DeizaniAlison Madueke
The legal battle over assets forfeited by former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, took a dramatic turn on Wednesday as the Federal High Court in Abuja granted her request to tender evidence of her recent acquittal by a United Kingdom court.
Justice Inyang Ekwo approved an application by Diezani seeking to place before the court the judgment of the Southwark Crown Court in London, which on June 17 discharged and acquitted her of criminal bribery allegations.
The development is expected to form a major plank of the former minister’s efforts to reclaim assets previously forfeited to the Federal Government in proceedings initiated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
At the resumed hearing, Diezani’s lawyer, Godwin Iyinbor, urged the court to allow the filing of a supplementary affidavit to bring what he described as a fresh and significant development to the court’s attention.
According to him, the acquittal by the UK court constituted new evidence directly relevant to the issues before the Federal High Court and should be considered in determining the suit.
Counsel to the EFCC, Mofesomo Oyetibo, confirmed that the anti-graft agency had been served with the application.
Although Oyetibo suggested that the motion could prolong proceedings, he informed the court that the commission would not oppose the request.
Justice Ekwo subsequently granted the application and ordered that the supplementary affidavit be deemed properly filed and served.
The ruling clears the way for Diezani to formally rely on the UK judgment as she challenges the forfeiture of assets linked to corruption allegations that have trailed her since leaving office.
The former minister has remained at the centre of some of Nigeria’s most high-profile anti-corruption investigations, with several properties, funds and luxury assets forfeited through various court orders obtained by the EFCC over the years.
Her recent acquittal in the United Kingdom has, however, introduced a new dimension to the legal contest, with her legal team expected to argue that the decision strengthens her case against the forfeiture orders.
Following Wednesday’s proceedings, Justice Ekwo adjourned the matter until October 6, 2026, for hearing.
The judge also directed that both the EFCC’s preliminary objection and the substantive suit be heard together on the next adjourned date.
The outcome of the case is being closely watched, as it could have significant implications for ongoing efforts to recover assets linked to former public officials and may test the extent to which foreign court decisions can influence related proceedings before Nigerian courts.