A court to hear the Diezani lawsuit challenges the confiscation of Assets on October 6

Judge Mohammed Umar from the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday, improved October 6 for hearing a lawsuit by the former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Allison-Maduke, challenged the confiscation of his assets to the Federal Government.

During the trial, Alison-Mugeke’s lawyer, Mr. Godwin Inyinbor, told the court that the case was to be tried but they were served with two movements they had answered.

Advisor EFCC, Mr. Mofesomo Oyetibo, however, told the court that he appeared in this case for the first time.

The judge also revealed that the problem arose before him for the first time.

He, as a result, postponed this case until October 6 for hearing.

EFCC in recent years has received orders for confiscation of assets owned by former ministers who fled the country shortly after the 2015 general election.

Judge Chuka Obiozor from the Federal High Court, Lagos, on July 20, 2017, ordered temporary seizures from the property of $ 37.5 million (N11.7 billion) on Pisang Island, Ikoyi, Lagos, owned by Alison-Mateke.

In the same tone, Judge Mobolaji Olajuwon from the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court on October 25, 2022, gave the final confiscation of the home and car of former $ 3 million ministers in Abuja.

Also read: Diezani Alison-Matekeke ‘documentary’ Is that your money? ‘ finally released

Alison-Muameke in the lawsuit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/21/2023, urged the court to extend the time to submit an order to override the public notification of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) to sell its assets.

He argues that the order for confiscation of assets is made without jurisdiction, saying he was rejected by a fair hearing in a process that leads to the confiscation order.

The applicant, therefore, asked the court to cancel the EFCC public notification about the sale of its property.

He also believes that confiscation violates his constitutional rights for a fair session as enshrined in part 36 (1) of the 1999 constitution.

In response, EFCC urged the court to stop the application on the grounds that he had been brought properly to court.

The average commission that the application for the final confiscation of the assets has been properly institutionalized and is carried out following all legal requirements.