Nigerian House of Representatives to investigate British agencies’ contempt of Nigerian courts

The House of Representatives is gearing up to initiate an investigation into the behavior of British government officials and their affiliated investigative agencies, such as the National Crime Agency (NCA) and Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), along with one investigator/prosecutor, Sara Melo.

The investigation stems from allegations that these foreign entities have demonstrated contempt for Nigeria’s judicial sovereignty and have shown disregard for judgments issued by Nigerian courts, particularly in cases related to African businessman and Aiteo CEO, Benedict Peters.

The impetus for this inquiry comes from a petition presented to the House by the African Centre for Justice and Human Rights (ACJHR), a civil society organization. During a plenary session, the House officially adopted this petition on Wednesday.

According to the petition, foreign agencies have allegedly ignored rulings from Nigerian courts and have taken actions aimed at undermining court decisions that cleared Benedict Peters of any wrongdoing.

Despite over ten high court judgments in Nigeria that exonerated Peters and dismissed fabricated allegations, British authorities have continued to involve his name in UK proceedings, thereby undermining his innocence as affirmed by Nigerian courts.

Aliyu Mustapha, representing Kubau Ikara Federal Constituency of Kaduna State, presented the petition on behalf of the civil society organization.

The group seeks a comprehensive legislative investigation into the ongoing defamation and undermining of Nigerian businessman Benedict Peters. Their goal is to compel the British government to cease undermining Nigeria’s judicial sovereignty and the judgments issued by competent Nigerian courts.

Mustapha emphasized that the petition calls on the Nigerian parliament to halt unwarranted attacks and the abuse of the sanctity of judicial pronouncements and the rights of Nigerian citizens.

The petition, signed by ACJHR Secretary, Chisom Nduka Edede Esq, highlights the actions of Nigerian and British agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which initially investigated Benedict Peters and later coordinated with the National Crime Agency and Crown Prosecution Service in the UK to harass, intimidate, and potentially confiscate Peters’ properties.

These properties include houses in the United Kingdom, and it appears that while Nigerian entities may take some properties, British collaborators aim to take over OML 29, which AITEO legitimately acquired from Shell Petroleum Development Company.

The petition underscores that at least ten courts, before which Benedict Peters appeared, have consistently exonerated him and cleared him of all charges and allegations. Notably, the FCT High Court found the defendants, including EFCC, NCA, CPS, and their officials, liable in carousel fraud for suppressing and misrepresenting facts about Peters’ properties with the intention of seizing them. The court awarded damages of N200,000,000 in favor of Peters and his companies.

Despite these numerous court judgments, British agencies, particularly Sarah Melo, have continued to disregard the judgments and treat them with disdain. The FCT High Court has also granted an order for these judgments to be served, registered, and enforced in several countries, including the United Kingdom.