“Order EFCC to Recover My Seized Assets from Buyers” – Diezani Begs Court

Former Petroleum Resources Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has urged the Federal High Court in Abuja to compel the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to retrieve her seized assets from individuals and corporate entities who purchased them through a public auction.

In an amended suit filed by her lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), Diezani also asked the court to nullify the EFCC’s public notice that announced the sale of her properties. The commission had listed the assets for sale from January 9 to 13, 2023.

The former minister initially filed an originating motion against the EFCC as the sole respondent, seeking an extension of time to apply for an order to invalidate the sale and related processes.

Justice Inyang Ekwo granted her request to amend the suit on February 17, following a motion by her counsel, Godwin Iyinbor, which the EFCC’s lawyer, Divine Oguru, did not oppose.

At Monday’s resumed hearing, Iyinbor informed the court that the amended motion had been filed and served on the EFCC on February 20, as ordered. He added that the commission responded with a counter-affidavit on March 14, prompting a request for an adjournment to allow time to reply.