Former Minister of Power and Steel, Olu Agunloye, currently facing a $6 billion alleged fraud charge related to the Mambilla Hydroelectric Plant, has enlisted the intervention of key figures in the legal sphere. Seeking assistance from Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President Yakubu Maikyau, former Minister of Justice Kanu Agabi, and Joseph Daudu, Agunloye aims to challenge the authority of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to prosecute him before an FCT High Court.
The allegations against Agunloye, who served in the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, include forgery, disobedience of presidential orders, and corruption. The EFCC contends that Agunloye awarded Sunrise Power and Transmission Company a contract for constructing the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Station without necessary budgetary provisions, approvals, or financial backing. The prosecution alleges questionable payments from Sunrise Power to Agunloye’s accounts.
Despite pleading not guilty, Agunloye seeks to contest the EFCC’s jurisdiction over his case. During a recent court hearing, prosecuting counsel, Abba Mohammed revealed that the court was scheduled to consider two motions filed by Agunloye: one addressing the variation of bail conditions and the other presenting a preliminary objection to the charges. Mohammed confirmed the submission of counter-affidavits by the prosecution.
However, Agunloye’s legal representative, Adeola Adedipe, disclosed filing a new motion requesting the court’s permission to involve amicus curiae during the preliminary objection hearing. Adedipe emphasized the need for this application to be heard before proceeding with the preliminary objection.
Agunloye’s efforts to challenge the EFCC’s jurisdiction as the legal proceedings unfold underscore the case’s complexities. With the involvement of prominent legal figures, including government officials and legal experts, the outcome of Agunloye’s legal battle will undoubtedly attract considerable attention.
