Court grants former AGF Adoke permission to celebrate Christmas with family in Dubai

A Federal High Court in Abuja granted former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke, permission to travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the Christmas and New Year celebrations with his family. Adoke, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), secured the approval after his lawyer, Kanu Agabi SAN, successfully presented arguments invoking sections 36 and 37 of Nigeria’s Constitution.

Agabi, also a former Attorney General of the Federation, pleaded with the court, emphasizing that Adoke, facing money laundering charges, had not been able to be with his family in the UAE since the trial commenced. He passionately argued that spending time with family was essential for Adoke’s physical and mental well-being.

While Adoke faces criminal charges, Agabi highlighted the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. He also noted that Adoke, granted bail, consistently attended trial without any intention to jump bail.

In the ruling, Justice Inyang Eden Ekwo acknowledged Adoke’s commitment to attending trial and granted the request. The judge ordered the release of Adoke’s passport from the court’s registry for travel purposes. Adoke must return to Nigeria before January 11, 2024, for the continuation of his trial.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Adoke alongside oil mogul Aliyu Abubakar on a 14-count charge. The charges include Adoke allegedly accepting a cash payment equivalent to N300 million from Aliyu in August 2013, violating the Money Laundering Prohibition Act. Abubakar is accused of accepting a $4 million cash payment in September 2013. The EFCC alleges that Adoke made structured cash payments into his Unity Bank account.