Court Allows Diezani To Present UK Acquittal Evidence In EFCC Case

The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted former Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke’s request to present evidence of a UK court judgment that acquitted her of bribery allegations.

Justice Inyang Ekwo granted the motion on notice moved by Diezani’s lawyer, Godwin Iyinbor, in her ongoing case involving forfeited assets.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s counsel, Mofesomo Oyetibo, acknowledged service of the application and did not oppose it, according to Channels Television and Vanguard.

The UK ruling referenced in the application came from Southwark Crown Court in London. Vanguard reported that the UK court discharged and acquitted the former minister on 17 June in respect of criminal allegations of bribery brought against her.

Diezani is pursuing the matter in a suit before Justice Ekwo as she seeks to reclaim forfeited assets. Vanguard reported that the amended originating motion is marked FHC/ABJ/CS/21/2023, with the EFCC listed as the sole respondent.

At Wednesday’s proceeding, the parties regularised their processes. Iyinbor then sought leave to move the motion filed on 25 June, asking the court to allow a further or supplementary affidavit to bring the UK acquittal before the Nigerian court.

Channels TV reported that Oyetibo told the court the EFCC was not objecting to the application, although he said the motion would waste the court’s time.

Justice Ekwo granted the motion as prayed and adjourned the case until 6 October for hearing. The reports said the preliminary objection and the substantive suit are expected to be taken together on the next adjourned date.

Sources: Channels TV, Vanguard