Abuja: A Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled October 6 to hear a suit filed by former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, contesting the forfeiture of her assets to the Nigerian Federal Government. The case, initiated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), seeks to address the legalities surrounding the asset seizure.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Alison-Madueke’s legal representative, Mr. Godwin Inyinbor, informed the court that the case was set for hearing but mentioned that they had been served with two motions to which they had responded. Meanwhile, EFCC’s counsel, Mr. Mofesomo Oyetibo, noted his first appearance in the case. Presiding over the matter for the first time, Justice Mohammed Umar decided to adjourn the hearing to October 6.
The suit, identified as FHC/ABJ/CS/21/2023, began in 2023 with the applicant requesting an extension to file for an order to overturn the EFCC’s public notice regarding the sale of her assets. Alison-Madueke contends that the forfeiture order was issued without jurisdiction, claiming that she was not granted a fair hearing in the proceedings leading to the order.
Additionally, the former minister seeks to annul the EFCC’s public notice on the sale of her properties, arguing that it infringed on her constitutional right to a fair hearing as outlined in section 36 (1) of the 1999 Constitution. She asserts that she was not served with the charge, proof of evidence, or summons.
In contrast, the EFCC has requested the court to dismiss her application, maintaining that she had been duly brought before the court. The agency asserts that the application for the final forfeiture of her assets was properly executed, adhering to all legal requirements.