Malabu oil scandal: FG seeks arrest warrant for Adoke

The Federal Government on Monday  approached a Federal High Court in Abuja with a request for guidance on whether to issue an arrest warrant against the former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN).

When the matter came up yesterday, counsel to the Federal Government, Johnson Ojogbane told the trial Judge, Justice John Tsoho that the Federal Government is experiencing some difficulties in serving Adoke since he is outside the jurisdiction of the court.

“I would like to request for a warrant of arrest of the first defendant. I will appreciate if my Lord will guide me because I actually wanted to make an application for a warrant of arrest. I also want the court to guide me on whether I can do that orally or come by way of a motion.

“The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has the power to arrest anybody anywhere but when the person is not within the jurisdiction of the court, (outside the country) it becomes difficult,” Ojogbane told the court.

He also said, if the order seeking to arrest Adoke is granted, it will become easier for security agents to liaise with the International Police (InterPol) to initiate extradition moves.

After listening to the submissions of the Federal Government, Justice Tsoho directed government to make a proper application before the court adding that such applications are not done orally.

The judge also said if Adoke was already arraigned before the court and was attempting to escape, it would have become proper to issue such a warrant of arrest.

“Once a person has been arraigned before a court and is attempting to escape, then it becomes necessary to issue a warrant of arrest; but in this case, Adoke has not been arraigned before this court. The matter is still at investigative stage, so such an order is not necessary” Justice Tsoho held and adjourned till June 13, 2017 for the arraignment of the former AGF.

EFCC had in December 2016, charged nine suspects, including the former AGF Adoke, over their alleged involvement in the Malabu oil scandal.