A former Attorney-General of the Federation, Mohammed Bello Adoke, was cleared of money laundering charges by an Abuja Federal High Court.
Presiding over the case, Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja accepted Adoke’s “no case” plea, resulting in his acquittal.
It was in 2017 when the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) accused Adoke and property developer Abubakar Aliyu of laundering approximately N300 million.
Although the EFCC described the funds as a mortgage from Unity Bank in proceedings before Justice Ekwo, they argued in front of Justice Kutigi that the money was a bribe linked to a 2011 sale of an oil block by Malabu Oil & Gas Ltd.
On March 28, 2024, Justice Kutigi noted the inconsistencies in the EFCC’s claims and dismissed the charges against Adoke and other defendants, criticizing the EFCC for prolonging the legal process for four years.
On the other hand, Justice Ekwo on April 19 stated that the EFCC failed to substantiate the basic elements of the alleged offense against Adoke, leading to his discharge and acquittal.
However, Ekwo ruled that Aliyu, listed as the second defendant, must present his defense as he faces credible charges.
