By Mercy Aikoye
The Nigerian Parliament has launched an investigation into the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) and Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) over alleged contempt of the Nigerian judiciary. The probe follows a petition filed by the Africa Centre for Defense of Justice and Judicial Process.
The petition concerns the inclusion of billionaire businessman Benedict Peters’ name in allegations related to Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke’s trial. Despite Nigerian and UK courts clearing Peters of any wrongdoing, his name remains in the indictment charge.
The petition, presented by Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, highlights a “disturbing pattern of judicial disregard, violation, and disrespect for judgments of various courts in Nigeria.” The petition argues that the UK authorities’ actions undermine Nigeria’s judicial sovereignty.
The petition alleges that the UK authorities are “weaponizing the criminal justice system” against Peters. “These actions by the UK authorities are an unacceptable weaponization of the criminal justice system and totally negate the fundamental need for a just and fair treatment of human persons,” the petition reads.
The petition emphasizes that Nigerian court judgments must be respected by all authorities, including those in the UK. “Orders/Judgments of courts of competent jurisdiction in Nigeria are not mere paper statements, but they are effective and binding,” it states.
The Nigerian Parliament has referred the petition to the Public Petitions Committee for investigation. The committee will conduct a public hearing and report back to Parliament within four weeks.
The investigation will examine the UK crime agency’s alleged disregard for Nigerian court judgments and the malicious inclusion of Peters’ name in the allegations. The hearing will invite representatives from the British Crime Agency, CPS, EFCC, and others.
The outcome of the investigation will determine the next course of action. The petition seeks to safeguard Nigeria’s judicial sovereignty and ensure that UK authorities respect Nigerian court judgments.
