$1.1 billion Malabu oil deal: group seeks diligent prosecution

The last may not have being heard about the controversy surrounding the $1.1 billion Malabu oil deal as the National Anti-corruption Network for Transparency and Accountability (NANTA) has called on the Federal Government to ensure diligent prosecution of parties involved the alleged corrupt practice.

The Malabu oil deal is centred around the $1.1 billion paid to Malabu Oil and Gas for the procurement of one of Nigeria’s richest oil fields, OPL 245 by Shell and Eni in 201.

Ibrahim Mohammed, Chairman of NANTA in a statement in Abuja Tuesday urged the government to investigate the roles played by some prominent Nigerians in the alleged deal adding that the Malabu oil deal was a big scam.

Mohammed said that NANTA and some other anti-corruption groups had concluded plans to stage a protest at the National Assembly to demand the investigation and diligent prosecution.

It would be recalled that Razak Atunwa-led Adhoc committee of the House of representative had by a resolution in January 27 last year were mandated to probe the alleged corruption, malpractice and breach of due process in the award of the controversial oil licence.

Agency report indicate that Atunwa had insisted that a thorough investigation be carried out as the lack of transparency surrounding the award of the licence has cost Nigeria about N500 billion.

According to him, Nigeria and its citizens may be said to have been shortchanged to the tune of $1.1 billion. As we sit today, $110 million is being held by the United Kingdom authorities from the fund as proceeds from corruption from Nigeria. Italian prosecutors have also requested that money from that deal in Swiss accounts should be frozen.

Chairman of NANTA further added that the groups would also stage a protest at the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, as well as the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
“The protest will be accompanied with proof in our possession to show how corrupt the deal was, he said.
He urged the Federal Government to be steadfast in its fight against corruption.

 
KELECHI EWUZIE with agency report