In an exclusive interview on “Untold Stories with Adesuwa,” Mohammed Adoke, former Attorney-General of the Federation, expressed his determination to unveil the truth surrounding the OPL 245 deal, also known as the oil prospecting licence 245. Adoke, who held the position of AGF and Minister of Justice from 2010 to 2015, asserted that he had been unfairly singled out as a “scapegoat” in the ongoing legal battles surrounding OPL 245.
Adoke revealed his intention to release a book in December, delving into the intricacies of the OPL 245 controversy. He expressed his firm resolve not to be defeated in the face of what he perceives as a campaign to tarnish his reputation, stating, “Nigerians deserve to know the whole truth of the OPL 245 case and the scavengers, idiots, and those who nearly ruined this country.”
The former AGF criticized the handling of the OPL 245 saga and shared his dissatisfaction with the previous government’s approach to governance, calling it the “most incompetent” administration in Nigeria’s history. He pointed to ongoing corruption allegations and investigations as evidence that the controversy was far from over.
The OPL 245 case dates back to 1998 when the oil block in the Niger Delta region was awarded to Malabu Oil & Gas Ltd under the administration of late Sani Abacha. Over the years, legal disputes and changes in ownership complicated the situation. Adoke was AGF during the period when Shell and Eni agreed to buy the oil block from Malabu for $1.1 billion, a deal that was subsequently marred by allegations of corruption.
Despite a series of legal battles both in Nigeria and abroad, the Italian court acquitted Shell, Eni, and all defendants of corruption charges related to the deal. An English court also ruled in July 2022 that Nigeria had not substantiated its allegations against Adoke. However, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) continues to prosecute Adoke over charges tied to the OPL 245 transaction.
The former AGF’s forthcoming book aims to shed light on the intricate details of the OPL 245 controversy, offering a new perspective on a case that has captured national and international attention for years.
