The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled October 6 for the hearing of a suit filed by Diezani Alison-Madueke, former Petroleum Minister, challenging the forfeiture of her assets to the federal government.
Alison-Madueke is seeking to overturn previous court orders that authorized the seizure of several properties and assets linked to her, which the government claims were acquired through corrupt practices during her time in office.
Justice Inyang Ekwo fixed the date following submissions by counsel involved in the matter.
When the case came up on Monday, Godwin Inyinbor, counsel for Alison-Madueke informed the court that the matter was scheduled for hearing.
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However, he noted that they had just been served with two motions, which they had since responded to.
On the other hand, Mofesomo Oyetibo, EFCC’s lawyer,told the court that this was his first appearance in the matter.
Justice Mohammed Umar, who presided over the session, also indicated that the case was being brought before him for the first time.
As a result, the judge postponed the hearing to October 6.
The case, registered as FHC/ABJ/CS/21/2023, was initiated in 2023. In the suit, the applicant is asking the court for additional time to file a request seeking to overturn a public notice by the EFCC announcing the sale of her assets.
She argues that the original forfeiture orders were issued without proper jurisdiction and contends that she was not given a fair chance to defend herself during the legal process that led to the confiscation.
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The application seeks to invalidate the EFCC’s notice regarding the sale of her properties.
Furthermore, the applicant claims her constitutional right to a fair hearing, as protected by Section 36(1) of the 1999 Constitution, was breached. She alleges she was never served with the charges, supporting evidence, or a court summons.
In its response, the EFCC urged the court to reject her application, arguing that due process was followed and she had been legally summoned before the court.
The commission maintains that the final forfeiture proceedings were properly filed and carried out in accordance with legal procedures.
