The Lead Counsel who represented the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the matter at the Metropolitan and High Courts in Prague (MCP), Czech Republic, in the matter of MUDr. Jiří Pasovský, Case No. 45 T 21/2004, Prof. Usman Edward M. Asu, has raised alarm, alleging that the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) is after his life after failing to pay him and the family of the late Nigerian former Consul to the country, Mr. Michael Lekare Wayi.
Mr. Wayi was a director and senior Staff of NIA, serving in the capacity of a Minister at the Nigerian Embassy in Prague.
In a petition addressed to the president, Prof. Asu alleged “existential threats” to his life after serving Nigeria meritoriously.
Was Asu Officially Hired?
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) learnt that in a Certificate of Authority duly signed by Ambassador Nuhu Audu Bajoga dated 10th February, 2005, the law office of Prof. (Barrister) Asu had been duly hired.
It was requested to “represent the Federal Government of Nigeria concerning all matters of criminal case at the Municipal Court in Prague, Spalena 2, Praha 2 112 16, against MUDr. Jiri Pasovsky, Case No. 45 T 21/2004 from February 15th, 2005, through its conclusion including possible appeals.”
Having rendered the services, however, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through H. E. Ambassador Audu ordered that the legal counsel for the Nigerian Government, the victims and the deceased family cease from undertaking any further action unless advised otherwise.
“This single action would later see the victims’ family losing close to a million USD in compensation, compensation of firsthand victims like Salim Baba Bodi and professional fees of the legal representatives and incidental costs and expenses, etc.
“Emerging from the seat of power through the Embassy Warsaw, Poland, the order was “Do nothing until the Ministry of Foreign Affairs advice through the Embassy that the Matter should proceed.”
“This last “instruction to do nothing” did deny the late Mr. Wayi and his beneficiaries their remuneration as well as professional fees and the cost of executing the Certificate of Authority,” Asu regretted.
Till date, no counter instruction from the Foreign Ministry or any other federal representative has been received.
The family of the late Mr. Wayi had sought compensation of over USD 0.84 million from Pasovsky at the Court, having successfully prosecuted the matter.
The legal representatives would have followed the conclusion of the criminal matter and proceeded to seek redress against Pasovsky under the Victims Compensation Act but the Nigerian Embassy Warsaw expressly frustrated the matter.
How it all began
On Wednesday 19th February 2003 at about 10:00 to 11:00hr, a Nigerian Senior Diplomat and Consul Michael Lekare Wayi, was murdered at the Nigerian embassy in Prague by one MUDr. Jiří Pasovský, a Czech National.
(MUDr. is a Czech medical degree equivalent to Doctor of Medicine.)
MUDr. Pasovský shot and killed the Nigerian consul and wounded a secretary at the Nigerian embassy in Prague.
Wayi, a small statured diplomat gentleman, on that faithful day just like every other official in the embassy, was discharging his duties and responsibilities on behalf of his government without the faintest idea of the lurking danger.
72 years old Pasovsky entered the Embassy building with a loaded pistol, Brazilian revolver, and a box of 50 (9mm) bullets.
Pasovsky successfully terminated Wayi’s life, firing him two shots to the head and one straight through his heart.
The embassy building was consequently closed following the assassination but was later reopened in November 2012.
The crime was allegedly committed due to Pasovský being defrauded by the so-called Nigerian letters scam, resulting in significant financial losses.
Pasovský Sentenced
Pasovský was sentenced to 8 years in prison by judge Miroslava Strakova, but his defense team immediately appealed the verdict.
While relying on “psychiatric evaluation”, experts found Pasovský to be insane, leading to a proposal for permanent care.
However, this was rejected, and he was ultimately sentenced to prison after court certified him sane.
Pasovský’s case drew significant attention due to its nature and the diplomatic implications involved.
An unanswered question was why he was licensed to carry a gun if he suffers from epilepsy as the defense claimed and the court did not address, despite finding him guilty.
Pasovský, it could be noted, was an Agent of the Security Information Service (BIS-Bezpečnostní informační služba) a counter-intelligence counterpart of the Nigerian National Intelligence Agency (NIA).
He is a medical doctor and an ex-KGB/BIS Agent code named “Duhak” meaning “Rainbow” in English with successful operations in Libya, Qatar, Afghanistan and Nigeria.
“With Pasovsky and Wayi being both Intelligence Agents for their respective states, Czech Republic and Federal Republic of Nigeria respectively, one would quickly conclude that both men had had axe to grind in the world of Secret Service,” an analyst observed.
Pasovsky reportedly also put two shots into the side of and injured a local staff, JUDr. Salim Baba Bodi.
He also unsuccessfully attempted to murder H. E. Ambassador Miss J.J. Ayorinde (late), Mal. Ismaila Abubakar and other senior diplomatic staffs at the Embassy.
Who defrauded Pasovský?
Investigations reveal that Pasovsky was a victim of a syndicate fraud committed in Nigeria and in a few other countries.
He reportedly lost everything he had worked for, including his house and savings, and was heavily indebted as a result.
Documentary evidence included numerous money transfers via Western Union and banks to at least a dozen countries, while about 90 percent of the combined amount and volume of transfers went to Nigeria.
He had been made to believe that he was buying one of the numerous Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) oil wells in Nigeria.
After scrutinizing the documents, however, the late Wayi had cautioned Pasovsky against proceeding with the deal as it smirked of fraud.
Wayi even denied him a Nigerian Visa to dissuade him but Pasovsky threw caution to the wind and by-passed the Prague Embassy.
According to available information to Asu made available to DDM, he flew to Germany, obtained a Nigerian Visa and flew into Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The Zest For “Oil Money”
A reported stated: “Upon arrival into Nigeria, Pasovsky was met by a very high-powered delegation that would require someone highly connected to the Presidency or even the Presidency itself to pull.”
The report stated further: “In order to convince him further, Pasovsky was taken right to the NNPC towers.
Tell me if the government is not involved or if it is not someone highly connected to the government, who can do that?
“After his visit to Nigeria, Pasovsky became convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that he was investing into a profitably mouthwatering business.
“He went ahead with the deal and allegedly invested over USD 4.5 million.
“As time goes on, it became clear to the ex-KGB/BIS agent that he had been defrauded, and then he turned back to the Nigerian embassy in Prague, seeking the Nigerian government’s help in getting his money back.
“This made Pasovsky a perpetual regular to the Nigerian Embassy building in Prague.
“…on the morning of February 2003, he came to the Embassy with a loaded gun and a box of 50 bullets, suggesting he actually intended to cause maximum damage at the embassy.
“Upon reaching, he tried to bypass the Embassy clerk, JUDr. Salim Baba Bodi headed straight for Way’s office, but Baba Bodi stalled him and an argument ensued between the duo raising their voices.
“This attracted the late Wayi’s attention from his office.
“Wayi came to the reception and eased Pasovsky into his office pleading him not to create a scene at the Embassy.
“Pasovsky hearkened and went into the office,” the sources said.
The rest is history, a clear case of premeditated murder with an intention to commit more, as Asu proved in the court.
Arrest and Legal Action
Pasovsky was later apprehended by local Policemen after wreaking havoc in the Nigerian Embassy and taking a walk.
Following Pasovský’s attack on the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the leadership immediately hired the services of Prof. Asu.
Asu was to represent the country and the deceased family before the Metropolitan and High Courts in Prague in the matter, which commenced on February 15th, 2005, after Peter was murdered in February 2003.
DDM learnt that the two-year delay was a result of the Nigerian Agency’s refusal to pay Prof. Asu the professional fees and incidental expenses and costs in the representation of the country.
The case was eventually won and executed as Pasovský was found guilty and sentenced to eight years imprisonment.
Upon appeal, however, the sentenced was reduced to five years.
During the trial the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a few senior NIA directors and the Ministry of Justice were sighted.
The Ambassador and Minister at the Nigeria Embassy in Poland were also visibly present.
However, not a single government official in Czech Republic, not even the embassy staff attended the appeal.
“This is clear sign that the authorities were definitely not interested in pursuing the matter let alone ensure that justice is done,” said the source.
After serving less than three years, Pasovský was let loose into the streets on parole.
Nigerian Government Turns the Nozzle Against Prof. Asu
Reacting to the sentence reduction, the Nigerian counsel regretted that not even one embassy staff was present, despite being notified.
However, unbeknownst to Asu, the tide was about to turn against him as the hunter was about to become the hunted.
After more than a hundred visits to Nigeria to get paid for “a job well done”, the result still shows “NOT PAID!”
The started the cajoles urging him to forfeit his legal fees or at least accept to let go of ninety per cent of the total funds.
This was followed by subtle threats, warning him not to mention the money again, otherwise will be ready for the “dire consequences”.
To make an already precarious situation even worse, according to him, the NIA masterminded his abduction, arrest and incarceration for five months in a detention center.
Asu Turns To Media To Be Heard
Speaking in an interview on DDM during the programme “Wase Unfiltered”, Asu noted that there is a ‘plethora of issues surrounding the existential threats’.
This, he said, included the fact that the NIA through the state instrumentalities did in January of 2025, forcefully and unlawfully seized, detained and incarcerated him for 5 months.
“As may already be obvious, amongst other reasons advise by senior officials of Federal government of Nigeria are the demands for 90% of the over USD millions as stated on the face of the invoice, which increases monthly.
“As a consequence of numerous actions and omissions of the past and current governments, the family of deceased lost over USD 800,000,” he informed DDM.
He emphasised that, during this while, he underwent several interviews and exchanged many correspondences between his offices, and the Presidency, Ministries of Foreign Affairs, and Ministries of Justice.
“Note please that the Presidency, the NIA, ONSA, Ministries of Justice, Foreign Affairs, SGF, the NCS, the Embassies of Nigeria Prague and Warsaw are all fully aware of these matters,” he added.
Watch the full interview with Prof. Asu on DDM programme “Wase Unfiltered” on Thursday:
Asu Cajoled, Incarcerated, and Now “Threatened Existentially”
Amidst thew frequent cases of cajoling, as well as the incarceration, a new has been added, “existential threatens”.
In a petition addressed to the President Tinubu, Asu raised alarm that with NIA prowling around, his life is no longer safe.
President Tinubu had, on August 26, 2024, appointed Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed as the new Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA).
In the petition, entitled “Nigeria’s Intelligence Agency Existential Threats to my Life [Prof. Usman E. M. ASU]“, he wrote:
“SYNOPSIS:
You may recall the saga involving the summary execution (by two bullets to the heart and on to the head) of late Michael Lekare Wayi inside his office at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Prague, the Czech Republic. The late Mr Wayi was a senior diplomat and Director with the NIA on loan to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
You may recall that his perpetrator, MUDr. Jiri PASOVSKY (a former agent of the NIA counterpart in the Czech Republic – BIS) was successfully prosecuted, found guilty and sentenced to 8 years, which was commuted on appeal to 5 years, wholly due to the government’s approach to the matter; viz. not a single diplomat or staff member from the Embassy attended the appeal against Lead Counsel’s advise. MUDr. Jiri PASOVSKY, was Agent of the Security Information Service (BIS-Bezpečnostní informační služba) a counter-intelligence counterpart of the NIA.
The Presidency is yet to honour and disburse the professional fees, costs and expenses of the said successful prosecution until date; over 20 years now. Prof. Usman E. M. ASU, represented the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the deceased family before the Metropolitan and High Courts in Prague in the matter of MUDr. Jiri PASOVSKY, Case No. 45 T 21/2004 which commenced on February 15th 2005.
The reasons amongst others being that the Agency refuses to pay the professional fees and incidental expenses and costs in the representation of the who represented the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The complete previously published article below for the readers review.
CURRENT STATUS OF THE ASU VERSUS NIA SAGA:
Against the legal requisites of the obligation to demand payment from the debtor(s), which lead counsel (Asu) is obliged, the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) DG, through one of his SA, threatened the life of the Lead Counsel.
Given the Agency’s reach and history from previously known actions, the Lead Counsel addressed these threats to the Presidency; specifically, the Chief of Staff to the President, less than a week of receiving the threats in 2023; until date, the Presidency is yet to acknowledge the correspondence or direct the Lead Counsel on who to follow up or what if any investigations was made and the outcomes.
Lead Counsel did receive a correspondence from the Honourable Minister of Justice and AGF addressing the outstanding debt obligations but failed to mention the threats to Lead Counsel’s life.
When lead counsel pointed this out, the representative of the Honourable Minister of Justice and AGF said that his scope was narrowed to outstanding payment obligations. Suffice it to mean that until date, nothing was done, and the imminent, actual and existential threats persists.
As may already be obvious, amongst other reasons, advise by senior officials of Federal government of Nigeria are the demands for 90% of over the USD 16+ millions as stated on the face of the invoice, which increases Monthly. As a consequence of numerous actions and omissions of the past and current governments, the family of deceased lost over USD 800000.
Plethora of other issues
A plethora of other issues surround these existential threats; including the fact that the NIA through the state instrumentalities did in January of 2025, track, forcefully and unlawfully seized, detained and incarcerated Prof. Usman in the Keffi Correctional Center until June when he was released.
These whole events was catalogued and the Presidency (Legal Counsel and Chief of Staff) were promptly notified via currier services; yet again, not a word has been communicated to lead counsel until. Wherein lies the NIA’s endless impunities under the direction of the Presidency, which supervises the ONSA that is in turn responsible for the actions of the NIA.
Lead counsel has two manuscripts underway documenting these limitless abuses using state instrumentalities naming key government officials and the roles that each played, et al.
A previous interview and correspondences between our offices and the Presidency and Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Justice are enclosed for your review and consideration.” [End]
State House Acknowledgements on the Asu versus NIA saga
The names at the State House who signed correspondences on the Asu versus NIA and to whom correspondences were addressed to include:
State House
- Mr. Ado Ma’aji – Staff of State House (2005);
- Mr. David Edevbie – PSP, (2009);
- Mr. I. O. Elegbede Sr. SA (Admin.), PSP, (2010); and,
- PSP to the President (2014).
These persons are reportedly still employed in the Aso-Rock Villa till date.
All further interactions with the Presidency, State House, Federal Ministries of Justice, Foreign Affairs, NIA, NSA, Office of the SGF, etc. were not dignified with a response.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs:
- H. E. Hon. Minister, MFA; Dr. Martins Uhomoibhi – PS, MFA (He was Director at the MFA in 2005);
- Amb. Sodipo – Former head of Legal, MFA (2005);
- Mr. Okay, PA to the former Minister of State (in 2005), MFA; Minister of State, MFA (2005);
- Barr. S. A. O. Eguruse – Former head of legal, MFA (2001);
- Mr. Umar Gika Mana – Director, NIA (2005);
- Mr. Oniwon -Director, SAPS II/MFA/NIA (2005);
- Ambassador Imam – SAPS II/NIA (2005);
- Malam Abubakar – Former HoC, Embassy of Nigeria, Prague (2003);
- Mr. Samuel Kolade, former FA, Embassy of Nigeria, Prague (2003);
- Chief (Dr.) Ojo Uma Maduekwe, Hon Minister, MFA (2005);
- H. E. Ambassador, Raymond Asalina Mamuno – Ambassador, Embassy of Nigeria, Poland (2009);
- H.E., Ambassador, Nuhu Bajoga Audu, Ambasador, Embassy of Nigeria, Poland (2005) & current deputy governor, Kaduna State;
- Ambassador Tunde Ajisomo, MFA & former Minister, Embassy of Nigeria, Poland (2005); and,
- Barr. D. J. Bature – Legal Advisor to the H. M., MFA;
Federal Ministry of Justice:
- Mr. Adoke, SAN, and Malami SAN, Honourable AGs of the Federation and Minister of Justice;
- Mr. Yola, SAN – PS & Solicitor General of the Federation;
- Prof. Akper – Sr. SA to the AGF & Minister of Justice;
- Barr. Oteh – SA to the GF & Acting Director, Int’l and Comparative Law; and,
- Mr. Abidogun, SAN – Head of Civil Litigation.
Others are:
- All Directors of NIA between 2003 & 2014;
- All Directors, PS & Ministers in the FMA & FMJ as well as HoCs, FAs and Ambassadors at the Embassy of Nigeria, Poland between 2003 & 2014, who may have been in contact with the matter;
- Kanu Agabi, SAN – Former Minister of Justice; and any other person(s) who may have been involved in the matter.
Observer reacts to Asu versus NIA saga
As Wayi’s remains lies in the great beyond over a decade later with Nigerian authority’s lackadaisical handling of the matter, it would not be surprising if another Pasovsky episode occurs in the near future.
Upon release from jail, MUDr. Pasovsky requested audience with then Ambassador Cathetine Uyok Okon.
Who did the Embassy consulted with to address the matter? The Lead Counsel!
Despite owing his team back arrears, he continued to advise the Ambassador FGN and her staff.
It is hopeful that MUDr. Pasovsky will not ring that the doorbell of the Embassy of Nigeria Prague a third time.
An observer, while reacting to the effects that may emanate from the Asu versus NIA saga, said that the ripple consequences may be bigger than meets the common eyes.
He said: “You have absolutely no idea of how big the matter is.
“It will bring down the government, cast a massive blow on all the MDAs, cause revolt amongst the masses if not the country.
“It [could] widen the increasing divide in the regions and roll a lot of heads!”
