Episode 05: Former Attorney General of Nigeria, Bello Adoke SAN
Mohammed Bello Adoke, SAN (Senior Advocate of Nigeria), is a Nigerian lawyer and former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice. He served as the chief law officer of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from April 6, 2010, to May 29, 2015, during the presidency of Goodluck Jonathan.
Adoke's tenure as Attorney General was marked by various legal challenges and controversies, including his involvement in the negotiation and settlement of the Malabu Oil scandal, which involved the controversial allocation of an oil block (OPL 245) to Malabu Oil and Gas, a company allegedly controlled by former Nigerian petroleum minister Dan Etete. Adoke has faced accusations related to his role in the Malabu Oil deal, including allegations of corruption and abuse of office, which he has vehemently denied.
In 2019, Adoke was charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Nigeria in connection with the Malabu Oil scandal. He was accused of money laundering and other related offenses. Adoke has maintained his innocence, stating that he acted in the best interest of the Nigerian government during the Malabu Oil negotiations.
Adoke has been involved in legal battles both in Nigeria and internationally regarding the charges against him. His case has been a focal point in discussions about corruption and the rule of law in Nigeria.
In a groundbreaking interview with Adesuwa, Bello Adoke, Nigeria's former Attorney General, breaks his silence on the infamous Malabu Oil scandal, critiques his successor, and delivers a scathing assessment of the Buhari administration, sparking a nationwide conversation on Buhari’s legacy.
Synopsis:
In a highly anticipated exclusive interview, Bello Adoke, SAN, emerges from exile to confront the shadows of his past and the tumultuous landscape of Nigerian politics. Speaking for the first time since leaving office as Attorney General of the Federation, Adoke offers a candid account of his tenure, shedding light on the controversial Malabu Oil scandal that has haunted his legacy.
Adoke's explosive revelations sent shockwaves through the political establishment, dominating headlines and igniting passionate debates across the country. Garba Shehu, spokesperson of former President Muhammadu Buhari, was compelled to issue a response, a high-profile exchange that captivated the nation's attention and graced the front pages of national newspapers.
In a dramatic turn of events following the interview, Adoke is granted a 'no-case submission' in the EFCC's case against him related to OPL 245 and the Malabu Oil deal, vindicating his steadfast assertion of innocence and underscoring the complexities of justice in Nigeria's legal landscape.
Bello Adoke's exclusive interview with Adesuwa emerges as a significant moment in Nigeria's legal and political history.