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.
