ABUJA – Nigeria has achieved a landmark P&ID victory against Process and Industrial Developments Limited (P&ID). A United Kingdom court decisively sided with Nigeria, striking down a staggering $11 billion claim. This judgment is a powerful defense against attempted economic sabotage.
The FRN Legal and Investigation Team’s National Coordinator, Mr. Kofo Abdulsalam-Alada, highlighted the Tinubu administration’s vital role. Their firm stance was key to defeating the massive P&ID demand. “The current government’s commitment rescued the country from fraudsters,” Abdulsalam-Alada stated. He praised Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi for resisting strong pressure to settle the case outside of court.
The Architect of Nigeria’s Defense Strategy
Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, honored Kofo Abdulsalam-Alada as a pivotal figure. Abdulsalam-Alada provided steadfast, quiet leadership throughout the ten-year legal battle. “Kofo Salam-Alada is the definition of a silent hero,” Fagbemi affirmed. He stressed that Abdulsalam-Alada’s foundational work was essential for Nigeria’s successful arguments in the UK court. Fagbemi recognized Abdulsalam-Alada’s lasting legacy of legal skill and unwavering ethical service.
UK Legal Team Praised for Dismantling P&ID Fraud
The AGF expressed deep gratitude for Nigeria’s UK legal team. Their sharp strategy was critical in exposing and dismantling P&ID’s baseless claims. Fagbemi called the case an “unprecedented” challenge. It posed a severe financial threat to the nation. “This case was complex and unprecedented, threatening to burden Nigeria with an $11 billion liability,” Fagbemi noted. “Your ability to unravel its fraudulent foundation and secure a favorable ruling is a testament to your expertise and resolve,” he told the team.
The court discovered P&ID used bribery and deceit to advance its claim. The company had not secured land for the project. It also failed to demonstrate any capacity to execute the project. This Nigeria P&ID victory saves the nation billions.
A Stern Warning Against Exploitation
Citing the UK High Court’s powerful judgment, Fagbemi declared the ruling sends an unmistakable message. Nigeria will not be a soft target for exploitation. “P&ID was exactly the type of entity prepared to engage in bribery to achieve its aims—seeking riches beyond the dreams of avarice,” he quoted from the court’s findings. This underscores the deceptive nature of the $11 billion P&ID fraud attempt.
President Tinubu’s administration firmly rejected all offers for an out-of-court settlement. This maintained a zero-tolerance policy against fraud. “This government will not go hand in glove with fraudulent counterparties,” Fagbemi asserted. The nation’s success came from the dedicated, coordinated efforts of agencies including the Ministry of Justice, EFCC, DSS, and CBN.
The case originated from a 2010 gas processing agreement P&ID alleged Nigeria breached. The UK court’s decision that the arbitration award was founded on fraud is a total vindication for Nigeria. As a result of this win, Nigeria has also retrieved a $200 million bond paid earlier in the dispute. The country is now pursuing recovery of further legal costs.
By Abdullah Korede
