There were indications at the weekend that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) will apply to a United Kingdom court as an interested party in the trial of a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke.
A team of the anti-graft commission is billed for London to begin the process of filing papers as a party to the case.
The EFCC may also avail the UK court of its findings and the forfeiture order of a high court in Abuja on the former minister’s $2.5 million homes and cars.
Diezani has been on trial in the Southwark Crown Court in the UK for an alleged £100,000 bribe.
The National Crime Agency (NCA) alleged that Diezani might have “benefitted from at least £100,000 in cash, chauffeur-driven cars, flights on private jets, luxury holidays for her family, and the use of multiple London properties”.
On October 2, 2023, a Magistrate Court granted bail to the ex-Minister for £70,000 after deeming her “a flight risk.”
According to a source, the EFCC is seeking to be an interested party in the case to enable Nigeria to have access to assets which may be seized from the ex-minister.
The source said:
Quote
“This country may not be able to retrieve questionable assets from Diezani if the EFCC does not file an application as an interested party.
“We have received an advisory on this important bend to Diezani’s trial and we will be part of the case in the UK.
“A team will leave for London any moment from now to explore legal opportunities and file necessary papers as an interested party.
“The overall aim is for Nigeria to benefit from Diezani’s trial, especially the recovery of all assets linked to funds looted in this country.
“The EFCC has sufficient evidence against Diezani, including a court order on the former minister’s $2.5million homes and cars.
“In another case, a former chairman of EFCC confirmed that the commission recovered $153million and secured the final forfeiture of over 80 properties in Nigeria valued at about $80million.
“We have received an advisory on this important bend to Diezani’s trial and we will be part of the case in the UK.
“A team will leave for London any moment from now to explore legal opportunities and file necessary papers as an interested party.
“The overall aim is for Nigeria to benefit from Diezani’s trial, especially the recovery of all assets linked to funds looted in this country.
“The EFCC has sufficient evidence against Diezani, including a court order on the former minister’s $2.5million homes and cars.
“In another case, a former chairman of EFCC confirmed that the commission recovered $153million and secured the final forfeiture of over 80 properties in Nigeria valued at about $80million.
| Posted: at | |
fineboy77
gogoman
TRENDING GISTS 
Actor Olumide Oworu Celebrates His ‘Amazing Girlfriend’ As She Turns A Year Older
Reality Tv star, Leo Da Silva, Releases Lovely Pre-Wedding Photos
"Your Validations Mean Nothing To Me" -BBN Neo Slams Those Criticizing His Acting Skills
"Shame On You For Not Finding Me Still -Actor Wole Ojo Writes To His Future Wife As He Turns 40
Caucasian Content Creator Man Ties The Knot With His Yoruba Bride, See Reactions (Video)
Nigeria v South Africa: World Cup Qualification Match,Team News,Goal Scorers and Stats
Many Residents Fleeing Their Homes Over Bandits Attacks Drown In Niger State
Former Military Administrator of Enugu State, J.S Anga Dies at 83