Proceedings in the alleged $6 billion Mambilla power project fraud case involving the former Minister of Power, Olu Agunloye, have been adjourned to April 20, 2026, by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal High Court sitting in Apo, Abuja.
Agunloye is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on an amended seven-count charge bordering on alleged official corruption and the fraudulent award of the Mambilla power project contract to Sunrise Power Transmission Company Limited.
At Monday’s hearing, the third prosecution witness, Umar Hussein Babangida, during re-examination by the EFCC counsel, Abba Mohammed (SAN), provided further clarification on the scope of the investigation.
He disclosed that the investigative team invited three former attorneys-general of the federation and ministers of justice, Michael Aondoakaa, Abubakar Malami, and Kanu Agabi, all of whom responded.
According to him, Aondoakaa and Malami submitted written statements, while Agabi provided an oral account, noting he could not recall the details of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in question but advised reliance on official records.
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However, defence counsel, Samuel Falade, objected to parts of the testimony, arguing that the witness was presenting statements from individuals who had not been called to testify, and raising concerns that the evidence introduced constituted fresh matters not covered during examination-in-chief.
In response, the EFCC prosecution cited provisions of the Evidence Act and relevant judicial precedents, arguing that re-examination allows a witness to clarify and expand on issues raised during cross-examination.
The prosecution maintained that the witness was within his rights to elaborate on matters previously introduced by the defence.
Ruling on the objection, Justice Onwuegbuzie upheld the prosecution’s position, allowing the witness to proceed with his testimony.
Continuing his evidence, Babangida stated that Aondoakaa indicated he would not have issued his legal opinion had he been privy to the full outcome of the FEC deliberations, while Malami reportedly said his position was based on Aondoakaa’s earlier advice.
The witness also explained documentary exhibits presented in court, noting that one extract detailed deliberations specifically on the Mambilla project, including resolutions and directives tied to the defendant’s ministry, while another captured proceedings involving other ministries before and after the subject matter.
Following the session, the court adjourned the case to April 20, 2026, for continuation of trial.
