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From Kemi Yesufu and Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami yesterday revealed that different layers of complexities surrounding the award of Oil Prospecting Licence (OPL) 245 has prevented the Federal Government from concluding investigations and reaching a resolution on the controversial deal.
Malami made the disclosure at the hearing conducted by the Razak Atunwa-led House of Representatives ad hoc committee investigating alleged corruption , malpractices and breach of due process in the award of OPL 245.
The minister while reminding the committee of the chequered history of the Malabu Oil deal said there were multiple criminal and civil lawsuits in Nigeria and overseas on the matter, alongside a number of inclusive investigations into the award of the licence within and outside the country.
He also revealed that requests had been made for Mutual Legal Assistance from the United States, Italy and the United Kingdom in the Malabu, adding that the real ownership of Malabu Oil was also a subject of contention.
Malami listed individuals laying claims to ownership of Malabu Oil to include former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, former minister of Petroleum Dan Etete, wealthy investor Hassan Adamu, son of former Head of State, Mohammed Abacha, who is on the same side with wealthy businessman Otunba Oyewole Fasawe.
Though he read from a 16-page booklet which he did not submit to the committee, the AGF said in light of the constraint that he has concerning the case, the complexities are still ongoing.
He emphasised that Investigation is ongoing and no conclusion is certain, noting that, “The field has not been covered. Investigation is ongoing nationally and internationally and what I say might alter the conclusion of the case”, he added.
In his response the chairman of the committee urged the minister to compile and send to the committee, all relevant documentation as Nigerians need to know the exact circumstances surrounding the deal.
Atunwa argued the continued failure of Nigeria to reach an acceptable position on deal was detrimental to the country’s reputation even as huge sums recorded as proceeds of crime which could have been repatriated back to the country remained stashed abroad because of the unclear position of government and other interested parties.
“Surely, if we can put our heads together, we can come up with recommendations that will receive the applause of the Nigerian people and the international community”, the lawmaker said.
He pledged the commitment of the committee to identify culpable persons and organizations in relation to the award of OPL 245 and to consider the actions to be taken locally and internationally.
Mohammed Abacha and Oyewole Fasawe, were the only ones among those listed to be claiming shareholding in Malabu Oil at the hearing.
But their lawyer, Abdullahi Haruna withdrew their submission in order to present a more comprehensive and detailed presentation.
