Former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to consider her recent acquittal by a United Kingdom court while hearing her legal challenge against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The application was granted by Justice Inyang Ekwo after it was presented by her lawyer, Godwin Inyinbor, of Professor Mike Ozekhome Chambers.
During the proceedings, both parties confirmed the documents they had filed before the court.
Alison-Madueke’s legal team requested the court’s permission to recognize her acquittal by the Southwark Crown Court in London as a significant development that should be considered in determining the case.
According to the application, she is challenging the EFCC’s decision to issue a public notice for the auction and sale of properties and personal assets allegedly linked to her, arguing that the action affects her proprietary rights.
Her legal team informed the court that while the case was ongoing, she was acquitted on June 17, 2026, by the Southwark Crown Court of bribery charges brought against her in the United Kingdom. The lawyers argued that the ruling is a material fact because it relates to issues surrounding conviction, due process, fair hearing and the legality of permanently disposing of her assets.
The application clarified that it was not asking the Nigerian court to treat the UK judgment as automatically binding or to sit on appeal over the foreign court’s decision. Instead, it urged the court to consider the acquittal as an important subsequent development in the interest of substantial justice.
Counsel to the EFCC did not oppose the application, prompting Justice Ekwo to grant the request and adjourn the matter until October 6 for hearing.
The case stems from the EFCC’s efforts to auction assets it believes are proceeds of unlawful activities. The commission had initiated the sale of several properties linked to Alison-Madueke after obtaining final forfeiture orders in favour of the Federal Government.
The auction process began on January 9, leading to the current legal dispute over the ownership and disposal of the assets.
Diezani Alison-Madueke served as Nigeria’s Minister of Petroleum Resources between 2010 and 2015 and has faced several allegations of corruption and financial misconduct since leaving office.
She has consistently denied wrongdoing. After leaving public office, she remained in the United Kingdom, where she was prosecuted over allegations of receiving a £100,000 bribe before being acquitted of all charges.
Legal experts have noted that while the UK court’s decision is not legally binding on Nigerian courts, it may be considered persuasive during the determination of the case.
The Federal High Court is expected to decide the matter based on the provisions of Nigerian law and the evidence presented by both parties.
