Mohammed Bello Adoke’s Struggle – Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN) once stood at the very center of Nigeria’s political power. As Attorney-General and Minister of Justice under President Goodluck Jonathan, he served for five years as one of the country’s most influential officials. Former Senate President David Mark famously called him an “all-powerful attorney-general,” highlighting his unprecedented access to the president, even beyond the Federal Executive Council meetings.
Yet less than two years after leaving office, Adoke faced a dark personal crisis. In his memoir Burden of Service, he reveals how he contemplated ending his life in The Hague, Netherlands, describing the moment: “Life tasted like sand. There was no longer any meaning or colour to it. What was there to live for again?” Fortunately, he chose life and resolved to tell his story.
Mohammed Bello Adoke’s Struggle After Leaving Office
Adoke’s memoir exposes the emotional and political toll of high office. He details his arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on December 19, 2019, after returning from four years in exile. The charges related to the controversial Malabu Oil scandal, including allegations that he received $300,000 from Aliyu Abubakar in connection with the Block 245 resolution agreement with Shell Nigeria.
He also criticized the EFCC’s media strategy, calling Sahara Reporters a “media trial arm” of the agency. Adoke claims that since 2015, the commission has been used to destroy the integrity of Nigerians, but he resisted attempts to extort him.
Political Intrigues and Bribery Allegations
The memoir sheds light on widespread corruption and selective justice in Nigeria. Adoke recounts a $3 million bribe demanded to access former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, highlighting systemic extortion targeting ministers. He also reflects on prosecuting companies like Halliburton and Siemens while sparing key individuals due to political stability concerns.
Adoke’s account also touches on the politically motivated prosecution of former Delta State Governor James Ibori in the UK and the attempts to block his own nomination by influential figures like Chief Edwin Clark.
Lessons on Power and Governance
Adoke’s story is a cautionary tale for public officials: political influence is temporary. He compares his experience with the current situation of Abubakar Malami, his successor, who faces EFCC scrutiny over alleged corruption. The memoir offers sobering lessons on the fleeting nature of power, the importance of integrity, and the human cost of political office.
Adoke concludes by reflecting on loyalty and principles, noting that he refused to contribute to opposition campaigns, choosing to “swim and sink” with President Jonathan despite pressure from colleagues and political figures.
Tags: Mohammed Bello Adoke, Nigeria, Attorney-General, EFCC, Malabu Oil scandal, political power, Burden of Service, Nigerian ministers, corruption, governance
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