The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arraigned Dr. Olu Agunloye, a former Minister of Power and Steel, on fresh charges related to the controversial $6 billion Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project.
The re-arraignment took place on Thursday before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal High Court, Apo, Abuja.
Agunloye, who served in the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, is now facing a seven-count amended charge brought against him by the EFCC.
According to the EFCC, Agunloye is accused of Corruption, Abuse of office and Fraudulent award of contract to Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited.
The prosecution claims that Agunloye knowingly ignored a Presidential directive issued during a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on May 21, 2003 and just two days later, on May 23, wrote a letter to Sunrise Power, falsely purporting to grant government approval for the construction of the 3,960-megawatt Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Station.
One of the charges also links Agunloye to Leno Adesanya, who is described as “at large” and allegedly connected to Sunrise Power.
The EFCC claims both men used a falsified document titled: “Construction of 3,960MW Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Station on a Build, Operate and Transfer Basis” to deceive the Federal Government into committing to the multi-billion-dollar energy project.
The EFCC maintains that the offences violate sections of the Penal Code involving fraud, false documentation, and abuse of public office, and are punishable under Nigerian law.
When the amended charges were read in court, Agunloye pleaded not guilty to all counts.
EFCC counsel M.K. Hussein requested a new date to continue the testimony of the third prosecution witness, who had previously taken the stand.
Justice Onwuegbuzie subsequently adjourned the case until October 9, 2025, for continuation of trial.
