Malabu: EFCC Dismisses Senior Prosecutor Over Alleged Bribery

By Iyojo Ameh

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has terminated the employment of one of its top prosecutors, Offem Uket, amidst allegations of bribery and misconduct in the high-profile Malabu OPL 245 oil block scam case.

Justice Abubakar Kutigi’s ruling, which struck out the case due to lack of evidence, prompted Uket’s dismissal.

He was accused of compromising the trial, allegedly under pressure from former Attorney General Bello Adoke and defense attorney Wole Olanipekun.

Despite the court’s decision, the EFCC plans to appeal, citing sufficient evidence against the suspects.

Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, expressed disappointment over Uket’s actions and vowed to pursue justice in the case.

Uket, who previously handled notable cases involving Stella Oduah and Sambo Dasuki, denies the bribery allegations. However, his contract was not renewed following the controversy surrounding the Malabu case.

According to an official familiar with the matter, an extensive internal investigation revealed that Uket compromised the case. The decision not to renew his contract was made amicably.

In response to the development, Wole Olanipekun denied offering Uket any bribe, calling the claim “utterly ridiculous, cynical, and irresponsible.”

He emphasized that no wrongdoing was found in investigations by authorities in various countries.