Court adjourns, sets date to rule on final forfeiture of Diezani’s $40m jewellery

Nicholas Oweibo of the Division of the Federal High Court on Thursday adjourned till September 2, the final forfeiture hearing on the money laundering suit against former petroleum minister, Diezani Allison-Madueke.

The former Minister is challenging the interim forfeiture order on hundreds of jewellery valued at $40 million belonging to her, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)

At the last court hearing, Mrs Alison-Madueke defended her ownership of the items and accused the EFCC of violating her privacy by entering her apartments without a court order.

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When the matter was called on Thursday, the prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, informed the Judge that he had just been served a counter affidavit by the defence and would need time to respond.

According to Mr Oyedepo, an adjournment would ensure that all responses to the application can be entertained at the same time by the court and necessary ruling delivered.

A representative of Awa Kalu, counsel to the defendant, also informed the court that they would appreciate an adjournment as the chamber’s resources were currently overstretched.

The judge granted their request for an adjournment.

An adjournment to September 2, was subsequently granted by Mr Oweibo.

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