The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has stepped up investigations into the Malabu oil block deal, with the scrutiny of the bank accounts of the immediate past Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke.
According to reports some other past public officers are also being probed over the $2billion Malabu oil block deal.
The EFCC, sources, said, has been trying to establish from Adoke’s bankers whether the ex-minister owns safe deposit boxes.
Similarly, an anti-graft agency in The Hague, Netherlands was said to have searched Adoke’s residence following collaboration with the EFCC on Tuesday.
Adoke, a post-graduate student in the Netherlands, had insisted that he is not on the run but will not be able to report to the EFCC until after the completion of his course in August.
Confirming the latest development, a source in the EFCC said: “The anti-graft agency is looking into some accounts and transactions of ex-AGF Adoke and a few others connected with Malabu oil block. This is a standard practice in an investigation like this.
“In fact, EFCC operatives have asked Adoke’s bankers whether or not the ex-minister is operating safe deposit boxes.
“All these actions were taken as preliminary steps towards preparation for the interrogation of the ex-minister.”
Continuing, the source further disclosed that the EFCC has invited Adoke and is waiting for him.
“But do not forget, this case has international dimension because some International Oil Companies (IOCs) were involved in the oil block palaver.
“An agency in Netherlands, which is collaborating with the EFCC, has searched Adoke’s house in The Hague too.”
Responding to enquiries, an aide of Adoke confirmed that Adoke had said he is not on the run and that he would be available in August after his graduatiion.
“I have written to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo but I will appear before EFCC to clarify any issue,” Adoke was quoted as saying.