Just In: Court orders Mohammed Adoke, Former Justice Minister remanded for 14 days

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), in Maitama, Abuja has granted the request by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to remand former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Mohamed Adoke for 14 days pending investigation.

Justice Othman Musa, who is the court’s sitting vacation judge granted an ex-parte motion moved this morning by EFCC’s lawyer, Fatima Mustapha to that effect.

“Application to remand the suspect in EFCC custody for 14 days pending investigation is granted,” the judge said.

Malabu Oil Scam: The deportation of Adoke was a product of final discussion between @officialEFCC and the Dubai Police. He would have been prosecuted in Dubai but he opted to return to Nigeria, when he realised he wasn't going to get a release or bail from the Dubai Authority pic.twitter.com/h8GHOFzuL2

— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) December 19, 2019

Meanwhile, Mr Adoke’s lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) in a short message sent to our correspondent, stated that the ex-minister was arrested moments after the aircraft which he boarded from Dubai, the United Arab Emirate, touched down at the Abuja airport.

“He was picked up at the foot of the aircraft by Interpol, refusing anyone access to him.

“He is believed to be on his way to the Interpol office at Area 10, Garki, Abuja,” Ozekhome stated.

The lawyer had said in an earlier statement that his client would voluntarily submit to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on arriving Nigeria.

Adoke, who had been on self-exile since the end of his tenure in 2015, was arrested in November by Interpol in Dubai over some pending charges in connection with the Malabu Oil deal in Nigeria.

He boarded a flight to Nigeria shortly after he was released from the Interpol custody in Dubai.