A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Jabi has acquitted former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) Mohammed Adoke and six others in the controversial Malabu Oil deal case. The court discharged them over alleged fraudulent conduct related to Oil Prospecting License (OPL) 245.
Justice Abubakar Kutigi upheld the no-case submissions of all defendants, including Adoke, businessman Aliyu Abubakar, and others. The judge ruled that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) failed to establish a prima facie case against the defendants, noting that the prosecution did not prove the essential elements of the alleged offences.
The judge criticized the 40-count charge as poorly drafted and prosecuted, warning the prosecuting counsel to avoid such charges in the future. Justice Kutigi emphasized that continuing the case would result in injustice to the defendants, who should not have been charged in the first place.
In response to the verdict, Adoke expressed gratitude and excitement, stating that he can now move on with his life and legal practice. He forgave those behind his travails and pledged to support the Nigerian government, emphasizing his commitment to the country's well-being.
