Diezani Alison-Madueke: Court fixes date for EFCC’s report in ex-Petroleum Minister’s trial

The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed May 17 for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to report on how it complied with the court order in the trial of Diezani Alison-Madueke, ex-Minister of Petroleum Resources.

Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu fixed the date on Wednesday, following the absence of the EFCC’s lawyer, Farouk Abdullah, in court.

Recall that the matter, which was earlier fixed for report on the arraignment of Alison-Madueke, couldn’t proceed as neither Abdullah nor the ex-minister was in court.

However, when the matter was called, no lawyer appeared for the prosecution.

Justice Ojukwu, who fixed May 17 to hear EFCC’s level of compliance with the court order, instructed the registrar to issue the prosecution (EFCC) counsel with the next hearing notice.

The court had, on December 3, 2020, adjourned the matter until March 3, 2021, after the inability of the EFCC to fully comply with its orders in the trial of the ex-minister.

Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu fixed the date after counsel to the anti-graft agency, Abdullah, prayed the court for more time to enable the anti-graft agency to ensure full compliance with the court orders.

“The court made some orders on the last date that this matter came up.

“The prosecutions have taken steps to ensure that the orders are complied with; that hasn’t come to fruition yet but steps have been taken.

“In view of this, may I humbly apply that this matter be adjourned to enable the prosecution to comply fully with the order of the court,” Abdullah had said.

The EFCC had accused Alison-Madueke of fleeing the country for the UK to escape justice, among others.