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ARISE News analyst Dayo Sobowale has described the acquittal of former Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke by a UK court as a significant vindication after years of legal scrutiny and prosecution.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE News following Alison-Madueke’s acquittal on bribery-related charges in the United Kingdom, Sobowale said the outcome demonstrated the importance of due process and judicial independence.
“I’m happy for her,” he said.
According to Sobowale, the verdict came after a lengthy legal process that subjected the former minister to years of public scrutiny.
“The mills of justice may grind slowly, but they grind fine,” he stated.
Sobowale stated that Alison-Madueke had faced prosecution by British authorities for nearly a decade before the jury returned a not-guilty verdict.
“She has secured justice in the British court,” he said.
He expressed confidence in the integrity of the British judicial system, arguing that the verdict reflected the outcome of a thorough legal process.
“I have respect for British justice,” he stated.
According to Sobowale, the legal principle that a person remains innocent until proven guilty remains central to the administration of justice.
“The law says you are presumed innocent until found otherwise,” he said.
He emphasized that Alison-Madueke’s acquittal reinforces the importance of allowing courts to determine guilt based on evidence rather than public opinion.
“She has not been found otherwise,” he stated.
Sobowale also mentioned that the defence successfully challenged aspects of the prosecution’s case during the proceedings.
“That is justice in the British court,” he said.
While acknowledging that legal matters involving Alison-Madueke remain before Nigerian courts, he maintained that the UK verdict represents a major legal victory for the former minister.
“She has been vindicated,” he stated.
According to Sobowale, the acquittal should be viewed within the context of the specific charges considered by the UK court.
“She has vindication from the British court,” he said.
Sobowale concluded that Diezani Alison-Madueke’s acquittal in the United Kingdom marks a significant legal vindication after years of prosecution, while noting that separate legal proceedings in Nigeria remain subject to the country’s judicial process.
Ojo Triumph
