Government Secures Major Legal Victory at Privy Council in Michael Prest Case

The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis has secured a final and decisive outcome in a long-running legal matter, after the Judicial Committee of His Majesty’s Privy Council rejected an attempt by Michael Prest – a Nigerian billionaire – to pursue any further appeal. The ruling confirms a Government legal victory at Privy Council level and brings the case to a close.

In its decision delivered on 3rd February, 2026, the Privy Council refused Mr. Prest’s application for permission to appeal, finding that the case raised no arguable point of law. The court also confirmed that the matter fell within the category of a criminal cause or matter, which is barred from appeal under the applicable legislation.

The decision upholds an earlier ruling of the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal, which in April 2024 dismissed Mr. Prest’s application for leave to appeal. At that time, the Court of Appeal ruled that the case did not raise any constitutional issues or matters of public importance that would justify further consideration by the Privy Council, and that it lacked jurisdiction to entertain the appeal.

With the Privy Council’s refusal, the Government legal victory at Privy Council level is now final, with no remaining avenues for appeal available to Mr. Prest. The court also ordered that, subject to any submissions filed within 21 days, Mr. Prest is to pay the Government’s legal costs.

The matter originated in 2021, when arrest warrants were issued in connection with allegations of fraudulent conversion involving more than US $2.53 million. Mr. Prest sought to challenge those warrants through judicial review, arguing that the proceedings should be halted. That challenge was dismissed by the High Court, and subsequent appeals were also rejected.

Attorney General Garth Wilkin argued the matter on behalf of the Magistrate of District “C”, supported by Solicitor General Simone Bullen-Thompson. The Attorney General’s Office has maintained that the case reflects the Government’s responsibility to defend lawful state action and ensure that criminal proceedings are not delayed through unmeritorious legal challenges.