A Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed October 6, 2025, to hear a suit filed by former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, challenging the forfeiture of her assets to the federal government.
Diezani’s lawyer, Godwin Iyinbor, confirmed that the case was set for hearing, having responded to two motions served on them. Appearing for the first time, EFCC counsel Mofesomo Oyetibo announced his representation in the matter. Presiding Judge Mohammed Umar also noted it was his first time handling the case and adjourned to October 6.
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BACKGROUND
The EFCC had earlier announced plans to publicly auction Diezani’s seized assets starting January 9, 2023. In her motion (FHC/ABJ/CS/21/2023), Diezani argued that all the forfeiture orders were obtained without proper jurisdiction and in violation of her right to fair hearing.
She alleged the orders were made without her being notified, served, or allowed to defend herself, which she claims violates Section 36(1) of the 1999 Constitution.
Diezani further accused the EFCC of obtaining the forfeiture orders through misrepresentation, suppression of facts, and lack of due process, and urged the court to void them.
EFCC’S RESPONSE
In a counter affidavit, EFCC counsel Rufai Zaki denied her claims, saying investigations linked her to criminal conspiracy, corruption, and money laundering. He insisted most of the cases were “action in rem” and followed due process, including public notices inviting objections before final forfeiture was granted.
Zaki added that Diezani was represented by one Nnamdi Awa-Kalu in at least one of the cases and noted she never appealed the 2017 forfeiture ruling.
