Court orders forfeiture of Diezani’s land in PH

A federal high court in Lagos has ordered the forfeiture a plot of land in Port Harcourt, Rivers state, belonging to Diezani Madueke, a former minister of petroleum resources.

Chuka Obiozor, the presiding judge, made the forfeiture order following an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The anti-graft agency told the judge that the land, “measuring 7,903.71 – 8,029.585 square metres” and designated as Plot 9, Azikiwe Road, Old GRA (UAC Property on Forces Avenue), Port Harcourt, was reasonably suspected to part of proceeds of unlawful activities.

The commission prayed the court for an order to allow it to appoint a competent person or firm to manage the asset/property.

It urged the court to prohibit any disposal, conveyance, mortgage, lease, sale or alienation or otherwise of the asset/property.

Ebuka Okongwu, counsel for the EFCC, argued that the judge had the power, pursuant to section 17 of the advance fee fraud and other related offences Act 2006, to make the forfeiture order.

After listening to the lawyer, Obiozor granted the forfeiture order as prayed by the lawyer.

Last week, the court had ordered the forfeiture of jewellery and a customised gold iPhone belonging to Diezani.

The items were valued at $40 million.