Laolu Akande says Diezani Alison-Madueke must come home. The former presidential aide spoke on Channels Television on Friday about her recent London court acquittal.
Akande called the UK ruling "exciting news." But he stressed she still faces serious matters with Nigeria's anti-corruption agency.
"She should come home and get these matters sorted," Akande told Sunrise Daily. He noted the EFCC has already seized much of her property.
According to him, it's time for her to defend herself in Nigerian courts. "Let's see where the pendulum goes," he added.
Alison-Madueke served as Petroleum Minister under Goodluck Jonathan. She left office in 2015 amid multiple corruption investigations at home and abroad.
Nigerian authorities have repeatedly tried to extradite her. The EFCC has also secured court orders forfeiting several of her assets.
Akande argued the London verdict doesn't settle the oil sector questions. Major concerns remain about her time running the petroleum ministry, he insisted.
He pointed to a controversial "strategic alliance" arrangement. Under this deal, the NPDC sold $3 billion worth of crude with zero payment, royalties, or taxes.
"While we were in the Villa, we gathered evidence," Akande recalled. He said it showed Alison-Madueke and two other Nigerians orchestrated the deal.
This occurred when oil sold for over $100 per barrel. Nigeria lost enormous revenue from the transaction, critics have long argued.
Akande stressed the NPDC-private firm agreements faced constant public scrutiny. Experts say these arrangements cost the country substantial sums.
If she truly did nothing wrong, Akande reasoned, she should welcome a Nigerian court hearing. "Come home and defend your name," he urged.
He believes submitting to the EFCC process would clear the air. This could finally resolve one of Nigeria's biggest graft scandals.
The former spokesman maintained that justice requires her appearance in court here. Only Nigerian judges can determine if the allegations hold merit.
