Civil society organisations have called on Nigerian authorities to provide greater transparency on assets linked to former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, insisting that her recent acquittal in the United Kingdom does not automatically terminate separate legal proceedings in Nigeria.
The organisations, including the Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Human and Environmental Agenda (HEDA), Spotlight on Corruption and CornerHouse UK, made the demand during a virtual press briefing.
The groups stressed that criminal proceedings and asset recovery cases are distinct legal processes and should be treated independently.
Executive Director of ANEEJ, Rev. David Ugolor, said the Nigerian authorities should allow the ongoing asset forfeiture proceedings involving Alison-Madueke-linked assets to follow due process, irrespective of the outcome of the UK criminal case.
According to Ugolor, the major concern is not only the legal status of the assets but also how recovered or forfeited properties are managed and accounted for.
He questioned the lack of publicly accessible information on assets recovered or under recovery proceedings, saying Nigerians should be able to know what has happened to such assets.
Ugolor disclosed that the Federal High Court in July 2026 allowed Alison-Madueke to rely on the UK judgment in a Nigerian asset forfeiture case, with the matter adjourned until October 6, 2026.
He maintained that the Nigerian case must be determined on its own legal merits.
Also speaking, HEDA Chairman and Executive Director, Olanrewaju Suraju, urged Nigerian authorities to continue pursuing any outstanding matters through the courts and other lawful channels.
The CSOs called for stronger public accountability in the management of recovered assets, insisting that transparency would help build public confidence in Nigeria’s asset recovery process.
They further urged relevant agencies to make information on recovered or forfeited assets available to the public where permitted by law, while ensuring that all ongoing proceedings respect due process and the rights of all parties involved.
