Delivering judgement in a petition filed by Diezani challenging the EFCC’s authority to seize her jewelries, Justice Oweibo held that the former Minister through her counsel, Awa Kalu (SAN), failed to show cause why the items should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had in July this year, seized the luxury items which it believes are proceeds from ”unlawful activities”. The antigraft agency told the court that the items were beyond Madueke’s legitimate means.

In an application filed by her counsel, Professor Awa Kalu, Diezani accused the EFCC of entering her apartment illegally and taking the items without any court order.

The former Minister argued that the entry into her apartment by EFCC operatives was illegal as it was without a court order.

According to the court papers, the jewelleries categorised into 33 sets, include “419 expensive bangles; 315 expensive rings; 304 expensive earrings; 267 expensive necklaces; 189 expensive wristwatches; 174 expensive necklaces and earrings; 78 expensive bracelets; 77 expensive brooches; and 74 expensive pendants.”

Justice Nichola Oweibo adjourned the case till August 29.