Diezani Forfeits Over 1,500 ‘Expensive’ Jewelry To FG

Former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke has forfeited over 1,500 jewelry to the federal government following an order given by an Appeal Court sitting in Lagos State.

Channels Television reports that the 33 sets of jewelry forfeited 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.”

The court on Friday, upheld the trial court forfeiture order on the jewelry which was given in favor of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

Diezani’s counsel, Prof Awa Kalu (SAN), had prayed the court not to grant the order, adding that his client’s Fundamental Right was breached when the anti-graft agency, without alleged court order, raided her apartment located No. 10 Fredrick Chiluba Close, Asokoro, Abuja.

But EFCC counsel, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, had contended that the properties seized were far beyond Diezani’s earnings when she worked with the federal government.

He argued that the EFCC investigation showed that the jewelry could only have been gotten through proceeds of unlawful acts.

In his judgement, Justice Festus Obande said that Diezani could not provide evidence to show that the jewelry was rightfully hers.

Recall that Diezani has been out of the country and is facing separate corruption related trial in the United Kingdom.