Mike Ozekhome, the legal representative for Diezani Alison-Madueke, the former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources, has firmly rejected claims that his client acquired the $52.88 million Galactica assets, including the luxury superyacht at the center of a high-profile forfeiture case.
Ozekhome denounced the allegations as part of a broader campaign of misinformation aimed at tarnishing Alison-Madueke’s reputation.
In a statement issued by Ozekhome, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), he asserted that Alison-Madueke’s name had been unjustly linked to the assets “to sell a false narrative” and to “defame” the former minister. According to Ozekhome, the claims were part of a continuous barrage of falsehoods and deceit designed to undermine Alison-Madueke’s integrity.
The controversy revolves around the forfeiture of luxury assets, including the $52.88 million Galactica yacht, following investigations into money laundering involving Alison-Madueke and her associates. In March 2023, the U.S. Department of Justice finalized the resolution of civil cases related to the assets, which were alleged to have been purchased using illicit proceeds from contracts awarded during Alison-Madueke’s tenure as minister between 2010 and 2015.
Background: The Allegations and Legal Fallout
The U.S. government’s investigation named Nigerian businessman Kola Aluko and Jide Omokore, chairman of Atlantic Energy, as key figures in the case. The U.S. authorities claimed that Alison-Madueke and her associates used proceeds from fraudulent contracts to acquire the Galactica Star, a 65-meter superyacht, along with other high-end real estate in California and New York.
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The case has intensified scrutiny of Alison-Madueke, who has faced multiple corruption-related lawsuits since stepping down from office in 2015. On January 10, 2025, Nigerian and U.S. officials signed an agreement to repatriate the $52.88 million tied to the Galactica assets. Nigerian Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi revealed that $50 million of the recovered funds would be allocated to the World Bank to support rural electrification projects, while the remainder would be used to fund the International Institute for Justice’s efforts to promote rule of law and counter-terrorism initiatives.
Ozekhome’s Response: Galactica Yacht Not Alison-Madueke’s
In his statement, Ozekhome clarified that the Galactica yacht was never owned or used by Alison-Madueke. He emphasized that the yacht was acquired by Kola Aluko, a well-established businessman in the oil and gas industry, well before Alison-Madueke became minister. According to Ozekhome, Alison-Madueke was only involved in the final stage of contract approvals, a standard process in her ministerial duties, and had no direct role in awarding any contracts to Atlantic Energy.
“The only false narrative linking our client to the yacht is the claim that the Strategic Alliance Agreements (SAAs) between Kola Aluko’s Atlantic Energy and NNPC were corruptly awarded during her tenure,” Ozekhome stated. He pointed out that Alison-Madueke, as Minister of Petroleum Resources, did not have the authority to unilaterally award contracts, as NNPC (the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation) was responsible for the initial vetting and due diligence.
Ozekhome also referenced a ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja, which validated the SAAs between NNPC and Atlantic Energy, reinforcing his claim that the agreements were legitimate and not the result of any illicit activity.
Call for Fairness and Legal Integrity
Ozekhome expressed frustration over the ongoing negative portrayal of his client, urging that Alison-Madueke be granted a fair hearing in the face of “unproven” and “ill-motivated” allegations. He appealed for the legal processes in the UK courts to proceed without interference or public prejudice.
“We ask that those responsible for spreading these false, defamatory, and unfounded allegations cease their efforts and allow the law to take its natural course,” Ozekhome said. “Let justice prevail without further interference from those intent on damaging the reputation of our client.”
As the legal battle continues, Ozekhome’s statement emphasizes the importance of due process and the right to a fair trial, while sharply criticizing those who, in his view, seek to harm Alison-Madueke’s reputation based on baseless claims.
