Former Minister of Petroleum, Diezani Alison-Madueke has lost a suit challenging the forfeiture of her $40 million high value jewellery to the Federal Government.
The court of appeal threw out the case today, Friday, 26th of November, 2021.
The jewellery categorised into 33 sets comprise:
- 419 expensive bangles
- 315 expensive rings
- 304 expensive earrings
- 267 expensive necklaces
- 189 expensive expensive wristwatches
- 174 expensive necklaces and earring sets
- 78 expensive bracelets
- 77 expensive brooches
- 74 pendants
All the items were seized from the former Minster’s residence at 10 Fredrick Chiluba Close, Asokoro, Abuja.
A previous ruling by the court on the 5th of July, 2019 ordered the interim forfeiture of the assets following an ex-parte application filed by Rotimi Oyedepo, counsel to the economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Justice Nicholas Oweibo, on his part, ordered the permanent forfeiture of the $40 million sets of jewellery seized from Diezani.
The high court held that the former Minister failed to show cause why the jewellery should not be permanently forfeited to the government.
She also filed a case in suit number: CA/L/1263/19 asking the appellate court to upturn the decision of the high court.
In his judgment on Friday, the appellate court held that there was no substance in the former Minister’s appeal to overturn the lower court’s order. Consequently, the appellate court affirmed the 2019 verdict of the Federal High Court.
Diezani K. Alison-Madueke (born 6 December 1960) is a Nigerian politician and the first female President of OPEC
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Diezani Loses Bid to Recover $40 Million Jewellery Forfeited to Government