Alleged $6bn Mambila Power Fraud: Court Adjourns Till April 20
March 31, 2026, Abuja, Nigeria
Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal High Court, sitting in Apo, Abuja, has adjourned proceedings in the trial of former Minister of Power, Olu Agunloye, until April 20, 2026.
Agunloye is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on an amended seven-count charge bordering on official corruption and the alleged fraudulent award of the Mambilla Power Project contract worth $6 billion to Sunrise Power Transmission Company Limited.
At Monday’s proceedings, the third prosecution witness, Umar Hussein Babangida, during re-examination by prosecuting counsel Abba Mohammed, clarified that the investigative team invited three former Attorneys General of the Federation—Michael Aondoakaa, Abubakar Malami, and Kanu Agabi—all of whom volunteered statements. While Aondoakaa and Malami submitted written statements, Agabi provided an oral account.
Babangida further stated that Agabi told investigators he could not recall the details and outcome of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the time, advising reliance on official documents obtained from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
Counsel to the defendant, Samuel Falade, objected to the testimony, describing it as incompetent on the grounds that the witness was presenting statements from individuals who had not testified in court. He also argued that the evidence constituted a fresh matter not raised during examination-in-chief.
In response, EFCC counsel cited Section 215(3) of the Evidence Act, arguing that re-examination is not limited to clarifying earlier testimony but may also address issues raised during cross-examination. He referenced judicial precedents, including Aigbadion vs State (2000) and Mohammed vs Gbugbu (2018), to support this position.
Ruling on the objection, Justice Onwuegbuzie upheld the prosecution’s argument, allowing the witness to continue his testimony.
Continuing his evidence, Babangida stated that Aondoakaa indicated he would not have offered legal advice had he seen the full conclusions of the FEC meeting, while Malami reportedly said he relied on Aondoakaa’s legal opinion.
Further proceedings included questions from the prosecution regarding exhibits related to extracts of the May 21, 2003 FEC meeting, as the trial continues.
The case was subsequently adjourned to April 20, 2026, for continuation of hearing.
