Lawyers Demand Fair Trial For Diezani In UK Court

The League of Legal Practitioners of Nigeria (LOLPON) has urged authorities in the United Kingdom (UK) to ensure fairness and due process in the ongoing trial of former petroleum minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, at the Southwark Crown Court in London.

The group said the proceedings must strictly follow the rule of law and internationally recognised standards of justice.

At a press conference in Abuja yesterday, the national secretary of the association, Priscilla Makoshi Marcus, warned against allowing sensationalism and public pressure to influence the case.

Marcus said justice must be evidence-based, proportionate and procedurally fair.

She stated that, “Justice must remain free from sensationalism, selective assumptions, or public pressure.”

The legal body stressed that concerns over the handling and preparation of the case were legitimate legal issues and should not be interpreted as an attack on the British judiciary.

According to Marcus, international justice systems must maintain high standards of fairness and objectivity, especially in politically sensitive cases involving multiple countries.

She said, “Raising these concerns does not constitute disrespect to the British judiciary or the jury presently seized of the matter.”

The group also expressed concern over what it described as selective prosecution in the case.

It noted that some persons allegedly linked to the transactions being investigated were not standing trial in London and had not been subjected to cross-examination before the court.

“That asymmetry naturally raises legitimate questions regarding consistency and balance,” she added.

LOLPON further called on all relevant authorities to ensure that the trial continues within the bounds of fairness, due process and evidential integrity.