Former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke
A Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed October 6 to hear a suit by former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, challenging the forfeiture of her assets to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had brought the forfeiture suit against Alison-Madueke.
Alison-Madueke’s lawyer, Godwin Inyinbor, told the court that the case was for hearing, but they had replied to two motions served by the EFCC.
Alison-Madueke is praying the court to extend the time to apply for an order to set aside the EFCC’s public notice for the sale of her assets.
She avers that the order for forfeiture of her assets was made without jurisdiction, arguing that she was denied fair hearing in the proceedings leading to the forfeiture order.
“The forfeiture violated my client’s constitutional right to fair hearing as enshrined in section 36 (1) of the 1999 Constitution,” Inyinbor said. “She was not served with the charge, proof of evidence, or summons, and summons.”
The EFCC, however, prayed the court to dismiss her application, arguing that she had been properly brought before the court.
The anti-graft agency averred that the application for final forfeiture of her assets had been properly instituted and conducted following all legal requirements.
The presiding judge, Justice Mohammed Umar, adjourned the case until October 6 for hearing, as he was hearing the matter for the first time.
