The trial of former Minister of Power and Steel, Dr. Olu Agunloye, over the alleged fraudulent award of the multi-billion-dollar Mambilla Power Project, continued on Monday at the Federal High Court in Apo, Abuja.
During proceedings before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie, the third prosecution witness, Umar Hussein Babangida, revealed that former President Olusegun Obasanjo had expressed readiness to testify against Agunloye whenever required.
Agunloye is facing a seven-count amended charge by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which accuses him of official corruption and fraudulent award of the $6 billion Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project contract.
Testifying under cross-examination by defence counsel, Adeola Adedipe (SAN), Babangida referenced a letter dated November 27, 2023, from Obasanjo to the Attorney-General of the Federation, stating the former President’s willingness to appear “in any court or forum when the need arises or should it be considered necessary in the national interest.”
The witness also referred to a letter written by Agunloye to Obasanjo on April 7, 2003, in which the former minister urged the President to consider Sunrise Power and Transmission Company for the project. According to Babangida, Obasanjo did not object to the proposal but directed that it be presented to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for comparison with a Coal Fire Thermal Project.
Babangida clarified that Obasanjo indicated no personal issues with Agunloye and that no contract was approved or awarded to Sunrise Power and Transmission Company during his tenure. The former President also claimed he was unaware of the existence of the May 27, 2003 contract award letter.
The trial continues as the EFCC builds its case against the former minister.