The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has fired one of its top prosecutors amidst allegations of bribery and misconduct in a high-profile case involving the Malabu OPL 245 oil block scam.
The Peoples Gazette reports that the judgement by Justice Abubakar Kutigi striking out the case due to lack of evidence has led to the termination of Offem Uket employment, who was accused of compromising the case.
Insider sources within the anti-graft agency said Uket was allegedly pressured by former Attorney General Bello Adoke and defense attorney Wole Olanipekun to sabotage the trial.
Though, despite the ruling of the court, the EFCC is planning to appeal the decision, noting that there is enough evidence against the suspects.
Mr Ola Olukoyede, the chairman of the EFCC is said to have expressed dismay over Uket’s actions and vowed to pursue justice in the case.
Meanwhile, Uket, a formidable prosecutor who previously handled high-profile cases, including those involving Stella Oduah and Sambo Dasuki, has denied the bribery allegations.
But his contract was not renewed following the controversy trailing the Malabu case.
“He was sacked because extensive internal investigation revealed he compromised the case,” an official familiar with the development said.
“But this may not be the end of the matter.
“He reported to the office that he was under pressure of financial inducement from Bello Adoke and Wole Olanipekun over the case,” another official said.
“But we thought he was just following internal ethical compliance by informing the office, we didn’t know this would happen.
“His contract expired around the time he was accused of sabotaging the Malabu case,” one official said.
“That’s why it was amicably decided that he should not be granted a renewal.”
Reacting to the development, Wole Olanipekun said, “Not in this world would I offer Uket bribe or anyone for that matter,” the former attorney-general said in a statement to The Gazette.
“It is unfortunate that anyone would come up with such a lame excuse. I have no reason to offer Uket or anyone bribe.”
“Don’t forget that they lost their cases in London and Milan, and the U.S. Department of Justice and SEC found nothing wrong with the transaction, and ditto the Dutch government. The claim is utterly ridiculous cynical, and irresponsible”.
