Ex-Petroleum Minister's LawSuit Against EFCC for Asset Forfeiture Faces Delay in Court

Legal battle involving former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum, Diezani Alison-Madueke, on Monday faced another delay at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The case, which challenges the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission's (EFCC) order for the final forfeiture of her seized assets, was stalled because Justice Inyang Ekwo was attending a seminar at the National Judicial Institute. Consequently, the hearing was rescheduled for November 21.

Diezani Alison-Madueke, through her counsel Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, filed the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/21/2023, seeking to overturn the EFCC's public notice for a public sale of her property. She argued that the orders were made without jurisdiction and violated her right to a fair hearing as guaranteed by Section 36 (1) of the 1999 Constitution.

Alison-Madueke claimed she was not served with the charge sheet or any summons related to the criminal charges against her, asserting that the courts were misled into issuing final forfeiture orders through "suppression or non-disclosure of material facts."

The EFCC, represented by detective Rufai Zaki, countered these claims, urging the court to dismiss her application. Zaki stated that investigations revealed Alison-Madueke's involvement in criminal activities, leading to her being charged in case no: FHC/ABJ/CR/208/2018. He argued that the forfeiture orders were made following due process, including public notices inviting parties to contest the forfeiture.

The case highlights ongoing legal challenges faced by Alison-Madueke, who has been embroiled in allegations of corruption and financial misconduct since her tenure as minister from 2010 to 2015 under President Goodluck Jonathan. The EFCC had previously recovered $153 million and over 80 properties linked to her, which were ordered to be permanently forfeited to the federal government.