Seized Assets: Court Sets October 6 To Hear Diezani’s Suit Against EFCC
Abuja, Nigeria – Monday, June 30, 2025 | 11:30 AM WAT
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has fixed October 6, 2025, to hear a high-profile lawsuit filed by former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)over the forfeiture of her seized assets.
The case, which has drawn significant public and legal attention due to the high-value assets involved, concerns Diezani’s request for the court to reverse the permanent forfeiture of several properties and luxury items earlier seized by the anti-graft agency. These include multi-billion-naira mansions, jewelry, vehicles, and funds allegedly acquired through corrupt means during her tenure in office.
Diezani Alison-Madueke, who served as Minister of Petroleum Resources from 2010 to 2015, has been under investigation by the EFCC and other international agencies for alleged financial crimes, including money laundering, abuse of public office, and misappropriation of public funds.
While currently residing in the United Kingdom, where she is also facing charges, Nigerian courts have granted multiple forfeiture orders over the years, leading to the permanent confiscation of assets linked to her name.
In her new suit, Diezani is challenging the legality of these forfeitures, claiming that she was not given a fair hearing and that her constitutional rights were violated by the EFCC and the Nigerian government.
The EFCC, in response to the application, has maintained that due process was followed in obtaining the forfeiture orders. The Commission argues that several properties were forfeited through court rulings after due publication in national dailies and that Diezani failed to appear to defend her ownership claims.
EFCC sources say the agency is prepared to present a comprehensive defence, including financial trails, property records, and witness statements to uphold the integrity of the asset recovery process.
The October 6 hearing is expected to be a crucial one, as the court may either entertain Diezani’s argument for a reversal or reaffirm the legality of the forfeitures. Legal experts believe the case could set an important precedent on how forfeiture cases involving public officials are handled, especially in absentia.
Some of the assets reportedly linked to Diezani and under contest in this case include:
- Properties in highbrow areas of Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt
- A collection of jewelry valued at over $40 million
- Luxury vehicles
- Bank accounts with multi-million-dollar balances
The estimated total value of the seized assets exceeds $150 million.
The case has once again sparked public debate over accountability and the slow pace of corruption trials in Nigeria, especially those involving former government officials.
- Do you think Diezani deserves a chance to reclaim her seized assets?
- Was the EFCC right to pursue permanent forfeiture in her absence?
- Should Nigeria push harder for her extradition to face trial locally
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