Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has praised the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn a Federal High Court ruling in a N3.5 billion fraud case involving Melrose General Services Limited.
Saraki claimed the verdict vindicates his belief that the case was politically motivated and aimed at undermining his political career.
In a statement released on Friday, June 7, signed by his Head of Media, Alhaji Yusuph Olaniyonu, Saraki addressed the judgement, stating it revealed the truth and affirmed his earlier position of innocence.
“This case was a thinly veiled attempt by the Buhari administration to weaponise the legal system for political gain,” Saraki said.
Background of the Case
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had, on April 27, 2018, secured a judgement for the final forfeiture of N1.4 billion, which it claimed Melrose General Services Limited obtained from the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) through false claims.
Melrose was allegedly linked to Saraki, who at the time was embroiled in a political battle with influential figures within the Muhammadu Buhari-led All Progressive Congress (APC) government.
Dissatisfied with the Federal High Court’s decision, and the subsequent Court of Appeal ruling in May 2019, Melrose General Services sought redress from the Supreme Court.
On Friday, the Supreme Court panel led by Justice Akomaye Agim (SC 1519/2019) set aside the lower courts’ judgments and ruled in favour of Melrose General Services.
Saraki’s Reaction
Reacting to the judgement on social media platform X, Saraki expressed his relief and satisfaction with the ruling.
He stated, “As much as this case was between the EFCC and Melrose General Services Limited, it was a proxy war, with Melrose serving as a mere pawn in a larger scheme to victimise and persecute me.
It was always clear that this case was a thinly veiled attempt by the Buhari administration to weaponise the legal system for political gain.”
He further elaborated, “The allegations of ‘Paris Club Fraud’ were nothing more than a smokescreen designed to weaken the institution of my office, undermine my political career, and tarnish my reputation through spurious accusations similar to the Code of Conduct Tribunal, which also acquitted me of all charges.”
Saraki criticized the origins of the case, stating, “The fact that this case was even brought to court, based on dubious evidence and procedural irregularities, is proof of the length that some people will go to manipulate the legal system for political gain.
It was a disservice to the Nigerian people and a waste of our limited but valuable judicial resources.”
Call for Fairness and Rule of Law
Saraki, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), lauded the judiciary for ensuring that justice prevailed and urged for fairness in the fight against corruption.
“I am profoundly grateful to the Almighty Allah, the ultimate arbiter of justice, for guiding the Supreme Court to this righteous verdict.
I applaud the judiciary for their meticulous examination of the evidence and adherence to due process, which has ensured that justice prevailed.
I also thank Melrose’s legal team for their tireless efforts in bringing this case to a just conclusion.”
He concluded with a call to action, “Moving forward, we all have to canvas for fairness in the fight against corruption.
We should see this verdict as an inspiration to champion the rule of law, promote democracy and its institutions, and tolerate divergent views.”
