institution built over 130 years, holds a special place in Dr. Otudeko’s heart. He trusts this strong foundation to guide the institution into the next era of success.

Dr. Oba Otudeko is confident that the truth will prevail in due course and looks forward to addressing these claims in the appropriate forum.


** Abolaji is
General Counsel, Honeywell Group