At the Federal High Court in Abuja, former Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke has sought to amend her lawsuit challenging the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC’s, final forfeiture of her seized assets.
During the resumed hearing before Justice Inyang Ekwo, no counsel appeared for the EFCC.
Justice Ekwo inquired whether Diezani’s legal team had received any processes from the EFCC, to which her counsel affirmed, noting that they had filed a motion to amend their originating processes and served it to the commission. The judge then adjourned the matter to February 17, 2025, to hear the motion.
The fugitive minister is also seeking an extension of time to request an order setting aside the EFCC’s public notice for the sale of her forfeited property. She argued that her right to fair hearing was violated in the proceedings that culminated in the forfeiture orders.
But the EFCC has dismissed most of Diezani’s claims as untrue, asserting that the forfeiture cases were duly heard and determined by the court at various stages. The anti-graft agency insists that due process was followed in securing the orders in question.
The case remains a focal point in ongoing efforts to address alleged corruption during Diezani’s tenure.
READ ALSO :Â UK Police accuses Diezani of bribery, gratification
Credible News reports that the 63-year-old ex-minister served during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan from 2010 to 2015.
Diezani Alison-Madueke has held several significant positions in the Nigerian government, including Minister of Transportation, Minister of Mines and Steel Development, and Minister of Petroleum Resources.
She was also the first female President of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, elected in November 2014.
She faces allegations of embezzling $2.5 billion from the Nigerian government during her tenure, leading to her arrest and legal proceedings in both Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
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