Diezani

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum, Diezani Alison-Madueke, who is facing accusations of involvement in illicit financial dealings, has approached the court in Abuja seeking to stop the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from selling some of her assets.

Madueke also requested the court to retrieve assets that the EFCC has already sold to the public.

In her legal bid, Madueke, through her lawyer Mike Ozekhome, accused the EFCC of violating her rights and denying her the opportunity to defend herself.

She argued that despite receiving a court order for the government to seize her assets, she has not been provided with any official document confirming this action, prompting her to seek the court’s intervention for assistance.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigerian government has received $52.88 million in recovered assets linked to Diezani Alison-Madueke, a former Minister of Petroleum Resources.

The funds were handed over by the United States government, as announced by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, during a formal agreement signing ceremony in Abuja on Friday.

In his remarks, Fagbemi explained that $50 million of the recovered assets would be allocated through the World Bank to support rural electrification projects.

The remaining $2 million is to be directed to the International Institute of Justice to enhance the justice system and combat corruption.

Stating the benefits of this development, Fagbemi described it as a milestone in the collaboration between Nigeria and the United States in fighting corruption and promoting the rule of law.

He also emphasized that this recovery reflects President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to addressing corruption.

United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, stressed the need for transparency and accountability in using the recovered funds to benefit the Nigerian populace.

This asset recovery represents a continued effort by both nations to strengthen their partnership in ensuring good governance and accountability.