Lawyers Raise Concerns About Fair Trial in Diezani's UK Case

By Luminous Jannamike, ABUJA

The League of Legal Practitioners of Nigeria (LLPN) has raised concerns about the fairness and evidential foundation of the United Kingdom trial involving former Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison‑Madueke. The organization insists that the case should be decided solely on credible evidence and proof beyond a reasonable doubt.

According to the LLPN, a review of publicly available proceedings has uncovered contradictions in witness statements, gaps in documentary evidence, and issues with how key exhibits were handled by the prosecution.

Speaking in Abuja, the LLPN’s National Secretary Priscilla Makoshi Marcus explained that the group’s intervention is grounded purely in legal and procedural matters.

She noted that the London trial focuses narrowly on expenses such as accommodation, travel, logistics, school fees, and related costs, rather than the broader allegations that have surrounded Nigeria’s petroleum sector over the years.

The lawyers also challenged the integrity of evidence handling, pointing out that reimbursement records, invoices, and other materials reportedly removed during 2015 searches in Abuja are missing from the current evidence file.

Additionally, the LLPN highlighted inconsistencies regarding seized materials, stating that investigators initially recorded two bags of exhibits, with a third bag appearing only later during the evidence review.

The organization argued that issues of ownership, payment, and control remain central legal questions, and that under the UK Bribery Act 2010, prosecutors must still prove corrupt intent and unlawful advantage linked directly to official conduct.

"The position of the League of Legal Practitioners of Nigeria is therefore clear: justice must be evidence‑based, proportionate, and procedurally fair. Justice must remain free from sensationalism, selective assumptions, or public pressure," Marcus said.

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