Justice Idris Kutigi has ordered the arrest of former Minister of Petroleum, Dan Etete over his involvement in the Malabu Oil scam.
The Prosecutor, Bala Sanga, in an exparte application informed the court that the arrest of Mr Etete is key to unearthing the truth about the Malabu oil scam.
Justice Idris Kutigi, while granting the request ordered the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to arrest the former Minister and produce him before the court.
The anti-graft agency had preferred charges against the three suspects before the court over the $1.09billion Malabu Oil Block (OPL 245) Settlement Agreement.
In his submission, counsel for the EFCC, Bala Sanga, told the court that the exparte application was filed on January 28 and supported by an 8-paragraph affidavit deposed to by one Ibrahim Ahmed and attached with one exhibit.
He said, “The kernel of the exparte application is that names of the respondents in the criminal charge CR/151/2020 were mentioned in count 14-42 of the charge and where indicated to be at large.”
He added that in order for the respondents to be brought before the court to enter their pleas, we will be requesting an order of warrant for their arrest.
“Intelligence suggests they reside in France and occasionally at some African countries and to be able to get the support of the international police, the warrant of arrest would be needed,” he said.
