The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday granted an application filed by former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, to present evidence of her acquittal by the Southwark Crown Court in London, United Kingdom (UK).
Justice Inyang Ekwo granted the motion on notice moved by Diezani’s counsel, Godwin Iyinbor, after it was not opposed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The EFCC was represented in court by Mofesomo Oyetibo, SAN.
Naijaonpoint reports that the UK court had, on June 17, discharged and acquitted the former minister in respect of criminal allegations of bribery brought against her.
Diezani is currently before the Federal High Court in a suit seeking to reclaim her forfeited assets.
In the amended originating motion marked FHC/ABJ/CS/21/2023, she listed the EFCC as the sole respondent.
When the case was called on Wednesday, both Iyinbor and Oyetibo regularised their processes before the court.
Iyinbor thereafter sought the leave of the court to move a motion on notice filed on June 25.
He said the motion sought permission to file a further and supplementary affidavit to bring before the court a fresh and material development relating to Diezani’s acquittal in the UK.
According to him, the application also asked the court to deem the affidavit as properly filed.
Oyetibo acknowledged that the EFCC had been served with the application but said the motion was intended to waste the court’s time.
“They just want to bring to your lordship’s attention that the applicant has been exonerated in the UK,” Oyetibo said.
Justice Ekwo then asked whether the EFCC intended to oppose the application.
Oyetibo replied that the commission was not objecting to the motion.
The judge consequently granted the application as prayed and adjourned the matter till October 6 for hearing.
Justice Ekwo held that on the next adjourned date, the preliminary objection and the substantive suit would be taken together.
