The former minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Mohammed Adoke, on Thursday, arrived Abuja at about 3:45pm from United Arab emirates where he had been in custody as a result of a warrant for his arrest.
Adoke who arrived Nigeria through the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, aboard an Emirates Airlines, was however arrested immediately he set foot on Nigeria’s soil.
There are conflicting reports about his arrest. While his lawyer said he was arrested by Interpol, another report said it was the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
“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”, his lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome SAN, had said.
Mr Adoke had put out a statement saying that he opted for voluntary return to the country, but the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission disagreed with his statement.
However, there are documents showing Adoke’s fingerprint and signature and the undertaking made to the Dubai police, that he made this decision without pressure from the police in Dubai or anyone else.
Mr Adoke has maintained that the case against him is politically motivated as he is not culpable in the discharge of his duty in the case involving oil prospecting licence 245.
Adoke had regained freedom from the Interpol after one month and a week in their custody in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). He was arrested on November 11 in Dubai, by the Interpol immediately he entered the country to seek medical attention.
The Interpol said their action was based on an international bench warrant for Adoke’s arrest issued on April 17, 2019 by Justice Danlami Senchi of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
But Adoke had insisted his arrest in Dubai was illegal since the purported bench warrant had been vacated by the same court.
