Ex-Minister Diezani's $40million Jewellery, Including 315 Pricey Rings, 189 Wristwatches, To Nigerian Government Upheld

 

Ex-Minister Diezani's $40million Jewellery, Including 315 Pricey Rings, 189 Wristwatches, To Nigerian Government Upheld

The controversial former Minister of Petroleum, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke, lost her appeal against the seizure of her $40 million worth of jewelry to the Nigerian government on Friday.

Diezani's appeal of the lower court's order was dismissed by the Appeal Court.

It upheld the 2019 ruling of Justice Nicholas Oweibo of the Federal High Court, who forfeited the jewelry on the EFCC's motion (EFCC).

The appellate court ruled on an appeal filed by Diezani Alison-Madueke against the EFCC (Appeal - No CA/L/1263/19).

On July 5, 2019, the EFCC obtained a high court judgment temporarily forfeiting the pricey items to Nigeria.

The jewelry includes “419 costly 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,” according to the application's timetable.

The items were taken from the former minister's house in Asokoro, Abuja.

On July 19, 2019, Justice Oweibo granted the EFCC's last forfeiture motion.

As a result of this, the former Minister's jewelry was forfeited.

Affirming the items' probable acquisition with proceeds of illegal activities, EFCC lawyer Mr Rotimi Oyedepo told the judge in his final forfeiture plea.

Unknown and verifiable lawful income, according to an affidavit filed in court by a Commission investigator, Rufai Zaki.

The EFCC found her collecting the jewelry in 2012, two years after she was appointed Minister, the investigator claimed.

The investigator also said the EFCC had access to Diezani's bank account details.

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