Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami has disclosed that the federal government cannot intervene in the case of alleged organ harvesting involving Senator Ike Ekweremadu and his wife, Beatrice in the UK.
Malami who spoke at a ministerial briefing on Thursday August 11,
stated that it is not the practice of the government to intervene in
judicial matters, whether local or international.
He said;
“It has never been the tradition of the Nigerian government to
interfere in anything judicial, local or international. And that stands
the position of the government.
“On the issue of the intervention on Senator Ekweremadu. I have stated
in the course of my presentation, that there have been in existence,
mutual legal assistance requests and collaboration between Nigeria and
other countries across the world. So, to this end, I want to state that
we will address the request if there is such a request, both on the part
of senator Ekweremadu.
“I can remember very well, there was a request, which was passed through
my office but sealed and meant for delivery to the crime agency in the
UK at the instance of the distinguished Senator, which request I am not
in a position to comment on because what relates to my office was a
simple transmission.
“In view of the fact that the transmission of international documents is
a function of a department central authority unit in the office of the
attorney-general and on the request of senator Ekweremadu, an agency of
government was asked to respond to certain inquiries, they did, and
under seal, they presented their default which was transmitted to the UK
accordingly.
“So, the implication of what I’m trying to state in essence is we have
mutual legal assistance, understanding with the UK, and whichever of the
agencies, either the senator as an accused or suspect or indeed the
agencies in the UK, make any request for international support, we will
respond accordingly.
“But as far as interest as to the federal government is concerned, it is
not a matter over which we can develop any interest. Perhaps maybe, if
there are interests, the interests should be rooted in law. For example,
relating to the child in contention, you know, we have child rights,
among others.
“In case of consular services, there is a need for senator Ekweremadu to
be accorded one, in view of the fact that he is Nigerian, and the
request is made. We’ll look at it on its merits.
“So, what I’m saying, in essence, it is not about meddlesome
interloper, or perhaps maybe just coming into a scene relating to issues
that border on crime.
“As you are likely aware, a number of Nigerians were before now
convicted across the globe. And then a number of foreigners were equally
convicted of recent in Nigeria . So, it is about issues that border on
crime.
“If indeed, a criminal allegation is an issue, the jurisdiction
determines what happens both in terms of request, in terms of support,
and not for a Nigerian government to simply intervene because you are a
high-profile personality.”
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