An independent investigation by Nigerian Concord Newspaper has found no evidence linking a former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, to the Utan Bran compensation case or other alleged scandals at the Federal Ministry of Justice.

The investigation, conducted at the Federal Ministry of Justice, followed reports in sections of the media alleging misconduct by the former chief law officer of the federation.

Documents obtained through the Freedom of Information Act indicate that Chief Aondoakaa was not involved in the legal firms that handled the Utan Bran compensation matter. Findings further show that the judgement debt related to the case was reportedly paid in 2006 under the tenure of a former Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Bayo Ojo, SAN, during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Multiple officials at the Federal Ministry of Justice, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described Chief Aondoakaa’s tenure as one marked by adherence to the rule of law. The sources said court orders were generally complied with during his time in office.

They also questioned claims portraying the former Attorney General as emblematic of alleged institutional failings within the legal system, stating that no specific instance had been cited in which he abused public office or undermined court judgements.

Regarding reports suggesting that Chief Aondoakaa interfered with court processes during the post-election period of the 2007 National Assembly elections, sources within the ministry said available records do not support claims that he acted to obstruct court orders or delay the swearing-in of elected officials.

On questions surrounding eligibility to hold public office, legal practitioners pointed to established Supreme Court jurisprudence, which holds that concurrent judgements carry equal legal weight with lead judgements. A concurring opinion by Justice Mary Odili, JSC, was cited as stating that the issue of disqualification from public office did not arise in the matter concerning Aondoakaa.

The case is reportedly the subject of further judicial proceedings, following claims that earlier judgements were obtained through misrepresentation. The matter remains pending before the courts.

Sources also said documents generated during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, and signed by senior officials of the Ministry of Justice, support the position that Chief Aondoakaa was not implicated in the Utan Bran case. Nigerian Concord Newspaper said it would publish the documents after concluding its investigation.

Further findings indicate that the former Attorney General was not linked to major cases such as the Halliburton scandal, the OPL 245 (Malabu) oil deal, or the recovery of Abacha-era assets.

Supporters of Aondoakaa also note that he was cleared by his party to participate in the 2023 governorship primary election, arguing that this further demonstrates that no court order barred him from holding public office.

Legal experts reaffirm that qualifications and disqualifications for elective office are constitutionally defined, citing the Supreme Court’s decision in Attorney-General of Abia State v. Attorney-General of the Federation, which established that constitutional provisions on eligibility cannot be expanded or restricted by implication.

An independent investigation by Nigerian Concord Newspaper has found no evidence linking a former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, to the Utan Bran compensation case or other alleged scandals at the Federal Ministry of Justice.

The investigation, conducted at the Federal Ministry of Justice, followed reports in sections of the media alleging misconduct by the former chief law officer of the federation.

Documents obtained through the Freedom of Information Act indicate that Chief Aondoakaa was not involved in the legal firms that handled the Utan Bran compensation matter. Findings further show that the judgement debt related to the case was reportedly paid in 2006 under the tenure of a former Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Bayo Ojo, SAN, during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Multiple officials at the Federal Ministry of Justice, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described Chief Aondoakaa’s tenure as one marked by adherence to the rule of law. The sources said court orders were generally complied with during his time in office.

They also questioned claims portraying the former Attorney General as emblematic of alleged institutional failings within the legal system, stating that no specific instance had been cited in which he abused public office or undermined court judgements.

Regarding reports suggesting that Chief Aondoakaa interfered with court processes during the post-election period of the 2007 National Assembly elections, sources within the ministry said available records do not support claims that he acted to obstruct court orders or delay the swearing-in of elected officials.

On questions surrounding eligibility to hold public office, legal practitioners pointed to established Supreme Court jurisprudence, which holds that concurrent judgements carry equal legal weight with lead judgements. A concurring opinion by Justice Mary Odili, JSC, was cited as stating that the issue of disqualification from public office did not arise in the matter concerning Aondoakaa.

The case is reportedly the subject of further judicial proceedings, following claims that earlier judgements were obtained through misrepresentation. The matter remains pending before the courts.

Sources also said documents generated during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, and signed by senior officials of the Ministry of Justice, support the position that Chief Aondoakaa was not implicated in the Utan Bran case. Nigerian Concord Newspaper said it would publish the documents after concluding its investigation.

Further findings indicate that the former Attorney General was not linked to major cases such as the Halliburton scandal, the OPL 245 (Malabu) oil deal, or the recovery of Abacha-era assets.

Supporters of Aondoakaa also note that he was cleared by his party to participate in the 2023 governorship primary election, arguing that this further demonstrates that no court order barred him from holding public office.

Legal experts reaffirm that qualifications and disqualifications for elective office are constitutionally defined, citing the Supreme Court’s decision in Attorney-General of Abia State v. Attorney-General of the Federation, which established that constitutional provisions on eligibility cannot be expanded or restricted by implication.

The Coalition for Change and Transparency (CCT) has demanded the immediate resignation of Senator Abdul-Aziz Abubakar Yari from the Senate over what it describes as a blatant breach of public trust in the scandal now known as “Geregu-Gate.”

The group accuses the Zamfara West senator of flagrantly violating Nigeria’s Code of Conduct for public officers by accepting the chairmanship of Geregu Power Plc while holding public office, a move that exemplifies the deepest corruption and self-enrichment plaguing Nigerian politics.

The latest scandal revolves around the sudden acquisition of Geregu Power Plc by the obscure Ma’am Energy, which purchased a controlling 77% stake from Femi Otedola in a deal valued at approximately $750 million.

Ma’am Energy, incorporated just months ago with minimal public footprint—its website vanishing shortly after the announcement—promptly installed Yari as chairman.

This directly violates Section 5 of the Code of Conduct, prohibiting public officers from positions of conflicting personal interest, and Section 6, barring full-time officials from managing private businesses beyond farming.

Comrade Agboola Tunde, spokesperson for the CCT, declared, “Senator Yari’s greedy grab for the Geregu chairmanship is an outrageous insult to Nigerians enduring endless power outages and economic hardship.

“As a full-time senator, he has no business running a multibillion-naira power company—it’s a clear, shameless conflict of interest that turns public office into a personal ATM.

“This man is not serving the people; he’s looting opportunities for himself and his cronies while Zamfara and other parts of the nations wallow in darkness and poverty.”

Tunde added: “Yari’s hands are dripping with the proceeds of illegal gold mining that directly finances banditry and terrorism in the North-West.

“Multiple reports, including seized gold shipments and security analyses, link him to cartels smuggling billions in gold to arm bandits who kidnap, kill, and terrorize innocent citizens.

“By proxy, he’s funding domestic terrorism—betraying his oath, endangering lives, and profiting from bloodshed.

“How can such a man remain in the Senate, pretending to make laws while his alleged networks fuel anarchy?”

Tunde noted, “This Geregu deal stinks of insider corruption: a shadowy new company, family ties rumored in ownership, and a politician with no power sector expertise suddenly helming a national asset.

“Regulators who waved this through must explain themselves—did political connections blind them? Yari must resign now, or the Senate risks being seen as a haven for crooks. We’ll rally the nation until he’s forced out.”

Tunde further demanded, “The Code of Conduct Bureau must launch a comprehensive, unbiased investigation into Yari’s entire asset portfolio, from his governorship to today.

“Publicly declare everything—properties, accounts, deals—no selective probes or hidden files. There can be no cover-up; political protection won’t shield him forever.

“Nigerians demand full transparency to trace any illicit funds funneled into ventures like this.”

The group notes that the latest scandal is not surprising, as Yari’s eight years as governor of Zamfara from 2011 to 2019 were marred by rampant corruption allegations, including massive embezzlement of billions in public funds, inflated contracts, suspicious money movements probed by the EFCC and ICPC, property forfeitures linked to illegal activities, and a surge in banditry fueled by unchecked illegal mining under his watch—leaving the state impoverished, insecure, and underdeveloped while he allegedly amassed unexplained wealth.

Tunde continued, “Yari’s pattern is clear: dodge accountability, exploit connections, and enrich himself at public expense. Geregu-Gate is the breaking point—this terrorist-financing enabler and serial corruptor has no place in the Senate.

“Resign immediately, face justice, and let honest leaders emerge.”

The CCT vows sustained pressure, including petitions and protests, until Yari steps down and faces thorough scrutiny.