The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reportedly terminated the employment of one of its senior prosecutors amidst allegations of bribery and misconduct in a high-profile case involving the Malabu OPL 245 oil block fraud.
According to People’s Gazette, the verdict by Justice Abubakar Kutigi dismissing the case due to lack of evidence has led to the dismissal of Offem Uket, who was accused of compromising the case.
According to sources within the EFCC, Uket was allegedly pressured by former Attorney General Bello Adoke and defense attorney Wole Olanipekun to sabotage the trial.
Despite the setback in court, the EFCC planned to appeal the decision, emphasizing that there is substantial evidence against the suspects.
The agency’s chairman, Ola Olukoyede, expressed outrage over Uket’s actions and vowed to pursue justice in the case.
Uket, a seasoned prosecutor who previously handled high-profile cases, including those involving Stella Oduah and Sambo Dasuki, has denied the bribery allegations.
However, his contract was not renewed following the controversy surrounding the Malabu case.
“He was sacked because extensive internal investigation revealed he compromised the case,” an official familiar 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,” he said.
