The House of Representatives in Nigeria has initiated an investigation into the alleged contempt and disregard for Nigerian court decisions by UK agencies, including the National Crime Agency and the Crown Prosecution Service, along with prosecutor Sara Melo.
Accusations point to these entities’ attempts to subvert Nigeria’s judicial sovereignty and ignore clearances granted to businessman Benedict Peters.
Aliyu Mustapha, the Representative for Kubau/Ikara in Kaduna State, lodged the petition on the African Centre for Justice and Human Rights’ behalf. The group insists on a detailed legislative investigation to end the ongoing defamation of Peters and to compel the British government to honor Nigerian judicial verdicts.
Chisom Nduka Edede, Secretary of ACJHR, wrote the petition accusing some EFCC staff and British collaborators of planning to unjustly seize Peters’ assets, including his UK properties and interests in the OML 29 oil field, rightfully purchased from Shell.
An EFCC probe in 2015 cleared Peters of any infractions, but subsequent court-deemed illegal actions have taken place. Despite over ten High Court judgments upholding his innocence, UK authorities, especially Sara Melo, continue to flout these rulings.
The Nigerian Parliament’s motion reflects a robust defense against external legal encroachments and an affirmation of national judicial pronouncements.
