Former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN) has revealed that he only facilitated the $1.09billion Malabu Oil Block deal and nothing more.
Adoke said he facilitated amicable settlement of dispute between two parties because of its implications on the nation’s economy.
The former minister said he volunteered to take the free of charge and without any other strings attached.
Adoke insisted that the Terms of Settlement, upon which the Consent Judgment was predicated, were executed as far back as 30th November, 2006.
He said his intervention in the dispute was motivated by the need to avoid a colossal cost to the Federal Government as awarded by the courts.
The ex-minister said he has a copy of a presidential approval directing that Malabu be paid the sum of $ 1,092,040,000 from the Escrow Account with J.P. Morgan.
Adoke made these disclosures in an affidavit in support of his originating summons in a matter he filed against the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN).
The ex-minister in the suit asked the Federal High Court, Abuja, to declare his ongoing prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on account of carrying out the lawful directives of the former President as illegal, null and void.
The federal government had seized Malabu Oil Block from four oil giants pending the conclusion of investigation and trial of those implicated in the deal.
Shell Nigeria Ultra Deep Limited, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCO), Nigeria Agip Exploration Limited and Malabu Oil and Gas Limited are the oil firms involved.
