On July 11, 2024, our Principal Partner, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, CFR, had the honour of chairing the launch of ”Agbiti: Admiral, Patriot, Gentleman”, a biography penned by Fabian Enenche Owoicho. This remarkable book chronicles the life journey of Rear Admiral Francis Eche Agbiti (Rtd), a decorated Naval Officer who faced unwarranted persecution and hardship during his service.
Agbiti was reportedly falsely accused of involvement in the mysterious disappearance of the crude oil vessel, M.T. African Pride, under the Nigerian Navy’s watch. He was subsequently court-martialed, convicted, and wrongfully demoted. However, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, leading the Wole Olanipekun & Co. team, believed in Agbiti’s innocence and provided pro bono legal representation, tenaciously defending him through the Court Martial and up to the Supreme Court.
In a landmark judgement now reported as Agbiti v. Nigerian Navy (2011) 4 NWLR (Part 1236) 175, the Supreme Court overturned the lower Courts’ decisions, declaring the trial a nullity due to serious jurisdictional issues raised by Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, CFR, particularly the fact that the composition of members of the General Court Martial Panel included two of Agbiti’s juniors in rank, contrary to the provisions of the Armed Forces Act.
This triumph serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating the judiciary’s capacity for justice and humanity’s inherent goodness. Agbiti’s story is a powerful testament to the importance of unwavering belief in the face of adversity.