Court Allows Diezani Alison Madueke To Present UK Judgment In Bid To Recover Forfeited Assets

Former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has been granted permission by a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja to present evidence of a United Kingdom court judgment as part of her ongoing effort to reclaim assets previously forfeited to the Nigerian government. The ruling was delivered in a suit filed before Justice Inyang Ekwo, where Alison-Madueke is challenging earlier forfeiture orders and seeking the return of properties and assets linked to corruption investigations against her. In her application, the former minister argued that the UK court judgment acquitting her of related allegations should be considered in reviewing the validity of the forfeiture proceedings in Nigeria. The court’s decision allows her to formally introduce the foreign judgment as part of her defence, marking a significant development in the long-running legal dispute over her assets. The case stems from earlier actions by Nigerian anti corruption agencies that led to the seizure and forfeiture of multiple high-value properties and financial assets allegedly linked to illicit funds. Prosecutors have maintained that the forfeiture was justified based on evidence presented during initial proceedings, while Alison-Madueke continues to contest the legality and fairness of those decisions. The court has adjourned further hearing to allow parties to review and respond to the newly admitted evidence. The matter remains ongoing as the court considers arguments from both sides regarding the ownership and legitimacy of the forfeited assets.