Court Allows Diezani to Present UK Acquittal in EFCC Case

On Wednesday, a Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Inyang Ekwo, granted former Minister of Petroleum Diezani Alison-Madueke permission to submit a recent acquittal judgment from the United Kingdom in her ongoing legal battle with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The acquittal, delivered by the Southwark Crown Court in London on June 17, 2023, discharged Alison-Madueke from a criminal bribery case.

Her legal counsel, Godwin Iyinbor, argued that the acquittal is a significant development relevant to the current proceedings. The EFCC, represented by Mofesomo Oyetibo, did not oppose the request but acknowledged the receipt of the application.

The court has adjourned the matter until October 6, 2023, to allow for further consideration of the implications of the UK judgment on the ongoing case, which involves the EFCC's actions regarding asset forfeiture linked to Alison-Madueke.