EFCC Witness Fails to Recall Mambilla Award Legality

In the ongoing trial of former Minister of Power and Steel, Dr. Olu Agunloye, an Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) witness, Umar Hussein Babangida, testified that he could not recall whether former Attorney General Michael Aondoaka declared the Mambilla power project award lawful. The trial, presided over by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzi in Abuja, involves seven counts against Agunloye, including conspiracy, forgery, and receiving gratification.

The charges stem from allegations that Agunloye conspired with Leno Adesanya of Sunrise Power Transmission Company Limited (SPTCL) to forge a letter regarding the construction of a 3,960MW Mambilla hydroelectric power station. Babangida mentioned that he was unaware of Aondoaka's legal opinion on the contract award and could not confirm if the contract was lawfully terminated.

The court proceedings are set to continue with further cross-examination scheduled for February 18.