July 10, (THEWILL) — Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke, has stated that he has forgiven all who played a role in what he describes as a long and painful ordeal involving his prosecution over the controversial OPL 245.
Adoke spoke on Thursday in Abuja during the public unveiling of his memoir “OPL245: Inside Story of the $1.3 Billion Nigerian Oil Block”. The book offers his personal account of the events surrounding the 2011 oil block transaction involving Shell and Eni, which led to years of legal battles and public scrutiny.
The OPL 245 saga remains one of the most controversial oil deals in Nigeria’s history. At the heart of the case was the transfer of a lucrative oil block, OPL 245, from Malabu Oil and Gas to Shell and Eni, a deal allegedly marred by irregularities.
Adoke, who served as AGF during the Goodluck Jonathan administration and was central to the implementation of the oil block agreement, was prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on an amended 40-count charge bordering on disobeying direction of the law, offering and receiving gratification, conspiracy and forgery, among others.
He, along with six other co-defendants, was, however, discharged and acquitted in 2024 by an FCT High Court.
While the former AGF had consistently argued that his involvement in the Malabu deal was guided by legal advice and a desire to resolve a longstanding dispute, addressing years of allegations, investigations, and legal battles tied to the controversial OPL 245 oil block deal, Adoke expressed his conviction that his actions were both lawful and in service of the country.
“I did not set out to denigrate anyone. This book is my attempt to set the record straight and provide insight into a transaction carried out to protect Nigeria’s economic interest in hydrocarbon exploitation. I suffered immense public odium, a damaged reputation, and a shattered family life”, he recalled.
Adoke accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of misconduct, saying their investigators suppressed evidence and coerced witnesses to secure a conviction against him.
Yet despite his criticisms, Adoke emphasised healing over hostility. “Permit me to say that I have forgiven all those who had a hand in my ordeal”, he stated.
The former AGF acknowledged Ibrahim Magu, former acting EFCC chairman, for extending an apology and expressing remorse.
“I admired the courage of Ibrahim Mustapha Magu in coming forward to make up with me. I have forgiven him”, he said.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
