Former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has been granted permission by Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court to amend her suit challenging the final forfeiture of her assets by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The motion, filed by her lawyer, was not opposed by the EFCC.
Diezani had earlier sought an extension to apply for a court order to set aside the EFCC’s notice of public sale of her assets, claiming that the initial orders lacked jurisdiction and denied her a fair hearing. Justice Ekwo granted the amendment request, giving Diezani five days to file the amended process, while the EFCC was given 14 days to respond.
The EFCC had been conducting the auction of her seized assets, which includes $153 million and over 80 properties. The ex-minister, who is believed to have fled to the UK after her tenure, was accused of corruption during her time in office from 2010 to 2015. The case continues, with a hearing scheduled for March 17.
