Former representative of Kaduna South, Senator Shehu Sani, and Senator Dino Melaye, former Kogi State governorship aspirant, Senator Dino Melaye, were among the notable personalities who attended a book launch honouring Rear Admiral Francis Agbiti (Retired).
Admiral Agbiti was exonerated by the Supreme Court after being wrongfully accused of the disappearance of an oil vessel, the African Pride.
The event which took place on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at the Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja, was to celebrate his vindication.
Senator Melaye, along with others, congratulated Admiral Agbiti and made donations during the launch of the biography, Agbiti: Admiral, Patriot, and Gentleman. The book, authored by Fabian Owoicho, former Deputy Clerk of the Benue State House of Assembly, details the life and career of Admiral Agbiti.
The event’s chairman, Chief Wale Olanikpekun (SAN), who represented Admiral Agbiti during his legal battle, recounted the case’s details, highlighting the overwhelming evidence of Agbiti’s innocence. He expressed gratitude to the Supreme Court for delivering a just verdict and emphasised that the pursuit of justice remains a core principle of the legal profession.
In an exclusive interview with AkweyaTV, Chief Olanipekun praised Agbiti as a true gentleman and underscored the importance of integrity within the legal community.
In his review titled “Touch Not My Anointed,” the book’s reviewer, Professor Agbo Madaki, commended the biography for its detailed account of Admiral Agbiti’s achievements and the corruption within the Nigerian Navy. He praised the book for its data accuracy and recommended it for its insightful content on combating corruption.
Author Febian Owoicho shared that the book took nearly nine years to complete, describing Admiral Agbiti as deeply committed to humanity.
Admiral Agbiti’s daughter, Dr. Onyeche Agbiti Douglas, noted that the biography goes beyond personal history, touching on significant political and governance events. HRM John Elaigwu Odogbo, represented by HRH Chief Emmanuel Okochi First Class Chief of Otukpo/Ohimini, sent his royal blessings and praised Admiral Agbiti as a worthy son of Idoma deserving of support.
In an interview with AkweyaTV, Admiral Agbiti expressed his gratitude to the Supreme Court for overturning the military tribunal’s judgment. He acknowledged the presence of dedicated officers in the military while calling for a determined fight against corruption.
“There are still many good and down-to-earth officers in the Nigerian Navy, but there is a need to fight corruption with all seriousness,” he noted.
The event was attended by several prominent figures, including the former Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbe; former Deputy Governor of Benue State, Chief Stephen Lawani; former Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Ejembi Eko, HRH John Eyimonye (Och’Otukpo), and Major General Mike Onoja (retired), among others.
The event’s high point was the official unveiling and public presentation of the book by the dignitaries.
Admiral Francis Agbiti was born in Adoka in 1952. He attended Wesley High School, Otukpo, and Mt. Saint Michael Secondary School, Aliade, Benue State. He graduated from the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1972. Admiral Agbiti became a born-again Christian on October 3, 1983, and is currently the Pastor of the Deeper Life Bible Church in Maitama, Abuja.
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