By Adedapo Adesanya
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday arraigned the immediate-past Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Mohammed Adoke (SAN) in court on fresh money laundering charges.
Mr Adoke was brought to court alongside Mr Aliyu Abubakar, who is standing trial with others at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Gwagwalada, Abuja.
The EFCC alleged that the defendants in September 2013, made payments in naira and dollar which equivalent was about N900 million into Adoke’s accounts in violation of various provisions of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act.
Both parties pleaded not guilty to the fresh seven counts read to them before Justice Binta Nyako at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday.
Following the defendants’ pleas, the prosecuting counsel, Mr Bala Sanga, urged the court to remand them in EFCC custody pending when their bail applications would be heard and determined.
In response, Adoke’s legal team led by former AGF, Mr Kanu Agabi (SAN), as well as Mr Abubakar’s defence team led by Mr Wole Olanipekun (SAN), informed the court that they had filed separate applications for the bail of their clients.
Mr Sanga confirmed that he had received the applications and had filed counters affidavits in opposition to them.
Both Adoke and Aliyu Abubakar are accused of collecting N300 million gratification in relation to the Malabu Oil deal out of the sum of $1.092 billion paid by ENI AGIP and Shell into depository Escrow Account domiciled in JP Morgan Chase Co, London as proceeds for the sale of oil block OPL 245 on 25, March 2011, the proceeds paid to the oil company which were allegedly shared by some private firms.
