TheCable

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has again arraigned Mohammed Adoke, former attorney-general of the federation (AGF), and Aliyu Abubakar, a businessman, before an FCT high court in Gwagwalada on an amended 42-count charge alleging fraud in the $1.3 billion Malabu oil deal.

This is different from the case on alleged money laundering currently before a federal high court in Abuja presided over by Inyang Ekwo — although the particulars are duplicated.

Adoke and Abubakar were initially arraigned on January 23, 2020, alongside Rasky Gbinigie, Malabu Oil and Gas Limited, Agip, a subsidiary of Eni, Shell Nigeria Ultra deep Limited and Shell Nigeria Exploration Production Company Limited, before a federal capital territory (FCT) high court in Gwagwalada.

The EFCC alleged that Adoke received gratification worth N300 million from Aliyu over the deal for OPL 245.

But the former AGF has always denied all the allegations, accusing the EFCC of manufacturing evidence to implicate him in the bribery allegations over the Malabu/OPL 245 transaction.

At the court session on Thursday, all the defendants pleaded not guilty to the amended charges.

Bala Sanga, prosecution counsel, said the charge was amended “to enlarge the scope of criminal liabilities” against the defendants.

Abubakar I. Kutigi, presiding judge, ordered Adoke, Aliyu and Gbinigie to remain on bail earlier granted them by the court.

The case has been adjourned till April 14 for hearing to commence.