US embassy cable - 01ABUJA1041

S E C R E T ABUJA 001041 
 
SIPDIS 
 
 
NOFORN 
 
 
DEPARTMENT FOR INL:JSULLIVAN 
 
 
E.O.12958: 1.6X6 and 1.6X8 
TAGS: PREL, SNAR, KCRM, NI 
SUBJECT: President Obasanjo on Renditions 
 
 
REF: State 69659 
 
 
(U) Classified by CDA Andrews; Reasons 1.6X6 and 1.6X8. 
 
 
1. (S/NF) During a breakfast meeting to discuss President 
Obasanjo's visit to Washington, Ambassador Jeter delivered 
reftel points.  President Obasanjo made an exaggerated look 
of being taken aback and said, "Ssh!  Don't even mention 
renditions!"  The President quickly became serious, 
however, saying that the Chief Judge of the High Court 
(Justice Belgore) was clearly corrupt and that the Chief 
Justice (Justice Mohammed Uwais) knew it.  However, Uwais 
and was not sure of best way to proceed since proving 
charges of corruption against Belgore would be difficult. 
The President stated that he very much wants Nigeria to 
follow the treaty-based extradition process.  Ambassador 
Jeter asked if it would be possible to look into creating a 
"special panel" to hear extradition cases.  The President 
said he thought it would be. 
 
 
2. (C) COMMENT: Renditions are a politically touchy 
subject.  Post had discussed the possibility of creating a 
special extradition panel within the Federal High Court 
with AG Ige late last year.  Post had proposed to link DOJ 
training for Nigerian prosecutors in handling extraditions 
to the creation of such a panel.  Difficulties arose over 
funding and participation levels, and the event never took 
place.  Post will raise the special panel concept again 
with the AG when he returns from Washington, and will 
discuss with him the specific issue of what the GON plans 
to do with the three individuals in detention in Lagos. 
 
 
3. (S/NF) COMMENT CONTINUED: One potential problem with an 
extradition panel is that it would have to be established 
by Belgore. END COMMENT. 
ANDREWS