In a significant development, Justice Abubakar Kutigi of the FCT High Court in Jabi, Abuja, has dismissed charges of fraud, bribery, and conspiracy against former Attorney-General of the Federation, Mohammed Adoke, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the OPL 245 trial.
Ruling on the no-case submission made by Adoke, Justice Kutigi declared that the EFCC failed to substantiate its allegations of fraud, bribery, and money laundering, concluding that the defendant had no case to answer. Consequently, Adoke was discharged and acquitted on all counts.
The judge emphasized that the EFCC’s claims regarding illegal tax waivers granted to Shell and Eni lacked corroboration from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) or any other authority.
Additionally, the alleged N300 million bribe purportedly given to Adoke by Aliyu Abubakar was deemed unsupported by sufficient evidence, according to the court’s ruling.
Notably, the EFCC had admitted earlier that it lacked adequate evidence to challenge Adoke’s no-case application. However, the agency maintained that Rasky Gbinigie, also charged in the case, had a case to answer regarding the alleged forgery of company documents related to Malabu Oil & Gas Ltd.
The charges against Adoke stemmed from accusations of collecting a gratification of N300 million in connection with the OPL 245 resolution. He was further accused of conspiring to disobey the law and save certain entities from tax charges.
Adoke vehemently denied all allegations brought against him.
It’s worth noting that another case against Adoke and Abubakar is pending before Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
While this case doesn’t directly involve the OPL 245 transaction, similar charges have been brought forth by the EFCC, alleging Adoke’s involvement in accepting bribes related to the oil block’s sale to Shell and Eni by Malabu Oil & Gas Ltd in 2011.
Adoke has filed a no-case submission in this case as well, awaiting Justice Ekwo’s ruling.
The dismissal of charges against Adoke in the OPL 245 trial marks a significant legal victory for the former AGF, raising questions about the basis of the EFCC’s allegations and the credibility of the evidence presented.
As the legal proceedings continue, all eyes remain on the courts for further developments in this complex and high-profile case.