In a startling revelation, former Attorney General of the Federation, Mohammed Bello Adoke, has released a memoir titled *Burden of Service: Reminiscences of Nigeria’s Former Attorney General*, wherein he accuses former President Muhammadu Buhari, prominent legal figures, and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) of complicity in the notorious Malabu oil scandal.
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📘 Key Revelations from Adoke's Memoir
- Alleged Political Persecution: Adoke asserts that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), under the Buhari administration, orchestrated a campaign to tarnish his reputation, leading to his self-imposed exile. He claims that certain individuals within the Presidential Villa were instrumental in this alleged persecution.
- Role of Foreign NGOs: The memoir suggests that international NGOs were not merely observers but active participants in the narrative against him, potentially influencing public opinion and legal proceedings related to the Malabu case.
- Judicial Exoneration: Adoke references a 2018 ruling by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which purportedly absolved him of personal liability in the OPL 245 transaction, stating he acted based on presidential directives during his tenure.
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⚖️ Background: The Malabu Oil Scandal
The Malabu oil deal, involving the sale of Oil Prospecting License (OPL) 245, has been one of Nigeria's most controversial transactions. In 2011, Shell and Eni paid $1.1 billion for the license, with a significant portion allegedly diverted to accounts controlled by former Petroleum Minister Dan Etete and associates.
Adoke, as Attorney General, facilitated the legal framework for this transaction. While he maintains that his actions were lawful and based on executive directives, the EFCC filed multiple charges against him, including money laundering and corruption.
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🛡️ Reactions and Implications
The release of Adoke's memoir has reignited debates over the Malabu scandal. The EFCC has dismissed his claims, emphasizing that legal proceedings are based on evidence, not political motivations.
Legal experts suggest that the memoir could influence public perception and potentially impact ongoing legal proceedings. However, the veracity of Adoke's claims remains subject to judicial scrutiny.
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Adoke's *Burden of Service* offers a personal perspective on one of Nigeria's most significant corruption cases. As the legal battles continue, the memoir adds a new dimension to the discourse, challenging prevailing narratives and calling for a re-examination of the roles played by various actors in the Malabu saga.
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