Alleged link with Alison-Madueke: Aiteo Group heads to court

In its quest to exonerate itself of alleged link with former
Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, the
management of Aiteo Group has engaged the services of a London law
firm Mishcon de Reya and Washington’s Covington & Burling to
lead ongoing efforts to address politically-motivated issues.

A statement released by Benedict Peters, Aiteo Executive Vice
Chairman informed that the firm took the decision in order to clear
the air on the unfounded allegations.

In the statement which read in part, Peters said: “I maintain my
position that all the allegations are baseless and without any
truth whatsoever. These unfounded allegations have caused untold
disruption to my family and my business. To ensure that we remain
focused, I have engaged two of the world’s leading law firms to
offer both counsel and guidance in dealing with these issues.

“There is a toxic culture of politically motivated witch-hunts
that stains reputations, stifles enterprise and keeps foreign
investors away from our country. For two years, I have suffered
malicious, unfounded and false allegations hanging over my
head.

“This persecution is being pursued to diminish the visible
endeavours to position our business, and Nigeria, at the apex of
the energy industry worldwide. Despite these distractions, I remain
focused on the efforts to sustain Aiteo’s growth towards becoming
Nigeria’s leading indigenous oil producer. It is time to address
the situation and so I have decided that I must take direct legal
and other action to clear my name.”

Aiteo Group, founded in 1999, is a leading indigenous Nigerian
oil producer headquartered in Lagos.

Alison-Madueke is being tried over allegations of enriching
herself with oil proceeds working with accomplices and partners
both locally and internationally.

In its quest to exonerate itself of alleged link with former
Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, the
management of Aiteo Group has engaged the services of a London law
firm Mishcon de Reya and Washington’s Covington & Burling to
lead ongoing efforts to address politically-motivated
issues.

A statement released by Benedict Peters, Aiteo Executive Vice
Chairman informed that the firm took the decision in order to clear
the air on the unfounded allegations.

In the statement which read in part, Peters said: “I maintain my
position that all the allegations are baseless and without any
truth whatsoever. These unfounded allegations have caused untold
disruption to my family and my business. To ensure that we remain
focused, I have engaged two of the world’s leading law firms to
offer both counsel and guidance in dealing with these issues.

“There is a toxic culture of politically motivated witch-hunts
that stains reputations, stifles enterprise and keeps foreign
investors away from our country. For two years, I have suffered
malicious, unfounded and false allegations hanging over my
head.

“This persecution is being pursued to diminish the visible
endeavours to position our business, and Nigeria, at the apex of
the energy industry worldwide. Despite these distractions, I remain
focused on the efforts to sustain Aiteo’s growth towards becoming
Nigeria’s leading indigenous oil producer. It is time to address
the situation and so I have decided that I must take direct legal
and other action to clear my name.”

Aiteo Group, founded in 1999, is a leading indigenous Nigerian
oil producer headquartered in Lagos.

Alison-Madueke is being tried over allegations of enriching
herself with oil proceeds working with accomplices and partners
both locally and internationally.