WATCH THE VIDEO HERE The Federal High Court in Abuja granted permission to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to re-arraign former Minister of Power Olu Agunloye on amended charges related to the alleged $6 billion Mambilla Power Project fraud. Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie ruled in favor of the EFCC’s request to amend the charges against Agunloye, a minister under ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, allowing prosecutors to present the new charges for the defendant to enter a fresh plea. The judge stated that amending charges is permitted at any time before a final judgment and would not cause injustice to the defendant in this case. In July 2024, EFCC counsel Abba Mohammed initially sought to amend the charges, but defense counsel Adeola Adedipe objected, arguing that formal court approval was needed first. After considering legal arguments from both sides, Justice Onwuegbuzie sided with the prosecution. The Mambilla Power Project controversy dates back to Agunloye’s tenure as power minister in the early 2000s. In April 2024, the court dismissed Agunloye’s challenge to the EFCC’s authority to charge him, clearing the way for trial to begin pending the amended charges. Agunloye has also filed a N1 billion lawsuit against the EFCC and Attorney General over the matter. He previously faced questioning by the anti-corruption agency regarding the $6 billion hydropower contract. The case was adjourned until February 3, 2025 for Agunloye to be re-arraigned under the amended charges.
“Court Approves New Mambilla Charges” – Ex-Minister Agunloye Faces Re-Arraignment Over $6bn Fraud
