A Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Inyang Ekwo, has adjourned until February 17, 2025, the hearing of a motion filed by former Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke. The motion seeks to amend the originating process in her legal battle with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Represented by her counsel, Professor Mike Ozekhome (SAN), Alison-Madueke filed a suit (FHC/ABJ/CS/21/2023), requesting an extension of time to apply for an order setting aside the EFCC’s public notice on the sale of her forfeited assets.
In her application, she argued that the forfeiture orders were granted without jurisdiction and violated her constitutional right to a fair hearing under Section 36(1) of the 1999 Constitution. “The various court orders issued in favour of the respondent and upon which the public notice was issued were made in breach of my right to a fair hearing,” she claimed.
Allegations Against EFCC
Alison-Madueke further alleged that the EFCC misled the courts by suppressing or failing to disclose critical information. She argued that she was neither served with the charge sheet, proof of evidence, nor any summons regarding the criminal charges against her. “I was not granted the opportunity to defend myself before the orders for forfeiture were made,” she added.
The former minister also maintained that the asset forfeiture orders violated her constitutional right to property.
EFCC’s Response
Detective Rufai Zaki, representing the EFCC, countered Alison-Madueke’s claims, urging the court to dismiss her application. He asserted that the forfeiture orders were lawfully obtained and that due process was followed in disposing of the assets.
“The properties in question were disposed of following a court order issued in 2017, which has not been overturned on appeal,” Zaki said. He also emphasized that the EFCC’s actions, including the auctioning of the assets, were part of its mandate to recover proceeds of crime.
Adjournment
During Thursday’s proceedings, Alison-Madueke’s lawyer, Godwin Iyinbor, informed the court of their intent to amend the application challenging the forfeiture. However, no representative from the EFCC was present in court.
Justice Ekwo confirmed that the EFCC had served the required documents to the applicant’s counsel and subsequently adjourned the hearing to February 17, 2025.
