By Aaior K. Comfort

Hearing in the lawsuit filed by former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was delayed on Monday due to the absence of the presiding judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo, of the Federal High Court in Abuja. The judge was reportedly attending a seminar at the National Judicial Institute in Abuja, leading to the adjournment of the case to November 21, 2024.

Diezani, who served as Minister of Petroleum Resources from 2010 to 2015, is challenging the EFCC’s forfeiture of her assets, which were seized on allegations of corruption. The anti-graft agency claimed that these assets were proceeds of crime, and sought their permanent forfeiture to the Federal Government.

Diezani, represented by her counsel, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), is seeking to have the forfeiture orders set aside, arguing that they were issued without her being properly served and without fair hearing. She claims that the EFCC misled the courts into making the final forfeiture orders by withholding material facts.

In its defense, the EFCC maintained that the final forfeiture of the assets was legally obtained, citing that due process was followed, including public notices inviting interested parties to contest the forfeiture. The anti-graft agency also asserted that some of Diezani’s claims were untrue, stating that a representative of the ex-minister was present during one of the forfeiture proceedings.

The case will resume on November 21, 2024, when both parties are expected to present their arguments before the court.