Abuja, Nigeria — The Federal High Court in Abuja has approved an application by former Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke to amend her legal challenge against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the final forfeiture of her assets.
Justice Inyang Ekwo granted the request following a motion by Godwin Inyinbor, counsel to Alison-Madueke, which was unopposed by EFCC’s lawyer, Divine Oguru. The court directed the former minister to submit the amended suit within five days, while the EFCC has 14 days to respond. The case was adjourned to March 17 for further mention.
Alison-Madueke is contesting the EFCC’s public notice announcing the sale of her confiscated properties, arguing that the forfeiture orders were issued without proper jurisdiction. In a motion filed on January 6, 2023, she asserted that she was denied a fair hearing, as she was not served with charges nor given an opportunity to defend herself.
“The forfeiture orders were obtained in violation of my fundamental rights as guaranteed under Section 36(1) of the 1999 Constitution,” she stated. Alison-Madueke further alleged that the EFCC misled the courts by withholding critical information to secure the forfeiture orders.
In response, EFCC investigator Rufus Zaki urged the court to dismiss her application, maintaining that investigations had confirmed her involvement in financial crimes. The EFCC argued that the forfeiture process followed due legal procedures, including public notices inviting objections before final rulings were made.
Zaki also disclosed that the confiscated properties had already been disposed of in compliance with court directives. He referenced a previous representation by Nnamdi Awa Kalu, who acted on Alison-Madueke’s behalf in an earlier forfeiture case.
The EFCC, under former chairman Abdulrasheed Bawa, had announced plans to auction assets linked to Alison-Madueke from January 9, 2023, stating that the agency recovered $153 million and over 80 properties from her alleged illicit dealings.
Alison-Madueke, who served as Minister of Petroleum from 2010 to 2015 under President Goodluck Jonathan, has been residing in the United Kingdom since leaving office.
The court proceedings continue as legal battles over the forfeited assets unfold.
By Taiwo Olatinwo | February 18, 2025
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