A Federal High Court in Abuja acquits businessman Aliyu Abubakar and Malabu Oil in a criminal case connected to the OPL 245 deal, including charges described by outlets as involving $1bn fraud and money laundering. The court discharges the defendants after finding the prosecution’s case unproven.
Reports from multiple outlets say the decision is based on the prosecution failing to prove the relevant charges beyond reasonable doubt. Premium Times and others emphasize that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) did not meet the required legal standard for conviction. Vanguard similarly reports that the judge acquits Abubakar and also discharges seven other defendants in the matter.
While the outlets share the same outcome—acquittal and discharge—they frame the case slightly differently, referring to money laundering and complicity in diversion of funds linked to Malabu Oil & Gas Limited and the OPL 245 transaction. All accounts indicate the ruling is the court’s judgment delivered by Justice Inyang Ekwo in Abuja.
