A former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN), has been discharged and acquitted of money laundering charges filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The judge, Inyang Ekwo, upheld the “no-case-submission” application filed by Mr. Adoke after the prosecution concluded its case.
The EFCC had accused Adoke of alleged fraud in the controversial Oil Prospecting Licence (OPL) 245, widely known as Malabu Oil deal.
However, the court held that the prosecution failed to provide any substantial evidence linking Adoke to the alleged offence. The court’s decision has been hailed as a victory for the rule of law and a testament to the independence of the judiciary.
Adoke’s legal team, led by Dr. Mike Ozekhome (SAN), praised the court for its courage and integrity in delivering the judgment. They described the EFCC’s case as “frivolous and politically motivated”. Adoke, who was present in court, expressed gratitude to God and the judiciary for vindicating him.
