…Ex-S/President claims vindication
Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has praised the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn a 2018 Federal High Court ruling in an alleged N3.5 billion fraud case involving Melrose General Services Limited.
Saraki asserted that the apex court’s judgement confirms his belief that the case was politically motivated.
According to him, the allegations were part of a larger effort to discredit him following his election as Senate President, which went against the preferences of influential figures during Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
?Recall that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had previously secured a judgment on April 27, 2018, for the final forfeiture of N1.4 billion, claiming that Melrose General Services Limited had fraudulently obtained the funds from the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF). The EFCC alleged that Melrose had ties to Saraki, who was at odds with key members of the Buhari-led All-Progressive Congress (APC) government.
Unsatisfied with the decisions of the lower courts, including a May 2019 Court of Appeal ruling in favour of the EFCC, Melrose General Services appealed to the Supreme Court. On June 7, the Supreme Court panel, led by Justice Akomaye Agim, set aside the previous judgments and ruled in favor of Melrose General Services.
In a statement released on Friday by his Head of Media, Yusuph Olaniyonu, Saraki expressed relief and vindication after the Supreme Court’s ruling. He noted that the case was a targeted attempt to undermine his political career.
Reacting on social media, the former Senate president stated that the Supreme Court’s decision revealed the truth and supported his long-standing claim of innocence.
?Saraki described the legal battle as a proxy war aimed at persecuting him and tarnishing his reputation, saying, “This case was never about the EFCC and Melrose General Services Limited. It was always a proxy war designed to victimise me. The allegations of ‘Paris Club Fraud’ were a smokescreen to weaken my office and undermine my political career.
“The case was politically motivated from the start; brought to court on dubious evidence and procedural irregularities, and was a blatant attempt to manipulate the legal system for political gain”.
Saraki, a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), commended the Judiciary for ensuring justice, and urged the public to view the verdict as a step forward in the fight against corruption and the abuse of power.
“I thank Almighty Allah (SWT) for guiding the Supreme Court to this just verdict. I applaud the judiciary for their thorough examination of the evidence and commitment to due process. I also appreciate Melrose’s legal team for their relentless effort. This verdict should inspire us to uphold the rule of law, promote democracy, and embrace diverse perspectives”, he said.
Saraki’s statement concluded with a call for fairness in the anti-corruption fight, emphasising the importance of maintaining integrity and justice within Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
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