The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Jabi dismissed the charges of fraudulent conduct related to the Malabu Oil deal against former Attorney General of the Federation, Mohammed Adoke.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had brought the charges against Adoke, along with several other individuals and companies including Aliyu Abubakar, Gbinije of Malabu Oil & Gas Ltd, Nigeria Agip Exploration Ltd, Shell Ultra Deep Nigeria Ltd, and Shell Nigeria Exploration Production Company Ltd (SNEPCo).
The accusation against the former AGF centered on allegations of receiving a gratification of N300 million from Abubakar in connection with the resolution of Oil Prospecting Licence (OPL) 245, commonly known as the Malabu Oil deal. Adoke vehemently denied all the allegations.
However, following a “no case” submission made by Adoke, Justice Abubakar Kutigi ruled in favor of the defendant, stating that the EFCC failed to substantiate its charges and establish a prima facie case against Adoke. Consequently, the judge acquitted and discharged the former minister of all counts.
During the proceedings, Justice Kutigi also highlighted deficiencies in the drafting and prosecution of the charge, urging the prosecuting counsel to exercise caution in future filings of similar charges.
The Malabu Oil deal dates back to April 9, 1998, when the Federal Military Government awarded OPL 245 to Malabu Oil and Gas Ltd, reportedly owned primarily by Mohammed Abacha, son of former military ruler Sani Abacha, and Dan Etete, who served as the petroleum minister at the time. Subsequently, President Olusegun Obasanjo revoked Malabu’s license and allocated the oil block to Shell. Legal battles ensued, and in 2006, through an out-of-court settlement between Malabu and the Federal Government, ownership of the oil block was reverted to Malabu.