How winning UK court case worth billions of naira makes me feel – Nwoko
… Urges Nigerians to Be Cautious When Investing in Platforms
… Pledges to Invest the Funds in Vaccine Research
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Reparations and Repatriation, Senator Ned Nwoko (PDP, Delta North), has shared his thoughts on his victory in the legal case against the City of London Magistrates’ Court, where the British court ordered the release of frozen $1.2 million.
Nwoko explained that he fought the case to counter the widespread belief that all Nigerians are dishonest, highlighting that there are credible, sincere, and God-fearing people in Nigeria, contrary to the negative perceptions abroad.
Speaking to journalists over the weekend in Abuja, Nwoko revealed that his legal victory in the United Kingdom has further fueled his determination to improve Nigeria’s global reputation. He also cautioned Nigerians to be careful when investing in certain platforms, emphasizing that, despite the negative stereotypes about Nigerians abroad, there are many who, like him, uphold integrity.
Recall that on Thursday, the City of London Magistrates’ Court ruled in favor of Nwoko, ordering the release of $1,199,965, which had been frozen in an account belonging to one Mr. Keith Davies. The funds had been transferred by Nwoko to a middleman named Abubakar, who subsequently transferred the money to Davies, a self-acclaimed broker. The authorities had frozen the funds due to an ownership dispute. However, the court found Nwoko to be the rightful owner of the money.
Nwoko stated that he defended himself in court without having to travel to London, as he was permitted to participate remotely from Nigeria. He confirmed that the funds would be released to his legal team within seven days of the ruling.
The Senator expressed his commitment to reinvesting the money into malaria vaccine research, a long-standing aspiration of his. He explained that this investment aligns with his legislative priorities, including advancing a bill to establish an agency dedicated to vaccine research and development in Nigeria.
He said, “As a serving Senator, I am determined to push this bill forward and turn it into law to ensure that Nigeria has a dedicated body for managing and investing in vaccine research.”
Nwoko emphasized the need for Nigeria to take proactive steps in creating this agency, saying, “I hope we can pass a law that mandates the creation of an agency focused solely on vaccine research.”
Addressing Nigeria’s environmental challenges, Nwoko pointed out that poor waste management and stagnant water contribute to the spread of mosquitoes and other health issues. “Our country’s waste management practices are lacking, and this contributes to widespread health problems. We must adopt higher standards—every part of Nigeria should be as clean and well-maintained as other developed countries. Everyone deserves to live in a healthy and comfortable environment,” he said.
The Senator urged stakeholders to support the proposed vaccine research bill through advocacy and public engagement. “I am one of you, advocating from the position of a lawmaker. We need collective efforts to create this agency. Your support through writing and spreading awareness is essential,” he stated.
Nwoko also revealed his ongoing collaborations with professors, researchers, and American technology experts as part of his preparations for this initiative, adding, “It has to be done. I am confident that one day, we will achieve a breakthrough.”