The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned to October 6, 2025, for a definite hearing in the suit filed by former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, challenging the forfeiture of her assets to the federal government.
Justice Mohammed Umar fixed the date on Monday after legal representatives for both parties confirmed they had regularised their filings.
When the matter was called, Alison-Madueke’s counsel, Mr. Godwin Inyinbor, informed the court that the case was slated for hearing but noted that they had just been served with two motions, to which they had filed responses.
Counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Mofesomo Oyetibo, SAN, who appeared in the matter for the first time, also indicated that the case was new to him.
Following these submissions, Justice Umar adjourned the matter to October 6 for definite hearing.
In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/21/2023, Alison-Madueke is seeking an extension of time to apply for an order to set aside a public notice issued by the EFCC announcing the sale of her forfeited assets. She claims the forfeiture orders were made without jurisdiction and in breach of her right to fair hearing.
She is asking the court to invalidate the EFCC’s notice and nullify the asset forfeiture, arguing that she was not served with any charges, summons, or proof of evidence relating to the proceedings. Alison-Madueke further alleged that the court was misled by the EFCC’s failure to disclose critical information.
In its response, the EFCC has asked the court to dismiss the suit, maintaining that the forfeiture proceedings were properly conducted in accordance with the law. The commission argued that the assets in question were disposed of following a court order issued in 2017, which remains valid and unchallenged on appeal.
