The Nigerian federal government has opted not to challenge the no-case submissions made by former Attorney-General of the Federation, Mohammed Bello Adoke, and five others in the Malabu Oil and Gas deal trial. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) acknowledged that the evidence presented by its 10 witnesses was not sufficiently strong to link the defendants to the criminal offenses alleged. However, the prosecution suggested that a prima facie case was established against the 3rd defendant, warranting him to enter a defense in the 35-count criminal charge.
Key Points:
- The federal government has decided not to contest no-case submissions from Adoke and five others in the Malabu Oil and Gas deal trial.
- The EFCC acknowledged that the evidence presented was not strong enough to establish the guilt of the defendants in certain counts of the 40-count charge.
- The prosecution urged the court to order the 3rd defendant to enter his defense, citing overwhelming evidence of conspiracy and forgery.
- The trial involves charges related to the sale of Operating Mining Licence (OPL 45), known as Malabu Oil.
- The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges, and the trial commenced with the prosecution calling 10 witnesses.
- No-case submissions argue that the prosecution failed to establish credible evidence linking the defendants to the charges.
- The government’s decision indicates a reassessment of the strength of the case against most of the defendants while maintaining allegations against the 3rd defendant.