The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled June 30, 2025, to hear a suit filed by former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, challenging the forfeiture and sale of her assets by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
During proceedings on Friday, Diezani was represented by Godwin Iyinbor, from the chambers of Mike Ozekhome (SAN), while the EFCC was not present in court. Iyinbor reminded the presiding judge, Justice Musa Umar, that Justice Inyang Ekwo, who initially handled the case, had warned that any party delaying the hearing would be penalized with costs.
Justice Umar, however, clarified that the caution came from his predecessor, not himself. He then ordered that hearing notices be served to the EFCC and adjourned the matter to June 30.
Background of the Legal Dispute
The legal dispute, which began in 2023, is marked FHC/ABJ/CS/21/2023. Diezani is asking the court to:
-
Extend the time to file an application to set aside the EFCC’s public notice announcing the sale of her forfeited assets.
-
Declare the EFCC’s asset forfeiture and public notice invalid on the grounds of lack of jurisdiction and denial of fair hearing.
In her filing, the former minister argued that the orders granting the forfeiture were made without her knowledge, and that she was never served with the charge sheet, proof of evidence, or court summons.
She also claims the EFCC misled the court into granting the forfeiture orders by suppressing key information, thereby violating her constitutional rights under Section 36(1) of the 1999 Constitution.
EFCC’s Response
The EFCC, in its counter-argument, has urged the court to dismiss Diezani’s application, maintaining that:
-
The forfeiture proceedings were lawful and in full compliance with due process.
-
Diezani was properly brought before the court, and the public notice of sale was carried out following a valid 2017 court order.
-
The said court order had not been overturned on appeal, and the properties have since been disposed of legally.
What’s Next
With both parties preparing to defend their positions, the upcoming June 30 hearing promises to be a pivotal moment in one of Nigeria’s most high-profile corruption cases. The court’s decision may determine whether Diezani regains control over her seized assets or if the EFCC’s actions remain upheld by the judiciary.
