Diezani’s Bid To Recover Seized Assets Delayed As New Lawyer Seeks More Time

The legal battle involving former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, over her attempt to recover assets forfeited to the Federal Government has been adjourned until January 26, 2027, after her newly appointed lawyer requested more time to study the case.

The matter came up for mention on Wednesday before Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja but could not proceed after Alison-Madueke’s new counsel, Eko-Ejembi Eko (SAN), asked the court for an adjournment.

Eko, while announcing his appearance, informed the court that he was newly assigned to the case and needed adequate time to familiarise himself with the court documents before taking further steps.

Counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Paul Mgbeoma, did not oppose the application.

Alison-Madueke is asking the court to compel the EFCC to recover properties seized from her and allegedly sold to individuals and corporate organisations by the anti-graft agency.

In her amended suit, the former minister is also seeking an order setting aside the EFCC’s public notice announcing the auction of her properties, as well as the subsequent sales conducted by the commission.

The EFCC had earlier announced that the auction of the properties would take place between January 9 and 13, 2023.

Dissatisfied with the proposed auction, Alison-Madueke approached the court in a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/21/2023, with the EFCC listed as the sole respondent.

In the originating motion filed on January 6, 2023, she sought an extension of time to obtain permission to challenge the commission’s public notice and its planned sale of the seized properties.

The latest development comes months after Justice Ekwo granted the former minister permission to present evidence relating to her acquittal by the Southwark Crown Court in London, United Kingdom.

However, the EFCC opposed the application, arguing that the decision of the British court was not relevant to the issues being considered by the Nigerian court.

In a further counter-affidavit, the commission urged Justice Ekwo to reject Alison-Madueke’s request to introduce evidence of her London acquittal.

The case is expected to resume on January 26, 2027, when the parties will return to court for further proceedings.

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