On February 3, 2024, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) re-arraigned Olu Agunloye, a former Minister of Power and Steel Development, on seven amended charges related to the fraudulent awarding of a contract for the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Station project. The court proceedings took place before Justice J.O. Onwuegbuzie at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Apo, Abuja.
The charges stem from alleged misconduct during Agunloye’s tenure as minister, specifically concerning the contract awarded to Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited for the construction of a 3,960MW hydroelectric power station. The EFCC claims that Agunloye awarded this contract on May 22, 2003, without necessary budgetary provisions, approvals, or cash backing, violating the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act.
Among the key allegations, one charge accuses Agunloye of knowingly disobeying a directive from the President, which was communicated during a Federal Executive Council meeting. Furthermore, he is accused of creating a forged document to facilitate the contract.
Agunloye has pleaded not guilty to all charges against him. The prosecution called Adewale Agunbiade, a Compliance Officer, as a witness in the ongoing trial. The proceedings have been adjourned to February 24, 2025, for further examination of the case.
This significant legal battle highlights ongoing concerns about corruption and accountability in Nigeria’s power sector.
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