Court grants Diezani leave to submit UK acquittal judgment

Diezani Alison-Madueke leaves Westminster Magistrates Court in London, UK, on Monday, Oct. 2, 2023. Alison-Madueke is accused of accepting bribes during her time as Nigeria's Minister for Petroleum Resources in exchange for oil and gas contracts. (Photo by AFP)

The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted former Minister of Petroleum, Diezani Alison-Madueke, permission to submit evidence of her acquittal by the Southwark Crown Court in the United Kingdom in her ongoing legal battle with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Justice Inyang Ekwo approved the application after the EFCC informed the court that it had no objection to the request. The former minister was acquitted by the UK court on June 17 over criminal bribery allegations.

Diezani is seeking to recover assets previously forfeited to the Federal Government, arguing that her acquittal is a significant development in the case.

The court adjourned proceedings until October 6, when both the EFCC’s preliminary objection and the substantive suit will be heard together.