...By Jack Sylva for TDPel Media.
Diezani Alison-Madueke, the former minister of petroleum resources, has filed a lawsuit against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the attorney-general of the federation (AGF) for N100 billion.
The legal action, led by senior advocate Mike Ozekhome, seeks damages and a public apology for allegations of corruption.
Demand for Damages and Apology:
The lawsuit, filed at a federal high court in Abuja on May 26, 2023, demands the payment of damages and a public apology.
Alison-Madueke insists that the EFCC and AGF issue apologies to her through three national newspapers.
She argues that since her departure from Nigeria in 2015, the two entities have published false, injurious, malicious, and libelous statements against her.
Damage to Reputation and Integrity:
According to Alison-Madueke, these publications have significantly tarnished her reputation and integrity both within Nigeria and internationally.
She claims to have been subjected to public ridicule, contempt, derision, and obloquy, resulting in harm to her standing in society.
Defamatory Statements and Publications:
The lawsuit lists several statements and publications by the EFCC that Alison-Madueke alleges to be defamatory and aimed at damaging her reputation.
These include claims by the EFCC that an additional $72.8 million was discovered in a bank account allegedly belonging to her, as well as accusations of embezzling billions from the Nigerian government.
Response and Timeline:
The EFCC and AGF have been given 14 days from the receipt of the summons to present their defense.
The legal proceedings will determine the outcome of the lawsuit and whether the demands for damages and a public apology will be granted.
Background on Diezani Alison-Madueke:
Diezani Alison-Madueke previously served as the minister of transportation under President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua from 2007 to 2009.
Later, she held the positions of minister of mines and steel development before becoming the petroleum minister under President Goodluck Jonathan from 2010 to 2015.
