From Vilification to Vindication: Supo Shasore SAN's Remarkable Journey to Justice on the Global Stage.

In a riveting legal saga that captured the nation's attention, Supo Shasore SAN, some distinguished Nigerian lawyers stood at the precipice of vilification, accused on a global stage of corruption, and compromising their nation's interests. However, as the courtroom drama unfolded, the scales of justice tipped in a remarkable twist, leaving a powerful lesson about resilience and the enduring power of truth. This is a story of the captivating journey of Supo Shasore SAN, from vilification to vindication in the UK court, and the profound lessons it holds for all.

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In the heart of Nigeria, a legal storm brewed, a tempest of accusations, and a crucible of justice where the honour of an esteemed lawyer, Supo Shasore SAN, stood on the precipice of vilification. It was an arbitration case of epic proportions against Process and Industrial Developments Limited (P&ID), a battle where integrity, resilience, and the soul of the nation hung in the balance.

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Nigeria pointed its accusatory finger, alleging corruption, suggesting that Mr. Shasore had danced with the devil, perhaps to secure a nefarious deal for P&ID. The courtroom reverberated with charges, and the nation held its breath, with many allies worried about the international shame this case would bring to a man they love so dearly.

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In the midst of the raging storm and in an era of social media trials where man’s hard-earned reputation has been soiled and destroyed at the centre of the market at “Okepopo” Supo Shasore stood firm, unwavering and resolute in his innocence. He gave his best to the defense of his integrity. He proclaimed that his actions were for Nigeria's good, despite the damning allegations. The legal battle raged, a theatre of accusations and counterarguments. The street beggars on the street pronounced their judgment against this perceived enemy of the country. Many rained curses on their perceived corrupt and destroyers of the nation. The mob raged even among the most senior of lawyers. Everyone concluded the guilt even without a trial until the hour of judgment arrived, delivered by the honourable Judge Robin Knowles J.

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In a courtroom filled with anticipation, Judge Knowles spoke the words that would reshape Mr. Shasore's destiny: "Mr. Shasore SAN has not, in my judgment, been shown to be corrupt." A wave of relief washed over those who had watched the drama unfold, and Mr Shasore SAN stood vindicated in the very court where he had been vilified.

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The judge extolled Mr. Shasore's unwavering support for Nigeria, his sound counsel, and his relentless challenges to P&ID's claims. In a twist of fate, responsibility for the missteps during the arbitration was shifted away from Mr. Shasore and onto the shoulders of government officials and ministers including the very accuser who himself was the Attorney General and Minister for Justice of the Federation.

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But this legal tale was not confined to one protagonist. It extended to others accused in the case, including Mr Dikko, Ms Adelore, Ms Belgore, and Mr Oguine. Nigeria had alleged corruption, yet the court's perspective painted a different picture.

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"In a particularly extraordinary episode in late 2014 and early 2015," the court recounted, "Mr Adebayo persuaded Ms Adelore, Mr Oguine, and Mr Shasore to lobby relentlessly for a settlement of US$1.1 billion." The court defended their actions as a realistic approach to negotiations, emphasizing the legitimacy of their assessment, considering P&ID's initial demand of US$1.5 billion.

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The court further explored the financial transactions, a web of intrigue that added complexity to the narrative. While evidence of payments existed, there was insufficient proof that these were bribes by P&ID, leaving a shroud of mystery surrounding the motives.

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Amidst the legal labyrinth, concerns arose about unexplained wealth in the bank accounts of Ms. Adelore and Mr. Dikko. Caution was advised in drawing conclusions, for the story held more layers than met the eye.

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Lastly, the court spotlighted the leaking of Nigeria's internal legal documents to P&ID. The release and retention of these documents raised questions about the integrity of the process, as their origin remained shrouded in ambiguity.

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In this captivating legal saga, where darkness seemed to engulf the virtuous, intricate details wove together a tapestry of complexity and intrigue. It held a powerful message—a testament to the resilience of justice and the importance of due process, even in the face of daunting challenges.

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And so, as Mr. Shasore SAN emerged from the courtroom, he carried with him not only his vindication but also a lesson for the nation. A lesson that justice, integrity, and the rule of law should stand as unwavering beacons, lighting the way from vilification to vindication, a journey that captivated hearts and minds until the final word was read. Supo may today have fallen off the hook of shame and agonies of false accusations on a global stage, but what about millions of others who have been accused with stories filled by prosecutors which bear no correlation with the facts of the history of the transactions? I will someday write more stories that align with this and draw lessons on how prosecuting agencies should always be cautious and ensure that there are real and undeniable facts backed by forensic investigation before tarnishing people's hard-earned names on the pages of media blogs. Media trial and media mob action does no one no good and destroys people's faith in the country. Many could have died without the opportunity to redeem their family name which had been destroyed on the pages of blogs. I have my tale to tell someday.

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From the corridors of power to the bustling streets, the tale of Supo Shasore SAN's journey will become a national parable. His name was no longer synonymous with the tag or allegations of being one of the destroyers of a nation called Nigeria. His resilience and the enduring spirit of truth and justice had vindicated him in the same court in the city of London where he was once vilified. As the nation breathed a collective sigh of relief, they realized the profound significance of this legal odyssey. Supo Shasore SAN had become the embodiment of hope and proof that even in the darkest hours when accusations loom large and shadows threaten to engulf, the light of justice, when allowed to shine, will inevitably pierce through.

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The lesson was clear and resounding: hastily destroying one's own, whether in reputation or trust, should be done with the utmost caution. The court's verdict was a powerful reminder that due process and the rule of law are pillars upon which a just society stands.

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In the end, Supo Shasore SAN's remarkable journey, from being accused on an international stage to being vindicated and celebrated on a yet same global stage, will be a testament to the enduring power of justice and the indomitable spirit of those who uphold it. His story would be told and retold, not just as a legal triumph, but as a testament to the unwavering belief in truth and the tenacity of the human spirit.

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And as the sun set over the nation, it left in its wake the legacy of a man who had weathered the storm and emerged as a beacon of hope and inspiration, a symbol of how, in the end, the scales of justice do tip in favour of those who stand resolute and unwavering, even in the face of adversity.?

Lere Fashola is a Tech lawyer, father and lover of justice.

Olasupo Shasore, SAN ALP NG & Co @N