Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal High Court, Apo, Abuja, on Wednesday, admitted fresh documentary evidence presented by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the ongoing trial of former Minister of Power and Steel, Dr. Olu Agunloye.
Agunloye is facing a seven-count charge bordering on official corruption and the alleged fraudulent award of a $6 billion contract for the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project to Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited.
At Wednesday’s proceedings, the EFCC tendered an investigation report on the Mambilla project and a warrant of arrest issued against one Jide Sotinri. Both documents were admitted by the court and marked as Exhibits EFCC R and S.
The defence counsel, Adeola Adedikpe (SAN), also moved an application seeking the temporary release of Agunloye’s international passport to enable him to travel abroad for medical evaluation.
However, EFCC counsel, M.K. Hussain, requested additional time to respond formally to the application.
Justice Onwuegbuzie subsequently adjourned the matter to Thursday, July 17, 2025, for hearing on the passport release request.
Agunloye was arraigned by the EFCC in connection with the controversial Mambilla project, which has drawn scrutiny over allegations of contract irregularities and unauthorized approvals dating back to his tenure as minister.