Bright Dordzi
Abuja, Nigeria – In a historic ruling, the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) has ordered oil giants Eni and Shell to pay $1.1 billion in damages to the Nigerian government over a controversial oil deal known as the Malabu oil deal in 2011.
This ruling has garnered widespread attention in Nigeria, where critics have long accused multinational corporations of exploiting the country’s oil resources. However, exclusive documents obtained by Al Jazeera’s Investigative Unit reveal that a former Nigerian attorney general, Mohammed Bello Adoke, and prominent lawyers Tonye Krukrubo and Omadeli Boyo are poised to share in the award.
Tonye Krukrubo has served as a legal representative for Mohammed Bello Adoke, while Omadeli Boyo is closely associated with the former attorney general. Adoke, Krukrubo, and Boyo firmly assert their innocence and claim their entitlement to a share of the award for their extensive involvement in the case, spanning over a decade.
This $1.1 billion award is the latest development in a long-standing case that has become synonymous with corruption in Nigeria.
The Malabu oil deal centered around the acquisition of an offshore oil block, OPL 245, by Shell and Eni from Malabu Oil and Gas, a company controlled by former Nigerian petroleum minister Dan Etete. Notably, Dan Etete faced a money laundering conviction in France in 2007, followed by a trial and acquittal in Nigeria. He consistently maintains his innocence.
The Nigerian government’s stance is that the deal was tainted by corruption, making the $1.1 billion award a significant victory for Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts. This landmark decision has the potential to set a precedent for holding corporations accountable for overseas corruption.
While this ruling has been welcomed as a triumph against corruption, the obtained documents shed light on the potential beneficiaries within the legal team. It’s crucial to note that Mohammed Bello Adoke, Tonye Krukrubo, and Omadeli Boyo assert their respective positions regarding their involvement and entitlement to professional fees.
The Nigerian government has indicated that the $1.1 billion award will be used for the betterment of its citizens, while Eni and Shell have stated their intention to review the decision and explore their legal options.
