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Legal expert Frank TieTie has advised Nigerians to refrain from biased reactions to judicial decisions, following news that former Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke was found not guilty by a court in the UK on charges related to corruption.
In an interview on Arise News, TieTie emphasized that trust in the legal system should not hinge on whether rulings match public opinion. He pointed out that Nigerians have lauded the UK justice system when it has rendered guilty verdicts in notable cases, and should similarly show the same respect when a judgment results in an acquittal.
He brought up previous situations involving former Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu and former Delta State Governor James Ibori, who were both found guilty by UK courts—a verdicts that received widespread approval in Nigeria.
“Keep in mind this is the same legal framework that convicted Ekweremadu and James Ibori, which we celebrated. Now, with Diezani Madueke being acquitted, it is surprising we do not express similar reactions,” he stated.
TieTie asserted that the principle of law demands consistency when accepting judicial results, regardless of whether they please or upset the public. He contended that the integrity of the judiciary suffers when courts are cheered for convictions yet doubted when acquittals occur.
He elaborated that criminal proceedings rely solely on evidence, with judges obligated to assess the facts presented to them and apply the law without bias. He noted that the prosecution has the responsibility to provide evidence, and if the proof does not meet legal standards, an acquittal must be the only valid result.
The attorney highlighted that courts exist not to mirror public opinion but to dispense justice according to law and evidence. He urged Nigerians to maintain fairness and uphold respect for judicial independence in every case, irrespective of the individuals involved.
