Former President Goodluck Jonathan has claimed that Mohammed Adoke, his administration’s attorney-general, was subjected to an international “manhunt” following the controversial OPL 245 oil deal.
Jonathan made the remarks on Thursday in Abuja during the launch of Adoke’s memoir, ‘OPL 245: Inside Story of the $1.3 Billion Nigerian Oil Block.’
Represented by ex-Senate President Pius Anyim, Jonathan lamented that key officials of his government were unfairly targeted after he left office in 2015. “Adoke was hunted across the globe, but today, he is alive, healthy, and here to tell his story,” he said. The former president praised Adoke’s resilience, describing the memoir as a bold effort to uphold truth and justice.
Jonathan emphasized the importance of fairness in governance, stating, “Any society that does not promote justice will neither have peace nor progress.” He expressed pride in Adoke’s decision to document his experiences, calling it a crucial contribution to Nigeria’s history.
The OPL 245 oil block, initially awarded to Malabu Oil & Gas in 1998, became embroiled in legal battles after Shell and Eni acquired it for $1.1 billion in 2011, with an additional $210 million paid to Nigeria as a signature bonus. The deal sparked international corruption probes, but Adoke’s book seeks to counter what he views as a distorted narrative.
Jonathan’s comments reignite debate over the high-profile case, with supporters seeing vindication for Adoke, while critics remain skeptical of the deal’s transparency.