A coalition of human rights organizations, including the Centre Against Injustice and Domestic Violence (CAIDOV) and Advocate for Social Justice and Defence of Rule of Law, has called on Nigeria’s Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), to allow the court to decide the fate of two foreign oil firms, Trafigura Beheer BV and Trafigura PTE Limited, accused of stealing $8.4 million worth of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) from Nadabo Energy Limited.
In a statement issued by the groups’ leaders, Gbenga Soloki, Convener of CAIDOV, and Barrister Niyi Adekanla, the coalition urged the AGF to respect the judicial process and let the trial proceed without further delay.
They also suggested that an out-of-court settlement could be explored as an alternative but emphasized that justice must not be delayed.
The ongoing case, which has been in court for several years, involves Trafigura and four other co-defendants: Osahon Asemota, Yusuf Kwande, Mettle Energy and Gas, Rembrandt Ltd, and Jil Engineering and Oil Services Limited.
These defendants face charges of conspiracy, theft, and receiving stolen property in connection with the alleged theft of 6.4 metric tonnes of diesel oil, valued at $8.4 million, from Nadabo Energy Limited in October 2008.
The prosecution has already presented 17 witnesses, while the defence has called four witnesses.
However, the trial has faced repeated delays. The most recent delay occurred following a letter from the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), M.A. Abubakar, on February 29, 2024, announcing the AGF's intention to take over the prosecution of the case.
This intervention has raised concerns among the human rights groups, who argue that it has caused further setbacks despite the case already being under judicial review.
While acknowledging the AGF’s constitutional power to take over criminal cases under Section 174 of the Nigerian Constitution, the groups expressed concern that this power should be exercised with care and respect for the interests of justice.
They warned that continued delays in the case are undermining the integrity of Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
The rights groups also pointed out that the persistent delays in the trial are contrary to the swift administration of justice that Nigerians expect and deserve.
They called on the AGF to ensure the trial moves forward without any further hindrances, allowing the court to determine the defendants' fate based on the evidence at hand.
"The prolonged delays in this case do not reflect the urgency and efficiency that the Nigerian people expect from the justice system," the statement read.
"It is critical for the Attorney-General to respect the judicial process and facilitate a timely and transparent resolution," the statement added.
As the trial continues to be postponed, the human rights organizations are pushing for swift action, urging the AGF to ensure that the matter is resolved in a fair and transparent manner, in the interest of justice.
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