Retrieve my seized assets from buyers, Diezani tells court

Diezani Alison-Madueke, the former Minister of Petroleum, requested the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday to order the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to reclaim her seized assets from their buyers.

The former minister expressly sought that the court order the anti-graft agency to reclaim the seized assets from the persons or businesses to whom they were sold.

Diezani made this motion in a revised application filed on her behalf by her attorney, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), before Justice Inyang Ekwo.

She requested an injunction to overturn the EFCC’s public notice, which served as the foundation for the public auction of her assets.

She also requested the court to declare the EFCC’s public auction a violation of legislative laws, including the EFCC Act of 2004 and the Proceeds of Crime Recovery and Management Act of 2022.

Diezani claimed that the sale violated her right to a fair hearing, as stipulated by Section 36(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as modified).

She also requested an order prohibiting the EFCC from disposing of her properties as indicated in the public notice, as well as an order vacating the EFCC’s notice, which was based on a number of judgements and decrees in its favour.

She claimed that the final forfeiture orders imposed on her possessions breached her proprietary rights owing to a lack of jurisdiction and the denial of a fair hearing.

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The former minister also requested an extension of time to seek court leave to rescind, discharge, or set aside the EFCC’s public notice.

The EFCC published in a public notice that Diezani’s assets would be sold between January 9 and January 13, 2023.

Diezani filed a lawsuit against the EFCC shortly after the announcement.

In an originating action designated FHC/ABJ/CS/21/2023, filed on January 6, 2023, she requested an extension of time to apply for an order setting aside the public notice and preventing the auction of her assets.

However, in a counter-affidavit filed on March 14, the EFCC asked the court to dismiss the complaint.

The declaration, signed by litigation officer Oyakhilome Ekienabor, disputed various accusations made by Alison-Madueke.

Ekienabor noted that thorough investigations into the former minister’s actions during her tenure resulted in criminal charges against her in several courts, including the Federal High Court.

He referenced charges filed in 2017 and 2018 as evidence against her, stating that the properties were sold in accordance with final forfeiture orders issued by the Federal High Court on July 9, 2019, and September 10, 2019.

According to Ekienabor, the forfeiture orders did not violate Diezani’s right to a fair hearing, and the properties were disposed of in accordance with due process.

“The cases leading to the forfeiture orders were actions in rem, and the decisions are binding on all,” said the judge.

He noted that during the forfeiture proceedings, the court directed the EFCC to issue a notice seeking interested parties to show cause why the properties should not be forfeited.

Ekienabor further noted that Diezani was represented in one of the cases, but the court imposed the final forfeiture orders after considering her counsel’s views.

On February 17, Justice Ekwo allowed the former minister’s request to amend her claim, following a petition by her counsel, Godwin Iyinbor.

At the resumed hearing on Monday, Iyinbor informed the court that an updated originating motion was filed and served on the EFCC on February 20th.

He asked for an adjournment to answer to the commission’s counter-affidavit, which was submitted on March 14.

Justice Ekwo underlined the importance of expediting the case, which has been pending since 2023.

Divine Oguru, the EFCC’s counsel, apologised for the delay in answering and told the court that he would be ready for the next hearing.

“We will be ready to go on the next adjourned date, my lord,” he said.

The judge subsequently adjourned the case to March 27 for a hearing.

Retrieve my seized assets from buyers, Diezani tells court

FG partners Femadec Energy to establish CNG centres in varsities

The Federal Government has announced plans to establish Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion centres and refuelling stations in 20 federal tertiary institutions across Nigeria.

The initiative, led by the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF) in collaboration with Femadec Energy, aims to promote clean energy adoption and reduce transportation costs for students and lecturers.

The announcement was conveyed in a statement posted on the official X (formerly Twitter) account of the Presidency of Nigeria on Monday.

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“In alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to affordable, clean, and sustainable energy, the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF), in collaboration with Femadec Energy, is set to establish Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion centres and refuelling stations across 20 federal tertiary institutions nationwide,” the statement read in part.

The statement further noted that the Minister of Education, Dr. Morufu Olatunji Alausa, recently met with Vice-Chancellors and representatives from MDGIF, Femadec Energy, and the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) to finalise project details and ensure timely execution.

Six of the institutions are expected to have fully operational CNG facilities by May 29, 2025.

Dr. Alausa emphasized the project’s importance, noting that it would help lower transportation costs for students and lecturers while advancing clean energy integration within educational institutions.

“This initiative not only aims to reduce transportation costs for our students and lecturers but also represents a pivotal step towards integrating clean energy solutions within our educational institutions,” he said

A representative from Femadec Energy also reinforced the project’s commitment to sustainability, stating that the partnership with MDGIF and federal institutions reflects a dedication to promoting sustainable energy.

FG partners Femadec Energy to establish CNG centres in varsities

SGF delays appointment letters of River Basin new executives

Despite approval by President Bola Tinubu in December last year, the newly selected executives have not assumed office as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) has not given the appointees official letters.

This is said to be due to a directive from the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev.

In a letter dated January 14, 2024, Utsev instructed the caretaker managing directors of the 12 River Basins to retain their positions until the SGF issues formal appointment letters.

The delay, now stretching beyond three months, has left the appointees in a limbo.

Many are questioning why the SGF, Senator George Akume, has not followed through with the President’s directive.

Addressing the issue in Abuja on Monday, Akume said the delay was to allow for an internal review of the appointments.

The Director of Information in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), Segun Imohiosen, who spoke on behalf of Akume, reassured that the process was underway.

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“I am aware of the development, and I can assure you that an internal review concerning the appointments is being carried out. As soon as it is concluded, we will make it public,” he said, without specifying a timeline.

As a result, caretaker officials continue to oversee the 12 River Basin Development Authorities, prolonging concerns over inefficiencies within the system.

One of the appointees said, “The entire thing is confusing. We have a mandate to contribute to the actualisation of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President in the agricultural sector. But here we are waiting endlessly to hit the ground running.”

Complaints from certain states regarding the appointees may have contributed to the delay, prompting a review by the SGF office.

Among the affected River Basin Authorities is the Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority, covering Kano, Jigawa, and Bauchi.

Six officials were appointed, including Mamman Aliyu (Chairman, Jigawa), Rabiu Bichi (Managing Director, Kano), Tijjani Isa (Executive Director, Planning and Design, Jigawa), Zainab Gamawa (Executive Director, Agric Services, Bauchi), Baffa Abdulkadir (Executive Director, Engineering, Kano), and Musa Kwankwaso (Executive Director, Finance, Kano).

Similarly, the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority has six new appointees, while the Upper Benue, Chad Basin, Benin-Owena, Niger Delta, Upper Niger, Lower Niger, Lower Benue, Anambra-Imo, Cross River, and Sokoto Rima River Basin Authorities each have six designated executives awaiting confirmation.

SGF delays appointment letters of River Basin new executives