In a momentous legal turn, the FCT High Court has dismissed allegations of fraud, bribery, money laundering, and conspiracy against former Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Mohammed Adoke, in the OPL 245 trial. The court’s decision signifies a crucial juncture in the case, which revolved around accusations leveled by the EFCC.
Justice Abubakar Kutigi, in his ruling on Adoke’s no-case submission, declared that the EFCC failed to furnish adequate evidence to substantiate its claims. Consequently, the court determined that the defendant has no grounds to answer and thus exonerated Adoke from all accusations.
Concerning the purported N300 million bribe allegedly received by Adoke from Aliyu Abubakar regarding the OPL 245 issue, the court found that the EFCC lacked the requisite evidence to support its assertions. This verdict underscores the significance of presenting compelling evidence in legal proceedings to establish culpability beyond a reasonable doubt.
Initially, the EFCC had brought charges against Adoke before the FCT High Court, Abuja, on January 15, 2020, alongside Aliyu Abubakar, Gbinije of Malabu Oil & Gas Ltd, and three others. Adoke stood accused of purportedly accepting a gratification of N300 million from Abubakar in connection with the resolution of OPL 245. However, with the court’s decision to exonerate Adoke, the legal landscape of the case has undergone a significant shift, prompting contemplation on the effectiveness of the evidence presented and the pursuit of justice in intricate legal proceedings.
