By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.
Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, has commended former Attorney General of the Federation, Mohammed Bello Adoke, for his courage in publicly sharing his account of the controversial OPL 245 oil block saga. Shettima made these remarks during the public presentation of Adoke’s new book, OPL 245: Inside Story of the \$1.3 Billion Nigerian Oil Block, held at the Musa Yar’Adua Centre on Thursday, July 10, in Abuja.
The Vice President began his address by quoting, “Among the bravest is he who forgives,” before acknowledging dignitaries, including representatives of former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Senate Presidents Abubakar Bukola Saraki and Pius Anyim, former Governors Nasir El-Rufai and Kayode Fayemi, the Italian Ambassador to Nigeria, and several members of the National Assembly.
Speaking on the significance of the book, Shettima stated:
“This book is not just about oil or legal disputes—it is about our shared history. It reminds us that our stories, even the controversial ones, belong to the nation.”
He emphasized the importance of documentation, adding, “Our stories must be told—not because they are perfect, but because they are necessary.”
Adoke Defends Role in OPL 245, Declares Book a Move to Set the Record Straight
At the launch of his book, former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke, insisted that his account of the OPL 245 oil block deal was written to clarify events, not to stir controversy.
Adoke, who served from April 2010 to June 2015, said the book aims to correct public misconceptions about his involvement in the deal, which saw Shell and Eni pay \$1.3 billion for the oil block originally allocated to Malabu Oil & Gas.
“This book is my effort to document the truth,” Adoke said. “I did not set out to disparage anyone. My goal is to provide insight into a transaction executed in Nigeria’s economic interest.”
He thanked former President Goodluck Jonathan for granting him the independence to work without political interference and quoted a Chinese proverb: “The faintest ink is better than the strongest memory,” to underscore the value of written records.
Adoke clarified that he was not involved in the original award or revocation of the oil block in the early 2000s but was tasked with resolving the legal impasse during his tenure. He noted that the 2011 settlement he facilitated was based on legal advice affirming the binding nature of the 2006 agreement on the Federal Government.
Adoke Alleges Malicious Prosecution, International Conspiracy Over OPL 245
Former Attorney General Adoke accused both local and international anti-corruption agencies of unethical conduct in their pursuit of legal action against him concerning the OPL 245 case.
Speaking at the book launch, Adoke claimed the campaigns against him were driven by ulterior motives rather than genuine justice.
“The OPL 245 prosecution exposed disturbing instances of conspiracy to pervert justice,” he said. “Public prosecutors must never become persecutors. Unfortunately, that is what happened in my case.”
He criticized the significant public funds spent on what he described as a “malicious prosecution,” urging a return to ethical standards in public legal affairs.
Despite facing hardship—including international arrest warrants, months in detention, and legal battles in Nigeria, the UK, US, and Italy—Adoke reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria.
“My belief in the Nigerian project remains unshakable,” he concluded, acknowledging several political figures who supported him during his ordeal.
Reuben Abati Describes OPL 245 as Nigeria’s Most Controversial Oil Deal
Veteran journalist and former presidential spokesperson Reuben Abati described OPL 245 as “arguably the most controversial oil block in Nigeria’s history” during his review of Adoke’s newly released book.
Abati outlined how the oil block has been at the center of multi-jurisdictional legal battles involving Shell, Eni, the Nigerian government, and Malabu Oil & Gas.
“This book tells the story of what many know as ‘Malabugate’—a tale of legal drama, international arbitration, and political intrigue,” said Abati. “It’s a deeply personal but nationally significant narrative.”
He noted that while Adoke was not in office when the initial agreements were made, he inherited the legal complexities and bore the brunt of the political fallout.
Abati added that Adoke’s work, which builds on themes from his earlier book Burden of Service, provides a comprehensive and emotionally charged account of what he termed “clinical prosecution” and persistent character assassination.
Key Events in the OPL 245 Controversy:
1998–2001: OPL 245 awarded to Malabu Oil & Gas; later revoked by President Obasanjo.
2006: Settlement agreement signed involving Shell, Eni, and the Federal Government.
2010: Mohammed Adoke appointed Attorney General; negotiations resume.
2011: Final settlement reached—Shell and Eni paid \$1.3 billion; Malabu received \$1.09 billion.
2015: Adoke leaves office following the end of the Jonathan administration.
2015–2019: Faces international arrest warrants; detained in Dubai by Interpol.
2024: Cleared of all criminal allegations related to OPL 245 by Nigerian courts.