A Federal High Court in Abuja granted former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke, permission to travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the upcoming Christmas and New Year festivities with his family.
Securing this permission followed persuasive arguments presented by Adoke’s lawyer, Kanu Agabi SAN, also a former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice. Agabi invoked sections 36 and 37 of Nigeria’s Constitution in a motion, urging the court to grant his client’s request.
Highlighting that Adoke had been diligently attending his trial on money laundering charges brought by the federal government, Agabi emphasized the former minister’s inability to be with his family, who reside in the UAE.
Agabi passionately pleaded for Adoke’s right to spend time with his family, stressing its importance for his physical and mental well-being. He underscored Adoke’s consistent attendance at trial and his adherence to bail conditions, stating that there had been no indication of any intention to abscond.
Justice Inyang Eden Ekwo, in his ruling, acknowledged Adoke’s consistent attendance at trial and lack of bail violation. Persuaded by the arguments, he granted the request, ordering the release of Adoke’s passport from the Court Registry for travel purposes.
However, the judge stipulated that Adoke must return to Nigeria before January 11, 2024, to continue his trial on the 14-count charge brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Adoke faces allegations of receiving cash payments and making structured cash deposits, while the EFCC is prosecuting him alongside oil mogul Aliyu Abubakar.
