Former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Allison-Madueke, has requested that Nigerians offer their prayers and support in light of the extensive allegations and charges of bribery and corruption brought against her by the United Kingdom National Crime Agency (NCA).
During the hearing in the fifth-floor courtroom, she addressed members of the Nigerian community in the UK and said, “I need prayers. Please pray for me.”
A prominent lawyer who traveled from Nigeria to represent his client, Benedict Peters, expressed his belief that “the case is weak” and unlikely to succeed.
Speaking to reporters outside the court, Emeka Ozoani (SAN) argued that “the NCA has spent five to six years investigating the case and is attempting to justify their use of taxpayers’ money.”
When asked if he had traveled from Nigeria specifically for the hearing, he confirmed, “Yes, I came because of my client.”