In the intricate corridors of global jurisprudence, the scales of justice often tip under the weight of political machinations and economic interests. The case of Dan Etete, Nigeria’s former Minister of Petroleum, epitomizes how legal systems can be manipulated, leading to profound personal and national injustices.

Dan Etete, appointed as Nigeria’s Minister of Petroleum Resources in 1995, played a pivotal role in introducing the marginal oil field regime and indigenous participation in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. His contributions have however been beclouded by the controversy around the controversial OPL 245. This oil block, one of Africa’s richest, became the focus of a protracted legal battle involving major oil companies amid allegations of corruption. Etete’s involvement led to accusations that have marred his reputation and overshadowed his contributions to Nigeria’s oil sector.

In a landmark decision, an Italian court acquitted Eni, Shell, and associated individuals, including Etete, of corruption charges related to OPL 245. The court concluded that there was no case to answer, highlighting the absence of sufficient evidence to substantiate the allegations. This verdict underscores the complexities inherent in international legal proceedings, where accusations often outpace the evidence required for conviction.

Etete’s ordeal is not isolated. Globally, individuals have faced similar legal battles, where accusations are levied, with years spent in court, only to culminate in acquittals. These cases highlight systemic issues within legal frameworks that allow for the weaponization of justice, often driven by political or economic motivations.

The protracted legal saga of Amanda Knox serves as a poignant illustration of Italy’s judicial labyrinth. Knox, an American student, was accused of the 2007 murder of Meredith Kercher in Perugia. After initial convictions and subsequent acquittals, she was finally exonerated by Italy’s Supreme Court in 2015.

The case highlighted significant issues within the Italian legal system. Issues were raised around the handling of forensic evidence, media interference, and prosecutorial conduct. It also underscored the challenges of ensuring justice in a system where legal procedures can be as complex as the crimes themselves.

In the UK, the case of the Birmingham Six remains a stark reminder of the fallibility of justice systems. Six Irish men were wrongfully convicted in 1975 for pub bombings in Birmingham, based on coerced confessions and questionable forensic evidence. After 16 years of imprisonment, their convictions were quashed in 1991, revealing systemic flaws such as investigative misconduct and the suppression of evidence. This case prompted significant reforms in the UK’s criminal justice system, emphasizing the need for checks and balances to prevent miscarriages of justice.

The term “weaponization of justice” refers to the deliberate manipulation of legal systems to achieve objectives beyond the pursuit of truth and fairness. The weaponization of legal technicalities, whether through coerced confessions, mishandled evidence, or political interference, undermines the foundational principles of justice.

In Dan Etete’s case, the prolonged legal battles, despite eventual acquittal, suggest a misuse of judicial processes, leading to reputational damage. Despite his achievements that merit recognition, and most notably his discharge and acquittal in three jurisdictions – ITALY, UNITED KINGDOM, and Nigeria; he has remained the focal point of smear campaigns.

What does his discharge and acquittal really mean? It means that Dan Etete has been formally cleared of charges in a court of law. This means the court has found him not guilty of the charges brought against him. An acquittal signifies that there was insufficient evidence to prove the person committed the alleged offence, or was proven innocent. This means the accused is released from the legal process and is free to go. If he has been found to have done nothing wrong by the Nigerian Legal system, where the judiciary has come under scrutiny in recent times, is it being insinuated that the course of justice was perverted in those other jurisdictions?

In reflecting upon the Chief Dan Etete cases, it becomes evident that the pursuit of justice requires constant vigilance, systemic introspection, and unwavering commitment to fairness. Just as poverty can be weaponized to perpetuate societal inequities, legal ambiguities when exploited, lead to miscarriages of justice.

Moreover, they erode public trust in legal institutions, deter individuals from public service, and can have economic repercussions, especially in sectors as vital as oil and gas. Furthermore, they highlight the need for reforms to prevent the misuse of legal systems and to ensure that justice is truly blind.

Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs) often find themselves under intense scrutiny due to their influential positions, making them susceptible to allegations of corruption. In several instances, PEPs have been wrongfully accused and, despite subsequent exoneration, have suffered significant reputational damage due to smear campaigns. Here are five notable cases from different countries:

Former President John Dramani Mahama was implicated in a bribery scandal involving Airbus SE, with allegations suggesting his involvement through his brother, Samuel Adam Mahama. These claims, lacking substantial evidence, were perceived as politically motivated to tarnish Mahama’s reputation and divert attention from governmental shortcomings. The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) eventually exonerated Mahama, but the smear campaign had already inflicted damage on his public image.

Adolphus Wabara, former President of the Nigerian Senate, faced allegations in 2005 of accepting a ₦55 million bribe to influence budget approvals. Despite his resignation and a prolonged 14-year legal battle, Wabara was acquitted in 2019 due to insufficient evidence.

Frederick Chiluba, Zambia’s second President, faced allegations of embezzling public funds after his tenure ended in 2002. Following a protracted legal process, Chiluba was acquitted of all charges in 2009. The court determined that the prosecution failed to provide compelling evidence linking him to the alleged crimes. This verdict underscored the challenges in distinguishing between political vendettas and genuine anti-corruption efforts.

Georgia Thompson, a Wisconsin state employee, was convicted in 2006 on federal corruption charges, accused of steering a state contract for political reasons. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit overturned her conviction in 2007, citing a lack of evidence.

Former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia was accused of misusing funds related to the Zia Charitable Trust, leading to her conviction and imprisonment in 2018. In November 2024, the Supreme Court of Bangladesh acquitted Zia and all co-accused, citing a lack of credible evidence.

Nabil Sayadi, director of the European branch of the Global Relief Foundation, was accused of transferring funds to an Al-Qaeda financier, leading to his inclusion on international watch-lists and the freezing of his assets. In 2006, Belgian judges exonerated Sayadi, citing a lack of evidence linking him to terrorist activities.

These cases highlight the profound impact that unfounded corruption allegations and smear campaigns can have on PEPs, often resulting in lasting reputational harm even after legal exoneration.While many accusations are substantiated, there are notable instances where PEPs have been wrongfully accused and subsequently exonerated by the legal system.

Chief Dan Etete’s experience, like the ones already referenced, serves as a stark reminder of the potential for justice systems to be weaponized. It calls for introspection and reform to safeguard the principles of fairness and equity, ensuring that individuals are protected from undue legal persecutions driven by interests that have little to do with justice. This underscores the necessity for robust legal frameworks that ensure due process, protect individuals from politically motivated accusations, and uphold the integrity of judicial systems worldwide.

*** Jeremiah Perekeme Owoupele is a Niger Delta based lawyer.

The Ogun State Police Command says Habeeb Okikiola, aka Portable, is now in its custody.

Omolola Odutola, the state public relations officer made the disclosure in a statement on Wednesday.

According to her, “The Ogun State Police Command wishes to inform the public that Habeeb Okikiola, also known as Portable, arrived at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran, Abeokuta, at exactly 13:23 hours today, February 19, 2025.

“His presence at the SCID is connected to an ongoing investigation. The command assures the public that due process will be followed in handling this matter, and updates will be provided as necessary.”

Portable was declared wanted for assault on some officials of the Ogun State Town Planning Agency who were carrying out enforcement on his property in the Ilogbo area of the state.

Details later…

Tingo AI Radio, Africa’s first fully Artificial Intelligence-powered radio station, has officially launched in the heart of Lagos, Nigeria, marking a historic moment in the continent’s media industry. The groundbreaking event, which coincided with Valentine’s Day celebrations, drew admiration and excitement from attendees who witnessed the unveiling of what has been described as the “seventh wonder of Africa.” Situated on Victoria Island, this innovative station is set to redefine the future of radio broadcasting, blending cutting-edge technology with Afro-centric content to create a truly unique listening experience.

The launch event attracted professionals from various industries, who were treated to an exclusive tour of the state-of-the-art studio. The station, which operates on frequency 102.5FM, has already received final approval from the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), marking a significant milestone in the integration of advanced technology into Nigeria’s media milieu.

Dozy Mmobuosi, CEO of Tingo AI Radio, emphasized the transformative potential of the station during the launch. “AI gives you room to upscale in order to enhance your productivity,” he said. “We have put every necessary measure in place to ensure strict adherence to NBC regulations, and we intend to use AI responsibly. The content from our AI radio will be 100% Nigerian, with AI agents that have learned the Nigerian language and accent. Our goal is to deliver Afro-centric content that resonates with our audience.”

Mmobuosi also hinted at the upcoming launch of TingoGPT, an AI model tailored specifically for African users, further solidifying Tingo AI’s commitment to advancing technology on the continent.

The Birth of Tingo AI Radio

Abraham Samuel, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Tingo AI Radio, provided deeper insights into the inspiration behind the revolutionary project. “It was born out of the need to move technology forward in Africa,” Samuel explained. “When a new technology emerges, some think of it from the perspective of users, while others think of it from the perspective of businesses. For us, we wanted to build infrastructure with AI that could support multiple areas, and that’s how the idea of AI Radio came to life.”

Samuel revealed that the station’s infrastructure is designed to replace traditional roles in radio broadcasting, including News Directors, Assignment Editors, Producers, Reporters, On-Air Personalities (OAPs), and Sound Engineers. “The goal is to replace human interaction completely,” he said. “There will be no need for OAPs because the AI will handle the job seamlessly. The software powers everything—from sound engineering to mixing and even DJing. Listeners can interact with a virtual DJ, request songs, and enjoy personalized playlists.”

How Tingo AI Radio Works

Tingo AI Radio operates on a hybrid model, combining pre-recorded and live shows. News broadcasts and weather forecasts will be delivered as live shows, while interviews will be pre-recorded using AI voice cloning technology. “To make human efforts more efficient, we’ve eliminated the need for lengthy studio sessions,” Samuel added. “All you need to do is send us a sample of your voice, and we clone it into our AI system. This allows you to have your own AI agent, which can take questions and deliver scripts on your behalf. Interviews are conducted in one take, saving time and resources.”

A New Era for African Broadcasting

The launch of Tingo AI Radio marks a significant step forward in the application of Artificial Intelligence in Africa’s media industry. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, the station aims to deliver high-quality, Afro-centric content while reducing operational costs and increasing efficiency.

As Dozy Mmobuosi aptly put it, “This is not just a radio station; it’s a movement towards a smarter, more innovative Africa. With Tingo AI Radio, we are setting a new standard for broadcasting and demonstrating the limitless possibilities of African Artificial Intelligence.”

With its unique blend of technology and culture, Tingo AI Radio is set to become a trailblazer in the industry, offering listeners an unparalleled experience and paving the way for future advancements in AI-driven media across the continent.