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Money laundering

Jul 17, 2025

FRN vs Mohammed Bello Adoke (Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice) & 6 others

Humans

Mohammed Bello Adoke
& 6 others

Money bag

$1.2 billion
Amount allegedly laundered

Money bag

Case Summary
The first accused, while occupying the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, was alleged to have accepted gratification to facilitate and negotiate the controversial OPL (Oil Prospecting License) BLOCK 245 Resolution Agreement, in favour of the rest of the other accused, which comprises of the oil companies involved in the deal and other government officials.

Calendar

1,526
Day(s) case tried in court

Gavel

Case Update
The trial judge, ruling on no-case submissions filed by the defendants, held that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case against the defendants to warrant their being called upon to enter their defence. The judge further held that the prosecution failed to lead evidence in proof of the essential elements in relation to the offences charged. The judge further noted that the 40-count charge was poorly drafted and prosecuted and warned the prosecuting counsel to refrain from filing such charges in future. The trial judge proceeded to discharge all the defendants.

Court house

Hon. Justice A. I. Kutigi
FCT High Court, Gwagwalada, Abuja

Legislation

ACJA/ACJL Compliance - violated

Case Information
Mohammed Bello Adoke & 6 others
Presiding Judge & Designated Court
Hon. Justice A. I. Kutigi, FCT High Court, Gwagwalada, Abuja
Nature and Number of Charges
40-count amended charge bordering on conspiracy, forgery of bank documents, bribery, corruption and money laundering.
Date of 1st Arraignment
Jan 23, 2020
Summary of Case
The first accused, while occupying the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, was alleged to have accepted gratification to facilitate and negotiate the controversial OPL (Oil Prospecting License) BLOCK 245 Resolution Agreement, in favour of the rest of the other accused, which comprises of the oil companies involved in the deal and other government officials.
Defendant(s) and Plea entered on Arraignment
1. Mohammed Bello Adoke (Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice) – Not Guilty
2. Aliyu Abubakar – Not Guilty
3. Rasky Gbinigie – Not Guilty
4. Malabu Oil and Gas Limited (Company) – Not Guilty
5. Nigeria Agip Exploration (Company) – Not Guilty
6. Shell Nigeria Ultra Deep Limited (Company) – Not Guilty
7. Shell Nigeria Exploration Production (Company) – Not Guilty
Defence Counsel(s)
1. Chief Kanu Agabi (Senior Advocate of Nigeria)
2. Wole Olanipekun (Senior Advocate of Nigeria)
Prosecuting Agency
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission
Prosecutor(s)
1. Bala S. Sanga (Lawyer)
Status of Case
Decided
Decision
Discharged and Acquitted
Length of Trial
1,526 day(s)
ACJA/ACJL Compliance
Violated
Court Decision
The trial judge, ruling on no-case submissions filed by the defendants, held that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case against the defendants to warrant their being called upon to enter their defence. The judge further held that the prosecution failed to lead evidence in proof of the essential elements in relation to the offences charged. The judge further noted that the 40-count charge was poorly drafted and prosecuted and warned the prosecuting counsel to refrain from filing such charges in future. The trial judge proceeded to discharge all the defendants.