In the ongoing trial of former Minister of Power and Steel, Olu Agunloye, a third prosecution witness (PW3), Umar Hussein Babangida, told the Federal High Court in Apo, Abuja, that former President Olusegun Obasanjo had expressed his willingness to testify regarding the controversial Mambilla Power Project contract “when the need arises.”
Abuja, Nigeria – December 2, 2025
Babangida made the statement on Monday while being cross-examined by the defence counsel, Adeola Adedipe, SAN, before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie. Agunloye is currently facing trial on an amended seven-count charge bordering on official corruption and the alleged fraudulent award of the $6 billion Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project contract.
According to PW3, former President Obasanjo had conveyed his position in a letter dated November 27, 2023, addressed to the Attorney General of the Federation. In the letter, Obasanjo reportedly affirmed his readiness to appear “in any court or forum” to testify on matters concerning the Mambilla project or any other issue of national interest.
Babangida also referenced another document—a letter dated April 7, 2003, written by Agunloye to then-President Obasanjo—where the defendant requested that Sunrise Power and Transmission Company be considered for the construction of the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Station. He said Obasanjo had raised no objection in principle but instructed Agunloye to present a memo before the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for comparison with a proposal for a coal-fired thermal plant of 4,000 to 5,000 megawatts.
When asked whether Obasanjo had any personal issues with Agunloye, Babangida responded that he could not recollect the former President making such a claim, noting that his testimony was based strictly on responses gathered through a questionnaire submitted to the former leader.
He added that during the investigation, “President Obasanjo said he was aware of the contract but there was no approval,” and that this position was documented in FEC records. The former President also reportedly stated that no contract was awarded to Sunrise Power during his administration, nor was he aware of any contract award dated May 27, 2003.
The trial continues as the prosecution seeks to establish that the Mambilla contract was awarded without due approval, while the defence maintains that Agunloye acted within the scope of his official duties.
