The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, permission to present evidence of her recent acquittal by a United Kingdom court as part of her legal bid to reclaim assets previously forfeited to the Nigerian government.
Justice Inyang Ekwo approved the application after counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mofesomo Oyetibo (SAN), informed the court that the commission had no objection to the request.
Represented by her lawyer, Godwin Iyinbor, Diezani filed the application on June 25, seeking leave to submit a supplementary affidavit informing the court of what she described as a significant new development—her discharge and acquittal by the Southwark Crown Court in London on June 17 over criminal bribery allegations.
The former minister argues that the UK court’s decision is a crucial piece of evidence in her ongoing suit challenging the forfeiture of her assets. The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/21/2023, has the EFCC as the sole respondent.
During Wednesday’s proceedings, both parties regularised their court filings before the application was moved. Although the EFCC maintained that the UK acquittal may not substantially alter the case, the anti-graft agency confirmed it would not oppose the motion.
Justice Ekwo subsequently granted the application and adjourned the matter until October 6, when the court will hear both the EFCC’s preliminary objection and the substantive suit together.
