A Federal High Court in Lagos has adjourned till September 2 the final forfeiture hearing on the money laundering suit against former petroleum minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had on July 5 secured the order for the temporary forfeiture of 2,149 pieces of jewellery and a customised gold iPhone valued at $40 million belonging to Mrs Diezani.
[ads]
Diezani, who is currently in the United Kingdom, at the last hearing, accused the EFCC through her counsel, Prof. Awa Kalu, of entering her apartment illegally and taking the items without any court order.
During hearing on Thursday, the prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, informed Justice Nicholas Oweibo that he had just been served a counter affidavit by the defence and would need time to respond.
Mr Oyedepo said an adjournment would ensure that all responses to the application could be entertained at the same time by the court and necessary ruling delivered.
Kalu’s representative informed the court that they would appreciate an adjournment as the chamber’s resources are currently overstretched.
The judge granted their request for an adjournment and fixed September 2.
[ads]
The EFCC believes that the 2,149 pieces of jewellery comprising wristwatches, necklaces, bracelets, bangles, earrings and gold iPhone were acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities of Diezani.
The commission says that her known and provable lawful income is far less than the value of the items.
