A cross section of dignitaries at the presentation of a book, "OPL 245: Inside Story of the $1.3 Billion Nigerian Oil Block," authored by former A-GF, Mohammed Adoke (SAN).
Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Kanu Agabi, has lamented that in Nigeria, the guilty often escape prosecution while the innocent are subjected to prolonged legal ordeals.
Agabi, a former Attorney-General of the Federation (A-GF) and Minister of Justice, made the allegation at the presentation of a book, “OPL 245: Inside Story of the $1.3 Billion Nigerian Oil Block,” authored by former A-GF, Mohammed Adoke (SAN).
*“A Miscarriage of Justice”*
Agabi described the allegations levelled against Adoke in relation to the Malabu oil deal as a miscarriage of justice.
“There’s something called the post office scandal in the UK, it is described as one of the greatest miscarriages of justice in their history.
“I can confidently say that what happened to Adoke is one of the greatest miscarriages of justice in our country,” he said.
Agabi noted that despite international recognition and legal backing for Adoke’s actions in the OPL 245 transaction, the Nigerian government defamed him.
“You would think that a government, after such widespread allegations, would present a compelling case, but it was an anti-climax,” he said.
*“Actual Criminals Not Being Prosecuted”*
The SAN cited the case of Bode George, a former military Governor of Ondo State, whose conviction was overturned by the Supreme Court.
“It’s unfortunate, actual criminals are not being prosecuted, but the innocent get dragged through,” Agabi said.
*Book Presentation*
The book, “OPL 245: Inside Story of the $1.3 Billion Nigerian Oil Block,” provides a personal testimony from Adoke, who bore institutional responsibility during a turbulent period.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, who attended the book presentation, described the book as a critical record of Nigeria’s oil sector.
Makinde said, “This book is not only necessary, it is brave. History must be documented, contested and clarified.”
He noted that the OPL 245 block, with its estimated nine billion barrels of crude, had the potential to shift Nigeria’s GDP outlook.
The book highlights the importance of the rule of law and accountability in public office, providing valuable insight into how high-value projects are managed amid complex legal and political interests.
