Alleged $6bn Fraud: EFCC Re-arraigns Ex-Minister Agunloye on Seven Amended Charges
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday, February 3, 2024, re-arraigned a former Minister of Power and Steel Development, Olu Agunloye, on seven amended charges related to fraudulent contract awards and official corruption.
The re-arraignment took place before Justice J.O. Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Apo, Abuja, following an amendment to the earlier charges dated January 10, 2024.
One of the charges alleges that Agunloye, while serving as minister on May 22, 2003, awarded a contract for the construction of the 3,960MW Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Station to Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited without budgetary provision, approval, or financial backing. The EFCC contends that this act violates Section 22(4) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
Another count accuses Agunloye of disobeying a presidential directive issued during a Federal Executive Council meeting on May 21, 2003. The EFCC claims he unilaterally signed a letter granting government approval for the Mambilla project, an act allegedly punishable under Section 123 of the Penal Code.
Additionally, the former minister, along with Leno Adesanya (allegedly at large) of Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited, is charged with forgery. The EFCC asserts that both men falsified the contract document for the project on May 22, 2003, intending to deceive the Federal Republic of Nigeria into entering an agreement with Sunrise Power. The charge is reportedly in violation of Sections 363 and 364 of the Penal Code.
Agunloye pleaded not guilty to all charges.
During proceedings, Adewale Agunbiade, a Compliance Officer formerly with Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) and now with Jaiz Bank Plc, was cross-examined by defense counsel Adeola Adedipe, SAN.
The court adjourned the matter to February 24, 2025, for the continuation of trial.
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