The Court of Appeal in Lagos on Friday dismissed an appeal by the embattled former petroleum minister Diezani Alison-Madueke, challenging the forfeiture of her $40 million worth of jewellery to the Federal Government.
Diezani had appealed the July 19, 2019 judgment of Justice Nicholas Oweibo of the Federal High Court which forfeited the jewellery to the Federal Government following an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The jewellery seized from Diezani’s Asokoro, Abuja residence were categorised into 33 sets to include 419 bangles; 315 rings; 304 earrings; 267 necklaces; 189 wristwatches; 174 necklaces and earrings; 78 bracelets; 77 brooches; and 74 pendants, court records show.
The appellate court ruled that there was no substance in Diezani’s bid to overturn the lower court’s order.
Diezani’s lawyer Prof Awa Kalu had filed an affidavit on her behalf saying the EFCC violated her fundamental “right to own property and to appropriate them at her discretion,” under sections 43 and 44 of the constitution.
The document showed Diezani was in the UK.
