A Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the interim forfeiture of jewellery valued at about $40m, belonging to Former Minister of Petroleum, Diezani Allison-Madueke, to the Federal Government.
The EFCC had seized the items comprising wristwatches, necklaces, bracelets, bangles, earrings, as well as a gold iPhone from a premises belonging to the former minister.
In the application, the EFCC said it believes that the pieces of jewelry were obtained with proceeds of unlawful activities by the former Minister.
The Commission also stated that Allison-Madueke’s known and provable lawful income is far less than the value of the jewellery sought to be forfeited.
In granting the application, Justice Oweibo agreed with the EFCC that the court has the statutory powers under the provision of Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud Act 2006 to order the forfeiture.
The court then adjourned further proceedings till August 13.
Watch Video:
