2004 Court Scandal: Wikileaks Cable Reveals Alleged N30m Bribe by Top Nigerian Figures

A recently leaked United States diplomatic cable has exposed allegations of judicial corruption involving Chief Afe Babalola, a prominent Nigerian legal figure, and former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

The allegations pertain to a 2004 Court of Appeal ruling that maintained Boni Haruna, a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), as governor of Adamawa State despite initial findings of electoral malpractice.

The classified cable, part of a trove published by Wikileaks, describes how Babalola, acting on behalf of President Obasanjo, allegedly facilitated the payment of N30 million ($225,000) to each of the five judges presiding over the appeal. The cash was reportedly aimed at ensuring a favorable judgment.

According to the document, an attorney working for Afe Babalola admitted to accompanying the legal team during the cash delivery.

The attorney stated that such financial exchanges were customary in high-stakes cases, revealing a troubling pattern of judicial manipulation.

While the tribunal had found overwhelming evidence of irregularities, the appellate court dismissed the evidence as inadequate and scandalous. The contrasting judgments raised suspicions about external influence, with the leaked cable questioning the impartiality of the appellate court.

This revelation adds to the mounting controversies surrounding Afe Babalola, who has been criticized for his alleged misuse of power. Most recently, Babalola came under fire for orchestrating the arrest of human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi over alleged defamation in Farotimi’s book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.