The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted former Minister of Petroleum, Diezani Alison-Madueke, permission to present evidence of her acquittal by the Southwark Crown Court in the United Kingdom as part of her ongoing legal battle to recover forfeited assets.
Justice Inyang Ekwo approved the application after it was moved by Diezani’s counsel, Godwin Iyinbor, and was not opposed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The application sought the court’s permission to introduce fresh evidence relating to the judgment delivered by the UK court, which cleared the former minister of criminal bribery allegations.
On June 17, the Southwark Crown Court discharged and acquitted Alison-Madueke of the bribery charges brought against her in the United Kingdom.
The former minister is currently pursuing a case before the Federal High Court seeking the return of assets previously forfeited.
During Tuesday’s proceedings, both parties regularised the court processes they had filed.
Iyinbor subsequently requested leave to move a motion on notice filed on June 25, asking the court to allow the filing of a further or supplementary affidavit.
According to him, the affidavit was necessary to bring before the court the “fresh and material development” arising from Alison-Madueke’s acquittal by the UK court.
He also asked the court to deem the supplementary affidavit as properly filed.
Counsel to the EFCC, Mofesomo Oyetibo, confirmed that the anti-graft agency had been served with the application.
Although Oyetibo remarked that the application appeared intended to delay the proceedings, he informed the court that the EFCC would not oppose the request.
Following the submissions, Justice Ekwo granted the application as requested.
The judge adjourned the matter until October 6 for hearing.
He further directed that on the next hearing date, the court would hear both the EFCC’s preliminary objection and the substantive suit together.
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