Diezani Sues EFCC Over Sale of Seized Properties, Demands Reversal

• Diezani Alison-Madueke has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to order the EFCC to retrieve her seized assets from buyers.
• She argues that the public sale of her properties was conducted in violation of statutory provisions and her right to fair hearing.
• The EFCC, in response, insists the sale was legal, citing final forfeiture orders issued by the court in 2019.

Former Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke has petitioned the Federal High Court in Abuja to compel the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to reclaim her seized assets from individuals and entities who purchased them.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that in an amended suit filed by her lawyer, Prof. Mike Ozekhome (SAN), before Justice Inyang Ekwo, Diezani also requested the court to annul the EFCC’s public notice that led to the auction of her properties.

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The anti-graft agency had announced the sale of her assets between January 9 and 13, 2023. In response, Diezani filed an originating motion (FHC/ABJ/CS/21/2023), urging the court to extend the time for her to seek an order nullifying the sale.

On February 17, Justice Ekwo allowed her to amend the suit, with no opposition from EFCC’s counsel, Divine Oguru. When the case resumed, her lawyer, Godwin Eyinbor, informed the court that the amended motion had been served on the EFCC on February 20. However, the EFCC responded with a counter affidavit on March 14, prompting Eyinbor to request more time to reply. Justice Ekwo then adjourned the case to March 27 for a definite hearing.

Diezani argues that the EFCC’s asset sale violated statutory provisions, including the EFCC Act (2004) and the Proceeds of Crime Recovery and Management Act (2022). She also claims it breached her right to fair hearing under Section 36(1) of the 1999 Constitution.

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She is seeking a court order stopping the EFCC from further disposing of her properties and annulling the public notice upon which the auction was conducted.

The EFCC, in its counter affidavit, urged the court to dismiss the suit, insisting that the properties were sold following final forfeiture orders issued by the Federal High Court on July 9 and September 10, 2019.

A litigation officer at Messrs Tayo Oyetibo LP, Oyakhilome Ekienabor, stated that Diezani’s claim of rights violation was unfounded, as proper legal procedures were followed. He emphasized that the forfeiture orders remain in force and have not been overturned.

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