The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has terminated the employment of one of its top prosecutors, Offem Uket, following allegations of bribery and misconduct. This decision comes in the wake of a significant setback for the anti-corruption agency in the Malabu OPL 245 fraud trial.
The case, which involved former attorney-general Bello Adoke, the owners of Malabu Oil & Gas Ltd, and multinational companies Eni and Shell, was dismissed by Justice Abubakar Kutigi due to the EFCC’s failure to prove crucial aspects of its indictment. This marked the latest attempt by the Nigerian government to hold individuals and organizations accountable for corruption related to the OPL 245 oil block deal.
Sources within the EFCC revealed that Uket’s abrupt declaration of insufficient evidence to prosecute the suspects led to his dismissal. Allegations surfaced that Uket had been under pressure to accept bribes from Adoke and Wole Olanipekun, legal counsel for one of the suspects, which he reportedly disclosed to his colleagues.
Although Uket’s contract expired around the time of the botched trial, officials stated that it was mutually decided not to renew it, given the circumstances. The probe into Uket’s conduct may potentially expand to include those suspected of offering bribes to the dismissed prosecutor.
Uket, a graduate of the University of Nigeria Nsukka, had served in the police force before joining the EFCC. His dismissal leaves a void in the agency’s team of prosecutors and highlights ongoing concerns regarding prosecutorial integrity.
While Olanipekun declined to comment on the matter, Adoke vehemently denied the bribery allegations, emphasizing his innocence and previous legal victories against the EFCC’s charges. Despite legal outcomes in favor of Eni and Shell in other jurisdictions, questions persist regarding Adoke’s involvement in the controversial 2011 deal.
The EFCC has pledged to continue pursuing the case with a different prosecutor and intends to appeal the dismissal verdict, aiming to present compelling evidence in court.
