Nigerian extradition request discharged. Ben Keith and Georgia Beatty represented two clients sought by the Government of Nigeria in relation to an alleged serious fraud. This case was only the second fully contested Nigerian request to be heard by the English courts. The case was factually and legally complex, involving parallel litigation in the English courts and in other jurisdictions. The case centred around an abuse of process argument based on corruption and manipulation of the Nigerian legal system. Numerous other issues were raised, including technical challenges relating to particularisation of the alleged offending and prima facie case, and Human Rights issues under Articles 3, 5, 6 and 8 ECHR.
The extradition hearing took place before the Senior District Judge over the course of 5 days. Both requested persons were discharged from extradition on the basis that prison conditions in Nigeria would violate their right to freedom from inhumane and degrading treatment under Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), and also on the basis that extradition would be incompatible with their right to a private and family life under Article 8 ECHR. Ben Keith and Georgia Beatty were instructed by Anoushka Warlow and Shaul Brazil of BCL Solicitors.
Nigerian Extradition request discharged by the were instructed by Anoushka Warlow and Shaul Brazil of BCL Solicitors to represent two clients sought by the Government of Nigeria in relation to an alleged serious fraud. This case was only the second fully contested Nigerian request to be heard by the English courts.
Ben Keith is a leading barrister specialising in cross-border and international cases. He deals with all aspects of Extradition, Human Rights, Mutual Legal Assistance, Interpol, Financial crime and International Law including sanctions. He represents governments, political and military leaders, High Net Worth individuals, human rights defenders and business leaders in the most sensitive cases. Ben is recognised within Chambers & Partners High Net Worth Guide: Financial Crime, in the field of Extradition and Immigration, and the Legal 500 in International Crime and Extradition.
Georgia Beatty is a specialist extradition practitioner who also has a substantial practice in Criminal Law. She is recognised in the Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners for extradition. Her extradition practice includes both Part 1 and Part 2 matters and involves a wide range of legal issues arising under the Extradition Act 2003 and the European Convention on Human Rights.
