Diezani’s suit seeking recovery of forfeited assets stalled in court

Former Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke's lawsuit to recover assets seized by the Federal Government has faced a delay in the Federal High Court in Abuja. The case, scheduled for mention on Wednesday, was postponed after her legal representative requested additional time to review the court documents. Diezani's attorney, Eko-Ejembi Eko, SAN, appeared for the first time in the matter and cited the need to familiarize himself with the case file.

Meanwhile, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) did not oppose the adjournment request. The court has now set the matter for further discussion on January 26, 2027. Diezani is seeking court intervention to compel the EFCC to recover the seized assets from the individuals and organizations alleged to have purchased them.

She also seeks to have the EFCC's public notice authorizing the auction of her properties set aside. The commission had scheduled the asset sale between January 9 and 13, 2023. Diezani had filed a lawsuit against the EFCC in July 2023, requesting an extension of time to challenge the public notice and the planned auction. In July 2023, Justice Ekwo granted her request to present evidence of her acquittal by the Southwark Crown Court in London.

However, the EFCC contested her application, asserting that the foreign court's decision lacked relevance to the asset forfeiture case before the Federal High Court. Consequently, the commission pleaded with the court to dismiss Diezani's claim.