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Bribery allegations against ex-petroleum minister Diezani unfounded – Group
The League of Legal Practitioners of Nigeria, LOLPON, says the ongoing trial of Nigeria’s former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, before a United Kingdom court has failed to meet the legal standard required for a conviction.
Addressing journalists at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, the legal body said its position followed what it described as a careful and dispassionate review of facts available in the public domain.
“Our position is strictly legal, objective, and grounded in established principles of law,” the association stated.
LOLPON stressed that, as of now, no court of law has established guilt against the former minister.
“Nothing has been proven against the Defendant. Allegations remain allegations. In law, they do not translate to guilt until proven beyond reasonable doubt,” the group declared.
The legal practitioners referenced the presumption of innocence guaranteed under United Kingdom law and international human rights instruments, noting that the burden of proof lies solely on the prosecution.
“This is not symbolic; it is binding. The burden lies entirely on the prosecution, and at this stage, that burden has not been discharged,” LOLPON said.
On the substance of the bribery allegations, the association argued that prosecutors have failed to establish the essential elements required under the UK Bribery Act, including proof of financial benefit, improper conduct, and corrupt intent.
“Critical gaps remain. Alleged bribe payers have denied making any payments, and no direct evidence of corrupt intent has been established,” the statement noted.
The group maintained that neither the act nor the intention required to ground criminal liability has been proven under Nigerian or UK law.
“There is no conclusive evidence that the Defendant demanded, received, or intended to receive bribes in exchange for official actions,” it said.
Addressing allegations that a contractor rented an apartment for the former minister in London, LOLPON argued that the claim does not amount to bribery.
“There is no evidence that the property was owned by the Defendant, no evidence of financial gain, and no transfer of wealth,” the association stated.
It added that renting accommodation in London for official travel purposes could be reasonable and cost-effective, especially for officials travelling with large delegations.
The legal body also pointed to Nigerian procurement realities, stressing that contract awards are institutional decisions rather than personal ones.
“Ministers do not act in isolation, and stakeholder interactions within regulated boundaries do not automatically constitute criminal conduct,” LOLPON said.
On the issue of alleged corruption, the group insisted that no personal enrichment has been established.
“No asset transfer, no definitive financial benefit, and no unlawful accumulation of wealth have been proven,” the statement emphasized.
LOLPON further cited contradictions arising from the denial of bribery payments by alleged payers, arguing that such inconsistencies create reasonable doubt.
“In criminal law, where doubt exists, it must be resolved in favour of the accused,” it said.
The association urged United Kingdom judicial authorities to ensure that the case is determined strictly on the basis of evidence and due process.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to maintain the status quo in a dispute over the party’s candidates emerging from the Benue State APC primaries for the 2027 general election.
The order was made on Thursday by Justice Inyang Ekwo during proceedings in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1429/2026, filed by Engr. Sesugh Akaagba and other aggrieved APC candidates from Benue State against the APC and INEC.
The plaintiffs had, through an ex parte motion filed on July 5, 2026, sought six interim reliefs, including an order restraining the APC from substituting its validly nominated candidates in Benue State through its June 29, 2026 correspondence, or any subsequent communication, to INEC, pending determination of the substantive suit.
They also sought an order compelling the APC to immediately transmit to INEC the names of candidates validly nominated during the primaries monitored by the electoral commission.
When the matter first came up on July 8, 2026, the court declined to grant the interim application immediately, directing both APC and INEC to appear and respond before any decision was taken. The matter was adjourned to July 16.
At Thursday’s proceedings, counsel representing the APC and INEC were present in court, while the plaintiffs were represented by Mohammed Ndarani, SAN, alongside his legal team.
In his ruling, Justice Ekwo held that since issues had been joined by the parties particularly with INEC now before the court, the defendants were required by law to preserve the subject matter of the litigation pending determination of the substantive suit.
When counsel to the plaintiffs urged the court to caution APC and INEC against taking any further action that could affect the disputed list of candidates, the judge responded that it was “not a matter of advice but of law,” stressing that the defendants were bound to maintain the status quo.
The court consequently restrained APC and INEC from taking any action capable of altering the disputed list of candidates pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.
The defendants did not object to the restraining order.
At the commencement of proceedings, the court noted that all parties had voluntarily submitted to its jurisdiction by duly filing and exchanging their respective processes.
It held that there was no procedural or jurisdictional impediment to the expeditious determination of the substantive action, and directed that the matter be heard without further delay.
In furtherance of the objective of preserving the res and safeguarding the efficacy of the judicial process, the court ordered all parties to maintain the status quo pending the hearing and final determination of the substantive suit, restraining any act or omission capable of prejudicing the rights of the parties or rendering the proceedings nugatory.
The court further directed that INEC be served forthwith with the originating and all consequential processes.
The effect of the subsisting order is that INEC is restrained from tampering with the existing list of candidates pending final determination of the suit, and from receiving, recognising, or acting upon any purported substituted list of National Assembly candidates from Benue State submitted by the APC.
The matter was adjourned to July 21, 2026, for hearing of the substantive suit.
Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and former First Lady Patience Ibifaka Jonathan recently celebrated a significant family milestone as they attended the graduation ceremony of their son, Ariara Goodluck Jonathan, at Manchester Metropolitan University in the United Kingdom.
The proud parents joined family members and well-wishers to witness Ariara receive his degree, marking the successful completion of his academic programme. The occasion was filled with joy as the Jonathan family commemorated the achievement, highlighting the importance they place on education and personal development.
The graduation ceremony attracted warm congratulatory messages from friends, associates, and admirers, who wished the graduate continued success in his future endeavours.
The Following names joined the political family of Sen. Dr. George Akume today after leaving the sinking Alia ship .
Under the leadership of Barr. Emmanuel Jime .
The are ;
Chief Nelson Alapa
Douglas pepe SAN senatorial Aspirant zone A,
Engr Peter Ashiekaa
QS Clement Beetseh
Former commissioners
Joy Luga
Ann itodo
Barr martins Shaagee
Miss Dorcas
Prof Usar Joseh
Prof Cephas Tushima
Chief Patrick Idoko
Hon Patience Akor
Hon Fred Idoko
Hon Lawrence Ekpo Onoja Jnr
Hon Andrew Abah
Hon Agbo Innocent Ikwumonu
Hon Simon Omachoko
Hon David Egboja
Dr John Garba
Among together,
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