Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — A Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned proceedings in the alleged $6 billion Mambilla Power Project fraud case involving former Minister of Power, Olu Agunloye, until April 20, 2026.
Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie fixed the new date after hearing arguments over the admissibility of testimony by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC’s third prosecution witness, Umar Hussein Babangida.
Agunloye is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on an amended seven-count charge bordering on “official corruption and fraudulent award” of the Mambilla Power Project contract valued at $6 billion to Sunrise Power Transmission Company Limited.
During yesterday’s proceedings, Babangida, under re-examination by prosecuting counsel Abba Mohammed, SAN, disclosed that three former Attorneys-General of the Federation, Michael Aondoakaa, Abubakar Malami, and Kanu Agabi, were invited during the investigation.
According to him, “Aondoakaa and Malami offered written statements but Agabi volunteered an oral statement,” adding that Agabi “told the investigating team that he cannot recall the details and outcome of the Federal Executive Council meeting, but advised we rely on documents obtained from the office of the Secretary of the Federation.”
However, defence counsel, Samuel Falade, objected to the testimony, arguing that the witness was “making statements of another person who had not been called to give evidence,” and described the submission as “incompetent” and a “fresh matter for debate.”
In response, the prosecution cited provisions of the Evidence Act to justify the re-examination.
“The position of the law in re-examination shall be directed to the explanation of matters referred in cross examination,” Mohammed argued, adding that “re-examination is an avenue for a witness to state the whole truth of any matter which was not dealt with in examination.”
He further stressed: “It is necessary for the witness to explain that part before your lordship,” noting that the issues raised stemmed directly from the defence’s cross-examination.
Ruling on the objection, Justice Onwuegbuzie upheld the prosecution’s position, allowing the witness to continue his testimony.
Babangida subsequently told the court that “Mr Aondoakaa, SAN, stated that if he had seen the conclusion of the FEC meeting he would have not given any legal opinion, while Malami, SAN said he relied on the legal opinion of Mr Aondoakaaa.”
He also clarified documentary evidence presented in court, explaining that “Exhibit EFCC 3K contains only the deliberation on Mambilla Hydro Electricity,” while “Exhibit EFCC 3D contains deliberation of other ministries.”
After hearing the submissions, the court adjourned the matter to April 20, 2026 for continuation of trial.
