The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has terminated the employment of one of its top prosecutors amidst an ongoing investigation into the mishandling of a high-profile case.
The case in question involves former attorney-general Bello Adoke, the proprietors of Malabu Oil & Gas Ltd, and multinational giants Eni and Shell.
The EFCC received a stern rebuke from a federal judge last week during a verdict on the criminal bribery case, with Justice Abubakar Kutigi dismissing the case due to the agency’s inability to prove key elements of its indictment despite four years of investigation.
This case was seen as a significant attempt by the Nigerian government to address corruption related to the possession of Nigeria’s deepwater OPL 245 oil block.
Offem Uket, one of the agency’s prolific prosecutors, faced termination after allegedly stating that there was insufficient evidence to prosecute the suspects, contrary to the EFCC’s stance.
According to sources within the EFCC, Chairman Ola Olukoyede was particularly outraged by Uket’s alleged misconduct.
“He was sacked because extensive internal investigation revealed he compromised the case,” an official familiar told The Gazette. “But this may not be the end of the matter.”
Despite efforts to salvage the case in court, the judge dismissed it after the defendants filed opposing motions. Before this development, Uket had reportedly disclosed to some colleagues that he was under pressure to accept bribes from the defendants.
The exact nature of Uket’s ties to the suspects remains unclear, but sources suggest that he reported facing financial inducement from Bello Adoke and Wole Olanipekun. Some of Uket’s colleagues expressed shock at his actions, as he was considered one of the agency’s best prosecutors.
Uket’s contract with the EFCC was not renewed amid the fallout from the failed trial. While the probe into Uket’s conduct continues, it remains uncertain whether it will expand to include those suspected of offering bribes to the prosecutor.
Bello Adoke denied offering bribes to Uket, stating that he had no reason to do so. He emphasized that previous legal rulings, including those in London and Milan, had found no wrongdoing in the transaction.
Despite his exoneration, the EFCC remains determined to appeal the case, promising to present a more effective case with a different prosecutor.
